Always a popular jam band, especially on the college scene, “Stories of a Stranger” amped up O.A.R.'s potential. Oddly, not everyone likes amped up potential. It’s a fact: people resist change. But the band members themselves are pleased, bassist Benj Gershman calling it their “first real record.” While it is, in fact, their first since being signed, it is also the “one they had waited for so long to do, because they wanted the perfect fit.” “Stories of a Stranger” is it. Remember, people, change is good. Say it again, slooooooowly, and let it sink in.
These “Stories” accentuate O.A.R.’s formidable songwriting skills, and “Heard the World” sets a tone immediately, with its quirky half-bluesy feel. Soaring electric guitar riffs fly over clever lyrics and a brooding loneliness pervades the thick rock chords of the bridge, an opener that wows you right off the bat. The throbbing “Love and Memories” is definitely more radio-friendly, but still energetic. “Wonderful Day,” a live show favorite, is a party waiting to happen, with its pop-reggae upbeat feel, trick guitar and fat sax. But I found the percolating “Lay Down,” similar in feel, to be much more interesting for its sheer muscularity. Frontman Marc Roberge’s vocals are as strong as Chris Culos muscle drums on this island treat. “Program Director” is more of the same, melodic reggae fun and pumping rhythms under some very pointed commentary on the woes of the radio scene.
O.A.R. slows things down briefly for the bluesy “Nasim Joon,” a lovely ode to Roberge’s wife. The album’s other quiet track is the equally moving “Dakota,” a tender, wistful tip of the hat to the still sorely-missed John Lennon. Maybe it is departures like these that upset longtime O.A.R. fans, but I enjoyed them, and generally prefer seeing bands have room to grow and develop new strengths. There is virtue in exploration, even when it’s not completely successful, which is very much not the case with “Stories of a Stranger.” They’re still jammin’, and hard, at that. “One Shot” is as good as it gets, a sizzling, smoldering sonic stew, and the album closes out powerfully with the organic and flowing “52-50.” Their 7th full-length offering, “Stories of a Stranger” shows O.A.R. capable of keeping us interested for a long time to come.
