Let’s get the obvious out of the way. Ocean Avenue was a popular album, but Lights and Sounds didn’t sell remotely as many copies. Yellowcard got their big break with Ocean Avenue. Fans were drawn into the California pop/punk sound. Their originality with Sean Mackin and his violin skills helped the cause. For some, Ocean Avenue was way too poppy. Lights and Sounds was Yellowcard’s attempt at a more mature sound.
Paper Walls, however, is the proverbial “Holy Grail”. Yellowcard beautifully and perfectly blends their popular Cali pop/punk sound from Ocean Avenue with the mature rock and roll sound from Lights and Sounds.
The first half of the album is pure joy. The Takedown is the perfect example of Yellowcard’s blending of sounds. The song has a catchy verse and an even catchier chorus. It’s a good song to start the record because most of the songs later in the album follow suit.
Even with the departure of longtime lead guitarist Ben Harper (who went to Amber Pacific, and still runs Takedown Records), the band still has the diversity and musicality to produce an amazing record. Songs like The Takedown, Fighting, Five Becomes Four, and Light Up the Sky are anthem-like in their sound and produce intoxicating melodies that will leave you listening to them over and over. Songs like Dear Bobbie(which has the voice of Ryan Key’s grandfather in it) and Keeper bring out the more emotional side of Yellowcard.
So for those who liked Ocean Avenue but not Lights and Sounds, it’s okay because the sound of the previous album is back. For those who thought Ocean Ave. was way too poppy, it’s okay because they let go a bit from that obnoxious pre-pubescent sound. This album truly is Yellowcard at their finest.

Brian Campbell