Vertical Horizon Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
Returning to action after a six-year lull, Vertical Horizon head into some new territory on Burning the Days, moving in two separate directions: getting softer and sweeter on the slowest songs, while selling the drama on their harder numbers. Vertical Horizon still favor an immaculate production, which tends to make the proggier elements sound a little like a gentler latter-day Peter Gabriel, yet these numbers also benefit greatly from the thunder Rush drummer Neil Peart brings. Peart drums on a quarter of the album's 12 tracks, even penning the lyrics to the closing "Even Now," and he gives these tracks considerable force, pushing the amiable group toward a bolder, aggressive palette. These colors are all the brighter when compared to the rest of the record, where Vertical Horizon strum and whisper, creating warm, pleasant vibes. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1999, Vertical Horizon didn't have much with which to follow its breakthrough single, "Everything You Want." And yet the song's percolating groove provided enough sustenance for listeners led astray by Secret Samadhi, Live's pompous follow-up to Throwing Copper. Now, Vertical has returned with Go, an album in which "When You Cry" stands in for "Everything You Want" and introduces the album's catch phrase psychotherapy, with Matthew Scannell singing "I can't wait until you let me down." "I'm Still Here" seems to cross the band's 1999 hit with Michelle Branch's "Everywhere," which was produced by Go helmer John Shanks. "Echo" is at once the album's hookiest and most opaque moment, applying the familiar acoustic/electric, quiet-loud formula. "I don't want to be just another echo," Scannell sings. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Vertical Horizon's major-label debut, Everything You Want, finds the band strengthening their acoustic jam rock with prominent electric guitars, anthemic hooks, and a clean radio-ready production that brings them in line with the likes of the Wallflowers. Some longtime fans may find this sonic switch-up a little disconcerting, and it is true that the music on Everything You Want doesn't always flow as easily as it did on their indie records, but it does illustrate Vertical Horizon's growth as a band and its best moments show that they're capable of writing a pop hook as easily as Sister Hazel. Granted, that may not be where the group wants to be, but with a production as polished as this, radio play is clearly a concern. It's to Vertical Horizon's credit that they're usually able to balance the radio single with the calmer acoustic jams that won them a cult following in the first place. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Vertical Horizon's live album Live Stages was released by indie label Rhythmic Records in 1997 and then again by RCA in 1999. It contains five songs from the group's first two indie albums: four from Running on Ice and one from There and Back Again. The rest are unique to this album and include "The Ride," "The Unchosen One," "Great Divide," "It's Only Me," and "Falling Down." For many fans, this live album completed the band's transition from an acoustic group to the alternative rock outfit that broke into the mainstream in 2000. Popular for energetic live shows, Vertical Horizon performs many old fan favorites in the band's newer, amped-up style on Live Stages. This is a good addition for the fan who already likes the band, but Everything You Want is probably the best overall introduction to Vertical Horizon. Live Stages is a good beginning to the search for the group's earlier albums. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
'There and Back Again'
Release Date 4/7/1995
Tracks 10
Label Rhythmic
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The members of Vertical Horizon often cite James Taylor as a major influence on their music. Originally released in 1992, There and Back Again is folksier than their major-label breakthrough. It will be popular among fans of Train and Jackopierce, who contributed to 1995's Running on Ice, but may not appeal to those who like the harder-edged Everything You Want. There and Back Again is marked by vocal harmonies and melodic acoustic guitar. Standout tracks include "The Mountain Song" and "Willingly." An interesting look at Vertical Horizon's early roots, but it would be a mistake to expect that the band's best work would be on this early self-released album. Of interest mainly to die-hard completists. RCA released its version of the album in 1999. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
'Running on Ice'
Release Date 4/7/1995
Tracks 14
Label Vertical Horizon
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Fans of Vertical Horizon's breakthrough album Everything You Want may want to add Running on Ice to their collection. First released in 1995, their debut was distributed by Rhythmic Records (home of Jacopierce) for a reason. The album is a folk-based collection of songs with none that resemble the hard rock, electric guitar sounds that made them popular. Members of Dave Mathews Band (Carter Beauford) and Jackopierce make appearances, which results in a cool pickup for fans of those bands. Running on Ice reflects the band's early roots (and appreciation of James Taylor). Obviously fans of There and Back Again will love this CD, but it might be a stretch for the modern rock listener who shies away from mellow, softer sounds. ~ JT Griffith, All Music Guide
