An extremely consistent and warmly engaging album
4 1/2

This certainly must be as worthwhile a DMB album as any other they have come out with. It is one that, in retrospect especially, you get the feeling the creative effortlessness which guided all twelve of these unique afro-pop-rock-jazz fusion treats and framed all of them in such a warmth has all but completely run dry. Whether you are a fan of the band's signature sound or not is besides the point that Crash can rate as one of the more solid major label rock records of the 90's-easy. What did not become a massive hit on radio is an even greater treat to hear. The only possible problems I see are the sometimes overindulgences Matthews uses vocally, and the fact that Crash Into Me/Let You Down, and Too Much/Tripping Billies feel similar. Similarly great, that is.

So Many Memories
When I was three years old, my family lived in Kentucky, and times were a little rough. My mother was training to be a guidance counsler. My dad was shifting between janitor at a local high school and earning his Ph. D. at Siminary. I saw my dad all day, and my mom all night. Every day before he left for work he would play Crash Into Me for me. "I'm the king of the castle" was the favorite(and only) line I knew. The rest didn't matter. This is one of the best albums I have ever heard, and if I am ever shipwrecked on a desert island this is the only thing I could ever ask for.

The Downward spiral starts here...
Dave Matthews, for the most part, I like. However though, it really seems that DMB just slowly deterioated into crap. Just listen to Everyday, and even worse, Stand Up really got some bad reviews. Too be fair, I haven't heard Stand Up, but just looking at the reviews from actual DMB fans, it just seeems to be a failure. Plus, read the reviews. Half of the reason why DMB is enjoyable is their songwriting.

This album is a bit of a step down, but totally bland songs like Cry Freedom sadly hint of the later days. While this album, as a whole, isn't bad compared to Under The Table and Dreaming, I can already hear some uninspiring songs and ideas, and the worst part is, it's unexciting and forgettable. Thankfully, the majority of the songs are excellent.

Crash is a bit more personal, a little more dark compared to Under The Table and Dreaming. Not dark like a death metal album, but it's so hard to understand. The darker undercurrents is what can draw me into some of the songs like Two Step and the title track. When the band lets loose, this is when they really kick. Too Much, So Much To Say, and Tripping Billies are the songs I want to hear live, if I ever get the chance to see DMB live. They let loose with other songs like Lie In Your Graves. When Dave Matthews Band go upbeat and loose, they hardly fault. Well, except Drive In Drive Out.

The slower songs are the reasons there are boring parts and both engaging. I never really considered Matthews to be a lyrical genius, which is one reason why some of the slower songs on here don't engage me. When they use more interesting melodies and rythms, they hardly make it bland. However, Let You Down (yes, even despite the percussion), Cry Freedom, and Proudest Monkey really don't, which is why they become forgettable. On top of that, Dave's voice is extremely boring, and it's hard to feel anything from the songs. DMB fans may like them, but for me, they don't do much. I like slower songs, but only if I can feel something.

The whole album is well produced, but not overproduced. These guys, while not the most talented musicians ever (one thing Dave heads can never quite understand), play very well. I laugh when people use the solos as an excuse for hating DMB, but to me, they do something to me inside. Not quite all the jams, but it's hard to pinpoint it. Maybe because I like the tones they give out. Who knows? I don't know a thing about physcology!

Overall, this album is solid, but still lacks a bit in the slower areas. Still, I reccomend you listen to Crash and don't exactly judge on the first listen.

PS as of writing this, there are 311 five star reviews. Nice!

8/10

"Crash" was definatly not a crash...as far as sophmore albums go
Despite the fact that I am writing an online review for a DMB album that isn't their best, I am still writing this to show that "Crash" is definatly "one of their best".

When Dave Matthews first started this band in the very early 90's, he noted that he did not know how successful DMB would be. They soon ignited a revolution in music consisting of solid rock mixed with jazz that appealed to different fan bases. Crash is an album that would appeal to the typical listener, and it would give goosebumps to those who really consider DMB to be one of their favorite bands.

In "Two Step", you really get introduced to DMB's tendancy to plod around and jam for 6+ minutes. It really is a nice feel when you listen to it. The third track off this album is "Crash into Me", which is their most successful single. "#41" is definatly a song to listen to. Because the song has such a catchy introduction, the listener instantly get's engulfed and is soon satisfied after its 6:39 running.

"Lie in Our Graves" is possibly their best song off this album. The story to this song is so subtle, yet you know everything when it ends. It simply talks about the story of a boy who is born, grows up, and eventually see's his friends and loved ones die off as he is there to stay. Because this song is better when heard live, I can't say that the middle jam is "gold". I'd probably have to say its "great". Because most of their live versions of this song clock in around 12 minutes, this 5:42 version isn't as packed, but it definatly is a piece of art.

"Proudest Monkey" is perhaps the most unique song on the album, because of its telling story. It is also a 9 minute plod of jamming that are very well expressed by Dave, Boyd, Stefan, Carter, and Leroi.

This album wasn't at all a "crash" as far as sophmore albums go. In fact, it was one of their greatest they've released. This album would definatly appeal to new fans, and it would give true fans goosebumps everytime they hear it.

Best album to meet DMB
This was the first DMB album I listened and it just keeps suprinsing me. Every time I hear it, I find something new as if it was posible for each song to sound diferent each time. If you've never listen DMB, this is a sure bet!