Tigers Jaw: I Won’t Care How You Remember Me

From Wicca Phase Springs Eternal to Tigers Jaw, Adam McIlwee has remained constant in effortlessly dishing out impassioned projects from all corners of the room, expressing impeccable range. Paired with the precious vocals of Brianna Collins, practically every song off of every Tiger Jaws album is received like honey to tea – warm, welcomed, and a little sweet – and their newest release I Won’t Care How You Remember Me is yet another soothing addition to the collection.

If you zone out a little bit, the entire album can start and end without you even realizing it – with few singles that are truly stand-alone, the album feels like one long chorus. You’ll be tapping your foot to every song, that’s without argument, but chances are you’ll think you’re humming along to “Cat’s Cradle” when it’s actually “Body Language.” The album’s opener “I Won’t Care How You Remember Me” has the vibes of both Mumford and Sons‘ “I Will Wait” and Plain White T’s “Hey There Delilah” – charming, catchy, and uncomplicated. The track is pleasant, poetic, and musing and undoubtedly the best of the bunch, which is why it definitely shouldn’t have been the opening track.

Following this instant classic, “Cat’s Cradle” introduces listeners to the delightful sound of Brianna Collins and quickly captivates, but once you get to “Hesitation” – track number three – you’re basically entranced until you suddenly realize the album is over. Some might see this as boring, others as meditative, but all parties will agree it’s amusing nonetheless.

The whole album is dreamy and satisfying, like a really long poem that was sung instead of spoken. Nothing extravagant or noteworthy, but most certainly worth listening to. “I Won’t Care How You See Me” and the verses that decorate “Commit” are what really make the album pop, and are the tracks that save everyone from feeling overall unenthused. Ultimately a good album, just not exceptional.

Rating: 5.5/10