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Irish three piece The Script return once again with their blend of sentimental pop rock on this their aptly titled third offering #3.
 
Following on from their unexpectedly, but highly successful self-titled debut and solid sophomore Science & Faith, it’s apparent that the London based trio are still keen to inspire listeners with messages of hope and self belief. While perhaps not as impactful as tracks such as ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ or ‘We Cry’, there are a few featured cuts on #3 that mirror the same type of passion and good will that the aforementioned had in abundance. 
 
Take for example the piano dominated ‘Glowing’. A catchy instrumental riff combined with Danny O’Donoghue’s delicate vocals makes for one hell of a feel good gem. Then there’s ‘Kaleidoscope’, another record that holds the same type of qualities, but sped up. Complete with rock based backdrop, the stadium sound the track portrays actually has them sounding similar to their fellow Countrymen, U2. 
 
With personal tragedies an obvious choice for musical inspiration, two of the album’s finer moments come when O’Donoghue, a judge on TV’s The Voice, taps deep in to the deaths of his parents on ‘If You Could See Me Now’, and wipes the emotional slate clean regarding an ex-girlfriend on ‘Six Degrees of Separation’.  
 
With hip-hop an obvious influence on the band, there appears to be an increase in rap lyrics this time around. Having worked previously, it almost seems as if the inclusion of more bars on this release was forced. Not a rapper by trade, O’Donoghue comes off sounding more like a struggling Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) than a full blown polished emcee. 
 
Sounding uncomfortable riding certain instrumentals, tracks such as the will.i.am assisted ‘Hall of Fame’, and the reflective ‘Broken Arrow’, ooze awkwardness. The band’s frontman is at his best when chanting hooks or harmoniously telling a story, almost like a singing Jackanory. 
 
With The Script you know what to expect. Uplifting choruses, intricate storytelling, relatable scenarios, and a feel good factor that can rival any other band are just some you can list. #3 is by far the band’s hardest album to get in to from the get go. Whether it’s the rap lyric overkill or uneasy tracklisting arrangement there’s just something slightly off. 
 
A great songwriter is able to write songs that will play effortlessly in the ears of the fans and appeal to the masses for many years to come, and it’s obvious that O’Donoghue has this quality otherwise he wouldn’t be where he is today. So while this album might not be their best, it’s definitely got something for everyone with room for improvement.