Dear Caleb, Nathan, Jared and Matthew,
How are you? I feel like we've been out of touch for a while. Maybe it's because you're so busy selling out stadiums all over the world, or maybe it's because I haven't been listening. Either way, we haven't heard from each other. Can I be honest? I miss you guys. But not the you of today. Remember when you looked like this:
No fancy haircuts, no stylists, just a family band recording in their garage whose mom (or aunt in Matthew's case) would tailor their pants for them because they weren't tight enough. Remember those guys? Caleb, I couldn't understand what you were singing, but I knew that you meant every word. Now, instead of songs about beating people up ("Four Kicks" from the wonderful Aha Shake Heartbreak), you're writing about needing people ("Use Somebody," pandering set to music if ever I've heard it). Where's my beloved bad ass band?
I've been to two of your shows, 2005 and 2007 at the Ryman. You were rowdy, reckless and rocking. People got into fights in front of me, everyone was dancing, and the crowd loved you. Now, I understand that it's hard to write raw, emotion-filled songs when your life is so perfect. You're seeing beautiful women, making boatloads of money and getting tons of radio play. And that's wonderful. I've always wanted for you to succeed. However, I wish you could stay a bit truer to your roots. This last album was too slick, too arena-friendly. It sounded like a producer worked it over, and that's not who you are. Everyone is comparing you to U2...is that what you want?
So, here's my advice. Tell your people to go on vacation. Sit in the studio and make music, not for the radio or the concerts but for your fans. Remember us? The fans who've known and loved you for eight years? We loved you when your hair was a mess and your jeans were a bit too tapered. Can we be friends again?
I'll always consider myself a fan, boys. I'm not fair weather, and, I get it, you've got to go mainstream. But, please, don't wait to return to your roots. They're waiting for you on "True Love Way."
Come home soon, Kings.
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