The Dangers, “Land Of Opportunity” (2017)

I have listened to “Land of Opportunity” at least a dozen times and I have really enjoyed it. This is a very different Dangers album in that it is a concept album that shines a light on the current political climate in America. I have seen religious and spiritual references in Dangers albums before, but not political ones. The big thing that it has in common with your previous albums is the varying styles of music. It was a fun challenge to write about because I wanted to express what I thought the songs meant and not just talk about the vocals and instruments like I have normally done. Some of my interpretations may be way off, but I hope I got some right. Anyway, here are my thoughts on 'Land of Opportunity'.

"The Opportunity" (A nice rocking opener. Very nice guitar solo and keys. I really like the solo. The meaning I took from this is that the land or country is changing in negative ways that are in conflict with the narrator. It is trying to change or bend him to its will, but he is too strong for that. He has his principals and morality and he is going to stick to them. His heart will remain his.)

"Satisfied" (I really like the harmonies on this love song. KimberLee Mihalski is a great addition to The Dangers' family of musicians. I believe this is about lost love due to one passing on. One is above and one is here (alive) and each are wondering about and missing each other. They will not be happy until they are reunited. It sounds like they will be glad when the world end so they can be reunited. I get this from the lines, "I'm satisfied when the stars Come tumbling down, down. I'm satisifed when heaven come and touch the ground." Of course, I could be way off. It could simply be talking about two lovers who will be reunited in the morning after overnight flight.)

"Live A Lifetime" (I like the bongos and minimal use of instruments in this somber song. Something tragic has happened. Everything is abandoned, leaflets fall from the sky. Maybe we are focusing on another country where an invasion has taken place or it could be a remote town in our own. Questions are asked. Do you want to give up something like your belongings, principles or way of life? or Do you want to fight, living life true to yourself and die? Dying in this case would be "living a lifetime".)

"Walk That Line" (A rockin', tragic song. The guitars and drums and Chris' lyrics take center stage in this one. It sounds like it is about a raid on a house where immigrants live. Blazing lights, dogs and possibly guns are brought into the home in which mothers and their children live. Excessive force is used but a distraction is created to keep the public's attention focused elsewhere.)

"Grenade" (A great, gritty sounding blues number. I really love Bill Barrett's harmonica on this. Every instrument really shines. We have a politician with a dangerously short fuse/temper (grenade) that could get us into all killed by starting a major war. They are trying to hide this fact from the 50 men (states) so they can be elected. After he is elected, those responsible with have to live with the consequences. The night turning to day could be a nuclear explosion or simply just staying up all night to see the election results.)

"Last Three Songs" (I like the vocal harmonies in this one. The narrator is living in a world where those who supported the elected official in "The Grenade" are everywhere. They are blinded or do not care (mannequins) what he is doing. The field with no bluebirds could mean pollution. The narrator is writing 3 songs. One is the past during happier times. The next one is in the present during dark times. The last one is when people rise up and take the country back (a new election?) which will bring back happier times. It is unclear if the narrator is a fugitive because he says, "If I keep moving I will stay alive.".)

"Pick It Up" (A nice rocking anthem. I like the use of different singers for the different parts. Some people are starting to unite and march against "the grenade". They are trying to encourage others who are just sitting back to join them instead of just talking a "good line". They also encourage you to pick up your fellow man who has been knocked down.)

"Turn Around" (I really like Kimberlee's vocals and Chris' backing vocals on this. The elected official from "The Grenade" is causing many problems. He is either going for the the highest office in the land or is already there seeking reelection. I am thinking it is the latter because it is asked, Who would let a monster into this house again?". The answer is for those who voted for him to look at themselves and others that did the same.)

"California, How I Love You" (I like how the vocals take the center stage and the instruments are played softly. This is a tribute to California and how many arrived there in many ways. People are just trying to live. There is no evil doing going on. Money is also not so important. Birmingham is also mentioned. I am assuming it is a shoutout to "Sweet Home Alabama"'s line, "Where the skies are so blue". I believe it is saying that California has blue skies too, and to put our differences aside and all work together as one country.)

"Rapping Telephone Line" (I really like the keys and drums on this one. I think this is about connecting with people by asking them to get together and make positive change. Thanks will get better with their combined hearts and minds.)

"Grenade (slight Return)" (A nice bluesy reprise of "The Grenade Song". I really love this song. Again, everyone really shines. Chris' "We're done." really fits as a conclusion to another great album.)

Those are my thoughts on 'Land of Opportunity' which I found to be a very enjoyable album. I am looking forward to see what comes next.

The Dangers, “Land Of Opportunity” (2017)

THE DANGERS