Five for Fighting: Two Lights

By Dee Liddle

John Ondrasik, Curt Schneider and Andrew Williams make up the band Five for Fighting. With their new release entitled Two Lights, this trio has accomplished the sharing of thoughts and feelings of people they have met—people like you and me.

Their lyrics range from funny or hopeful, to very serious. Offering a brilliant mixture of upbeat songs and ballads, Five for Fighting has easily created beautiful melodies with a wide range of guitar, bass, drums and piano flavors that back the already poignant lyrics. Genius! Pure Genius! This band has produced an album that will suit any mood you may find yourself in—and give you plenty to consider.

“The Riddle” has the most beautiful piano arrangement, accompanied by soft percussion and guitar chords. The meaning of life is contemplated here as well as the searching that two individuals embark on as they try to find out where they fit into things. John’s voice is so captivating—it touches you right to your core. It is like he is speaking directly to you, through the music.

The title song “Two Lights” communicates directly to those that have loved ones in the military. There is such pride and fear in the lyrics as the young soldier prepares to go to war. The full orchestra that accompanies the lyrics really drives home the point of what we gain and lose when serving our country. If the words don’t move you, the strings interlude will stop you in your tracks. It is beautiful and true, and definitely real—so very real.

All of the other titles on this album, including “’65 mustang”, “California Justice” and “Johnny America”, are each done extremely well. Every track continues to show the depth and talent these men possess. Does this album belong in your music library? You bet it does!