It has often been said, that music lyrics speak the words that we cannot. This idea is widely popular because of its truth, and the importance of it to a variety of people. Music can act as a form of medication or therapy, a release, a cave to hide out in, a way to forget the bitterness of reality, an artistic expression, or it can be just a way to pass the time. While all types of music have their appealing qualities and unique traits that draw people towards them, Brand New should be especially appreciated and should be heard by everyone. 
	
Brand New, originating from Long Island, has been around for about eleven years, and some of their members have been creating music long before then. Long Island's extensive music scene welcomed them with open arms and successfully guided their release into the world of alternative music. With their birthing of a number of other bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Straylight Run, Envy On The Coast, and Glassjaw, Long Island's music scene has proved itself to be akin to somewhat of a uterus for alternative music. 

With copious amounts of experience, Brand New has also produced four beautifully and intelligently composed albums brimming with emotions and angst. With one of the best live shows around, Brand New has gained an immensely large fan base and their popularity continues to grow every day. Bands in this genre whose live performances are true to their sound are few and far between, so fans are always anxious to attend. They have fans all over the world largely due to the fact that they have toured other countries such as Australia, UK, Canada, and Germany. Of their four successful records, "Deja Entendu" broke records by going gold in 2007. After 7 weeks, Deja had sold over 51,000 copies and in May 2007, four years after release, it sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone, certifying it gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. 

Your Favorite Weapon, Deja Entendu, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, and Daisy. Four Brand New albums, none of which share the same musical sound. Brand New's sound is always evolving and growing, and they are always pushing the boundaries of their music, never satisfied. Due to their extreme unpredictability, each song, each album leaves you wanting more, impatiently awaiting what's next for them. Fans are never bored, never dissatisfied, always eager to hear something new and different. They have the ability to take their music in a new and more highly intelligent direction. Their lyrics are so relatable, that fans sometimes feel as though the songs have been written about themselves. In a world where everyone feels somewhat alone at times, Brand New will show you that you never really are, and that there is always someone out there feeling the same way as you at that very moment. In an article from "Consequence of Sound," Caitlin Meyer said, "In 8th grade, I found Brand New and fell in love. The two worlds finally collided. I invested in the back catalog, stumbled upon Your Favorite Weapon, and the world stopped turning. Jesse Lacey knew what I was going through. Jesse Lacey understood." To many listeners of alternative music, and even other genres, music is a way to relate to others and to feel as though they belong, and Brand New embraces this fact. Listening to their albums, starting from Your Favorite Weapon (2001), to Daisy (2009), listeners will be taken for a ride along the road of the life of Jesse Lacey. 

Of all of the aspects of Brand New that establish their unwavering success, one of the most crucial features is their unique sound, which has grown and evolved over time. Although they have generally been described as alternative rock, their first album, "Your Favorite Weapon" has been described as having a pop punk feel. Since then, their instrumental sound has gotten consistently edgier, darker, and their lyrics more somber. The element of their sound that sets them apart from other bands, is Jesse Lacey's dynamic use of vocal tones such as his melodic singing voice versus his more raw, combative tone. This alternating style appeals to a variety of fans.

Music is an important part of many people's lives. There are a huge variety of genres available in the world. All types of music are valued and heard by people everywhere. However, for numerous reasons, Brand New is a band that can and should be appreciated and heard by all. Their origination, experience, live performances, record breaking sales, ever-changing and unique musical sound,  relatable lyrics, and their dynamic vocals, make them a diamond in the rough.