Mae’s third album, Singularity, is the sort of “inspirational” music perfect for consumption by the sad and confused teenager set. Considering Mae’s style, it’s no surprise. Overwrought and over-the-top, Mae returns to the successful formula of absurdly-sentimental, histrionic power-pop that made their two previous albums so popular with whiny teens looking for romance. Newly signed to Capitol Records, with producer Howard Benson (known for his work with My Chemical Romance and Hoobastank) behind the helm, Mae’s latest album shows their lyrical and musical stagnation reach its peak.
Mae has admitted to being influenced by Pearl Jam and Nirvana on this album and it’s clearly evidenced in the music. While it may appeal to some, for the most part it makes Mae’s lyrics look absurd. Mae’s works have always seemed to be stolen from a 14-year-old’s blog, but were forgiven because the lyrics fit in the music box-like soundscapes of previous albums. With this harder edge, and the pretensions of being a more rock-oriented album, the corny lyrics seem almost satirical when coupled with Dave Elkins’ nasal delivery.
“I was always floating around/ head in the clouds/ thinking I could make it on my own” from the single “Sometimes I Can’t Make It Alone” is the perfect example of just what’s wrong with the album. Mae’s lyrics are all about the same subjects: needing love, or to be saved by a woman. It wears thin after two albums, and Singularity shows that Mae need to outgrow their adolescent theatrics.