Train is an alternative pop-rock band formed in 1994 with San Francisco roots. The band has three core members, vocalist Pat Monahan, guitarist and backup vocalist Jimmy Stafford, and drummer Scott Underwood. Throughout the years, members have come and gone, but these three are the soul of the band. This Grammy Award winning group has scored many hit singles including “Meet Virginia,” “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me),” “Calling All Angels,” “Hey Soul Sister”  and “Marry Me.”  They’ve been known for their originality and honesty. Their new album “California 37” turns those features up about 10 notches.

The first song on the album “This'll Be My Year” is a time line of pop culture starting in 1985 and ending in the present.  It makes references to Nintendo, President Reagan, 9/11, Facebook and even Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.’” It starts out slow and gains momentum; it's a fun song.   “Drive-By” is the first single off the album. It’s a very catchy song depicting a guy who fell for a girl he barely knew. She moved away and now he thinks he sees her. 

The next upbeat song, “50 Ways to Say Goodbye,” is my favorite song.  It has a mariachi style verse and a catchy pop rock chorus.  It describes a guy who loves a girl, but after she breaks up with him, he comes up with a list of ways she could have passed away, including “going down in an airplane”, being “fried getting suntanned,” “falling in a cement mixer full of quicksand” etc. It’s a fun song that is perfect for a beach day or a car ride.

 “Mermaid” is really catchy with a cool drumbeat that really captures your attention.  And they mention Johnny Depp, which is a major plus for me.

                A lot of the songs, especially the slower ones, mention a loss of some kind. “You Can Finally Meet My Mom” talks about the death of a mother, and who she’s with in heaven.  “Sing Together” is an anthem with a clear cut message to sing it out loud. The acoustic-driven song, “Feels Good at First,” has a gentler vibe than the majority of the songs, and is another highlight of the album. It’s during songs such as this one that lead vocalist Pat Monahan can show off his talent.

                It’s when the band strays from the typical pop sound, taking a chance and pushing its songs to a completely different musical direction, that you hear the band’s true strength. While “California 37” is undeniably catchy, its teenage-focused tracks are nothing like their old time classic hits. With this album, train has successfully spanned over the generational gap, and I highly recommend not only this album, but the band in its entirety.