The Script

I’ve made no secret of that fact that The Script’s ‘Breakeven’ is my new favorite song. I’ve posted the lyrics and the video here on Token White Girl and the song itself has been on perpetual loop on my iPod. So, while I was at Target to snatch up a $9 copy of The Hangover, I decided to stroll the rock section next door in the music department, with the slim hope that I would find The Script waiting there for me. It was a good Tuesday. The heavens opened and angelic choirs sang their dulcet chorus as the light shown down on me, lighting the way to a copy of The Script (it’s a self titled LP, kids) for an absolutely fabulous $7.99!!! (Insert ecstatic joy here:_____________.)

The Script is a Dublin, Ireland based trio comprised of Danny O'Donoghue (lead vocals, keyboard), Mark Sheehan (lead guitar, background vocals) and Glen Power (drums, rhythm guitar, drums, background vocals). While The Script released their debut album throughout Europe in 2008, they’re just beginning to command attention state side. That being said, Danny and Mark are no strangers to The United States, having almost broken through to the other side of the R&B charts after briefly collaborating with R&B notables Dallas Austin, Montell Jordan and Teddy Riley a little over a decade ago. Like many coming of age in the 1990s, lead guitarist Mark Sheenan talks about how hip-hop culture has influenced the group’s style on The Script’s official website: "At that time, MTV only came on in Dublin after midnight, it was the fuzzy channel, and for my generation black culture was just a wave through us all," says Sheehan. "It wasn't about gangs and guns; it was fashion and fun, singing and dancing." Unable to find the success they craved in the American pop R&B scene billed as Mytown, Danny and Mark returned to their hometown of Dublin, where they picked up drummer Glen Power and formed the band we now know as The Script.

Lead vocalist O’ Donoghue is a hybrid reminiscent of John Legend and Everlast, still managing to make his warm, raspy, slightly-rough-sround the-edges his own, sells his vocal stylings with powerful lyrics that are personally delivered from a genuine space of experience, hope and (inevitably) pain. (Whoever broke this guy’s heart should get a credit in the liner.) The beats, melodies and intricate piano make a layered, auditory celebration of glorious agony and struggle, that calls forth steering wheel drum solos and and hairbrush mics. The Script is dripping in heartbreak from personal to political, with the tracks telling the unfortunate stories of the underdog, the addict and the beau left behind. While never preachy, the album is deep and intimate, giving a glimpse into love lost from the male point of view, with the rhythm and blues influence refusing to take a back seat.

If you’re looking for shallow, poppy dance tracks, this album’s not for you. However, if you’re currently in a transition period or if your Obama powered dose of hope has worn out, you’d be well advised to head to Target and pick up a copy of The Script’s synonymous debut. (Come on!!! It’s only $7.99!) And look for the 'Breakeven' video on VH1 and MTV. That’s an order from Dr. Bridget.

Bridget’s Favorite Tracks: We Cry the Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven, Rusty Halo, Fall For Anything, Anybody There

If You Like: Mute Math, The Cranberries, Paper Route, John Legend, Kings of Leon