On Jan. 25th, two Bright Eyes albums will be officially released. Some people think dual releases are a bad idea, but I’d disagree in this case. For those of you with pre-release hookups (ahem, like me), you already know I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digital Ash In A Digital Urn are a bit different but equally wonderful. Both albums are alive with Conor’s tormented views of life, love, and politics.

I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning is my favorite of the two. The addition of the vocals of Emmylou Harris and Jim James enhance the country rock feel, which I adore. Oddly enough, I keep comparing this guy to Jim Morrison, same type of dark lyrics. There are some great lyrics on this album, too.

While my mother waters plants
My father loads his guns
He says death will give us back to god

With the noise in background of a televised war
And in the deafening pleasure I thought I heard someone say
“If we walk away, they’ll walk away”

Digital Ash In A Digital Urn is more of a pop album. I think it lacks the rough edge of previous albums. An acoustic cut of this album would likely make me appreciate it more. The opening of I Believe In Sympathy reminds me so much of another song. I *think* it’s Nena - 99 Luftballoons, which is a cool song, albeit 80s synth pop. Overall, it’s not the Bright Eyes I’m accustomed to, but it still has the basic elements, so if you can get past the very pop feel, it’s a good album.