Brand New’s ‘Daisy’ turns five

For their second major label release, Brand New had the difficult task of toping 2006’s beloved, genre-bending The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me. Devil And God had been a massive departure from the sound of its predecessor—the band’s most commercially successful album—Deja Entendu. In that case, the stylistic shift was well-received and thought a positive evolution.

But with Daisy, the transition would not be so smooth. To this day, it’s easily the band’s most hotly contested album. Some fans hate it. Some fans love it. Most agree that it didn’t live up to the expectations of Devil And God. (What could?)

In his review of the album, AP managing editor Scott Heisel wrote:

“It’s hard for many Brand New superfans to admit, but it’s entirely possible that the band simply wrote a good album this time around, not a great one. As Lacey sings (and Accardi writes) on 'Noro,' the album’s closing track, 'I'm on my way out.' (Or, depending on which set of ears is listening, 'I’m on my way to hell.') After three classic, genre-defining albums (it’s far too early to gauge Daisy’s impact on the scene), maybe it’s time for the band to ride off into the sunset while they’re still able to mount the horse.”

It’s kind of funny, though: If a buzz band on Run For Cover or No Sleep Records released Daisy today, they’d probably be the toast of the town tomorrow. It actually is a really good album.

Daisy was released five years ago today, and we still haven’t had a new album from Brand New. After its release, they moved into their current-day state of mystery and sporadic touring. They also separated from their major label, Interscope Records.

How soon until we get a new BN album? No one knows. (Seriously, no one knows.) In a way, Daisy leaving some fans unsatisfied has only increased the anticipation for a new album.

Stream Daisy in full below, and let us know your thoughts. Is it underrated? Or was it a misstep?