Have you ever listened to a CD for the first time and it sounded as if you had been listening to it for years?

The latest album by the band Our Lady Peace, “Spiritual Machines” sounds like a familiar old friend, with the ability to cheer you up.

The first song “Right Behind You” is energetic and confident, and the singer’s voice is so full of spirit and enthusiasm that you cannot help but to sing-along.

While the music is cheerful and warm, the lyrics are also conceptual and articulated. Many of the lyrics were inspired by Ray Kurzweil’s book, The Age of Spiritual Machines: When computers exceed Human Intelligence.

The concept throughout the album is the idea of machines and humans co-existing as equals, similar to the ideas of science fiction movies Terminator 1 & 2 and George Orwell’s book, 1984.

Each song begins with excerpts spoken by Kurzweil, introducing the theme to each new song. Kurzweil speaks of 1984 at the beginning of the song “Everyone’s a Junkie,” and there is a secret excerpt with Kurzweil and a computer named Molly who discloses her fears and imperfections despite her technologically advanced condition. The excerpts are short and only add spice and mystery to the harmony of the album.

Aside from being a concept album, Spiritual Machines explores many other themes and ideas. It is also about awakening and realizing that there is something out there for everyone.

My favorite song on the album is “Life” because the lyrics suggest that no matter what in life has got you down, “Life is waiting for you. It’s all messed up but we’ll survive.”The songs “All My Friends” and “The Wonderful Future” are also introspective and optimistic.

Some of the songs on the album are more downbeat and slower at times, but almost all end on a positive note.

Song’s “Are You Sad?” and “If You Believe” have a Pearl Jam sound, and it’s no wonder. Pearl Jam’s drummer Matt Cameron filled in for injured drummer Jeremy Taggart for the two songs.

This album is full of great lyrics and has a solid, rich sound that comes together naturally.So if you’re looking for a cheer up album, enjoy singing enthusiastic music in the shower, or just enjoy positive, talented music, Our Lady Peace’s Spiritual Machines is one album you have to check out!

5 out of 5 Sinatras