Rocks into Rivers followed quickly on the heels of 2008's
Til We See the Shore and diverged little, if any, from the rich piano pop/rock of
Seabird's debut. Their sophomore effort shows growth as artists, touching on intricate, complex emotions with lead singer Aaron Morgan's trademark swagger and sensitivity. Much of the album describes Morgan's experience becoming a husband and father. "Believe Me" is driven by a vulnerable admission of improvements that need to be made as the leader of his family and a hook so infectious that it would make
the Fray's lead singer shriek with jealousy. Lead single "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" speaks out to a troubled teen who blames herself for her parents' divorce. The album is littered with elements of praise & worship such as the message that "The Good King" is there to see you through lonely times. And it's the muted message of hope lining each track that endears this album. Thankfully, the band doesn't try too hard to do too much, too fast.
Rocks into Rivers is more of a second verse than an entirely new songbook. ~ Jared Johnson