Meaningful lyrics aren't always the first point of attention in popular songs. Most listeners usually just look out for catchy tunes that, in reality, have no important meaning. With many people today latching on to songs from the categories of pointless pop or timeless country, it is often hard to find an example of music that transcends popular teeny-bopper taste and lures in even the most sugary of listeners. Healthy in Paranoid Times, the latest release from Our Lady Peace, is an example of music with meaning.

The soulful lyrics exemplified in this album demand recognition. It is obvious from the album's inside cover, which contains facts about pertinent global issues, that Our Lady Peace made this album as a desperate cry to society for aid and awareness.

The seriousness of the issues sung about put this album on an entirely new level of popular music. Upon first listen, one might feel as though the members of Our Lady Peace come on a bit too strong with their plea for help against everything going on in the world. The tracks on Healthy in Paranoid Times are "real music," passing over focus from typical song subjects to important and expansive ideas. While songs dealing with similar issues definitely exist in the music world, Our Lady Peace does something different by dedicating an entire album to these topics, and in effect, to humanity.

The upbeat melody of Our Lady Peace's latest juxtaposes the slow and dreary nature of the album's lyrics. With lead singer Raine Maida's mesmerizing voice imploring listeners to carefully examine his personal messages, focus is thoroughly placed on the meaning of each individual song. At certain points throughout the album, Maida's voice becomes a broken record as the same lyrics repeat over and over, however, intervals of instrumental solos keep the attention of listeners.

Certain tracks like "Picture" and "Where Are You" force the album's audience to reflect on the past and focus on common problems. Each track was easy to relate to, as Maida never specifies exactly what idea or problem he is singing about. This album leaves room for interpretation. While the CD demands necessary focus from listeners, it is important to note that for many people, the ability or desire for such precise listening can only last so long. This fact hurts the album, as it presents almost too much information to mull over.

It is obvious from the start that Healthy in Paranoid Times' songs only scratch the surface of the fight this band is putting up. The track "Will the Future Blame Us" catches attention as a sorrowful apology to future generations for the destruction that is taking place in the world today. While showcasing intense lyrics, this track takes on a certain U2 feel, with Maida pretending to be Bono with a bit too much vigor.

The double-edged sword of the album is found in the band's attempt to cover so much ground with one solitary album. The members of Our Lady Peace try to bring attention to every issue from Iraq to Ritalin, and it can be debated that the group would have more clarity on their latest album if only one problem were pinpointed and fought against.

Moving away from the lyrical aspect of the album, the instrumental background of Healthy in Paranoid Times is phenomenal. Our Lady Peace is unbelievably artistic and intricate in every area of their music. Listeners can lose themselves in the attention grabbing beat and musicality of "Love and Trust."

As the album progresses, listeners will notice an increase in the band's optimism. "The World on a String" and "Walking in Circles" should not be avoided with their upbeat tempo and candidacy for best tracks on the album.

As Our Lady Peace's latest album ends, listeners expect to be given some sort of resolution as to what society should do to fix all of the problems presented. However, with "Walking in Circles," the musicians make it clear that there are no answers. Fortunately, with the repetitive and simple "Al Genina (Leave the Light On)," Our Lady Peace leaves listeners with a sense of hope and purpose. While not necessarily a life-changing album, Healthy in Paranoid Times focuses on real issues, providing an important outlet for the ideas and opinions of this substantial band.

Grade: BC