Metro Station (album)

Metro Station
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 18, 2007
Recorded2006–2007
Genre
Length
  • 30:56 (standard edition)
  • 43:33 (deluxe edition)
LabelColumbia/Red Ink
Producer
Metro Station chronology
The Questions We Ask at Night
(2006)
Metro Station
(2007)
Kelsey
(2009)
Singles from Metro Station
  1. "Kelsey"
    Released: August 7, 2007
  2. "Control"
    Released: December 17, 2007
  3. "Shake It"
    Released: April 1, 2008
  4. "Seventeen Forever"
    Released: December 13, 2008

Metro Station is the debut studio album by American pop rock band Metro Station. The album was released on September 18, 2007, under Columbia/Red Ink.[3] Four singles were released from the album; "Kelsey", "Control", "Shake It" and "Seventeen Forever". The group completed recording the album in July 2007.[4]

The album was released in the UK on March 30, 2009. The version of the album released in the UK contains 2 exclusive bonus tracks including a brand new track, "After the Fall". The first UK single, "Shake It", was released a week before, on March 23, 2009.[5]

Background

In 2005, Mason Musso and Trace Cyrus agreed to meet on the set of Hannah Montana, which starred Mason's brother, Mitchel, and Trace's sister, Miley. Sharing musical interests, they decided to form a band.[6] Shortly thereafter, Cyrus recruited Blake Healy from Synthetic Joy[7] and the Bum Out Eternal[6] as a keyboardist, synthesist, and bassist. The group released the song "Seventeen Forever" on MySpace in 2006, topping the MySpace Music's Unsigned Bands chart and garnered the attention of drummer Anthony Improgo, who joined the band.[8] In late 2006, the group signed with Columbia/Red Ink after an intern at Red Ink discovered the band while perusing the website's music pages.[6][9]

The group headed to New York City to record their debut studio album.[10] It was produced by S*A*M and Sluggo, Joshua Cain and Justin Pierre.[2][10] The band has cited inspiration from The Postal Service, Forever The Sickest Kids and The Killers when making the album.[11]

Singles

"Kelsey" was released as the first single on August 7, 2007.[12] The song peaked at number 25 in New Zealand and at number one on the Billboard Dance Singles Sales chart.[13][14]

The second single, "Control", was released on December 17, 2007, but saw no commercial success.[15] The song was released in the UK in the spring of 2009.[16]

"Shake It" was released as the third single from the album and was serviced to alternative radio on April 1, 2008.[17] The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100[18] and reached the top 10 in multiple countries including Canada, Australia and the UK.[19][20][21] The single has sold 1.2 million copies and was certified 2× Platinum in the US.[22][23]

The fourth and final single "Seventeen Forever" was released on December 13, 2008.[24] It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold in the US.[18][23]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk(7.8/10)[25]
AllMusic[26]
AltSounds(43%)[27]
Melodic[28]
NME[29]
Rock Louder[30]

The album was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Andrew Leahey from AllMusic gave the album a 2.5 out of 5 star rating. Criticizing the album, he stated, "not much exists beneath the polished sheen of teenaged lyrics and electronica-lite." However, he praised keyboardist Blake Healy's work as he remarked, "he is the band's secret weapon, supporting his two frontmen with enough bubbling synth to keep the ship float."[26] NME gave the album a 2 out of 5 star rating, and complimented the songs "Shake It" and "California" as "standout moments."[29] Nat Morris of AltSounds felt that the first half of the album were poor, but stated "from track 6 onwards the album turns decidedly upwards."[27] John Webber of Rock Louder remarked, "This record, for all intents and purposes, is a well produced pop record that does nothing to bring disrepute to the fact that the Cyrus family can hold their own in an ever so fickle industry, and with the right team behind them, they could be absolutely massive."[30]

Joe DeAndrea of AbsolutePunk gave a positive review stating, "This album proves that this isn't just a band that'll write one popular song and disappear from the scene in a couple of years. They have talent, they're young, and they'll keep getting better." DeAndrea also compared the group to Panic! at the Disco for their ability at "writing fun, catchy tunes."[25] Kaj Roth of Melodic noted, "there are plenty of 80's vibes over this album but still with a modern touch - this is what you get if you mix The Cure with Fountains of Wayne."[28] Kendal Gapinski of Lancaster Online stated, "The entire CD sounds like a block party in the middle of summer. Songs like 'California' and 'True to Me' keep the album upbeat. Mixed in are slower songs, with more sentimental lyrics, like 'Now That We're Done'. While not an intellectual album, the songs represent the quintessential teen. It's an album for teens, by teens. Heartbreak, love and just having a good time are the central themes."[31]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 189 on the US Billboard 200 and reached number 39 as its highest position on chart.[32] The album also peaked at number one on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.[33] The album reached the Billboard 200 year-end chart at number 182 in 2008 and the Top Dance/Electronic Albums year-end chart at number two.[34][35] That same year, the album sold 87,000 copies.[36] Since, it has sold approximately 400,000 copies in the United States.[citation needed]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Metro Station, except "True to Me" by Metro Station, Sam Hollander and Dave Katz

No.TitleLength
1."Seventeen Forever"2:54
2."Control"3:20
3."Kelsey"3:37
4."Shake It"2:59
5."Wish We Were Older"2:55
6."Now that We're Done"3:28
7."True to Me"2:52
8."Tell Me What to Do"3:09
9."California"2:42
10."Disco"2:41
Total length:30:56
UK bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
11."After the Fall"2:58
12."Shake It" (The Lindbergh Palace Remix)6:25
Total length:40:19
Japan bonus tracks[37]
No.TitleLength
11."Comin' Around"2:41
12."Shake It" (The Lindbergh Palace Remix)6:25
Total length:40:02
Deluxe edition[38]
No.TitleLength
11."Seventeen Forever" (acoustic version)1:54
12."Kelsey" (acoustic version)3:28
13."Shake It" (Lenny B Remix – extended version)7:15
Total length:43:33

Personnel

Credits for Metro Station adapted from AllMusic.[39]

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[56] Gold 20,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for Metro Station
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States September 18, 2007 CD Columbia/Red Ink [57]
Various Digital download Sony Music [58]
Australia August 9, 2008 CD
  • Columbia/Red Ink
  • Sony
[59]
South Korea [60]
United States March 17, 2009 LP Columbia/Red Ink [61]
Poland March 30, 2009 CD [62]
United Kingdom [30]
Japan May 27, 2009 Sony Music [63]
Various April 20, 2023 Vinyl Field Day [64]

References

  1. ^ Lester, Paul (8 December 2008). "No 445: Metro Station". The Guardian. Archived from the original on September 26, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Stone, Rolling (July 29, 2008). "Breaking Artist: Metro Station". Rolling Stone.
  3. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station CD". AllMusic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  4. ^ "Metro Station complete debut album". Alternative Press. 3 July 2007. Archived from the original on February 28, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  5. ^ "Key Releases: March 23". Music Week. March 14, 2009. p. 20.
  6. ^ a b c August Brown (February 15, 2008). "Another Cyrus, another career". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  7. ^ Crystal Fernandez (November 14, 2008). "Metro Station past and present discussed". Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  8. ^ John J. Moser (August 30, 2008). "Metro Station is shaking off "Hannah Montana" ties". The Morning Call. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  9. ^ Andrew Leahey. "Metro Station - Biography". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 10, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Andrew Leahey. "Metro Station Biography by Andrew Leahey". AllMusic. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  11. ^ "Metro Station Interview". Archived from the original on February 9, 2009. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  12. ^ "Kelsey - Single by Metro Station". Apple Music. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  13. ^ "charts.nz - New Zealand charts portal". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  14. ^ "Metro Station Chart History: Dance Singles Sales". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  15. ^ "Available for Airplay Archive: 2007 – December". FMQB. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  16. ^ Paul Lester (December 8, 2008). "No 445: Metro Station". The Guardian. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  17. ^ "AllAccess.com Alternative eWeekly". AllAccess. March 25, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  18. ^ a b "Metro Station Album & Song Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  19. ^ "Metro Station Album & Song Chart History - Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  20. ^ "australian-charts.com - Australian charts portal". Hung Medien. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  21. ^ "The Official Charts Company - Metro Station". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  22. ^ "Metro Station Ready to Launch 'Disco Balls & Blow Up Dolls,' the Group's First Ever North American Headline Tour Beginning in October". Sony. Sony Music Entertainment. August 19, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  23. ^ a b "RIAA - Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 28, 2011.
  24. ^ "Buy Seventeen Forever Online". Sanity. December 13, 2008. Archived from the original on March 9, 2023. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  25. ^ a b Joe DeAndrea. "Metro Station - Metro Station - Album Review". AbsolutePunk. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  26. ^ a b AllMusic review
  27. ^ a b Nat Morris. "Review: Metro Station - Metro Station [Album]". AltSounds. Archived from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
  28. ^ a b Kaj Roth (September 29, 2007). "Metro Station - Metro Station". Melodic. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  29. ^ a b "Album Review: Metro Station". NME. March 29, 2009.
  30. ^ a b c John Webber. "Metro Station - Metro Station". Rock Louder. Archived from the original on June 27, 2009. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  31. ^ Kendal A. Gapinski (June 26, 2008). "Music Review: Perfect pool party pop". Lancaster Online. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Metro Station Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  33. ^ a b "Metro Station Chart History (Top Dance/Electronic Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  34. ^ a b "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2019. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  35. ^ a b "Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2008". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  36. ^ Chris Harris (June 11, 2008). "Metro Station's Trace Cyrus Isn't Standing In The Shadow Of Half-Sister Miley". MTV. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  37. ^ "Metro Station : Metro Station". HMV. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  38. ^ "Metro Station - Album by Metro Station". Spotify. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  39. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  40. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Metro Station – Metro Station". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  41. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Metro Station – Metro Station" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  42. ^ a b "Ultratop.be – Metro Station – Metro Station" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  43. ^ "Ultratop.be – Metro Station – Metro Station" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  44. ^ "Canadian Albums Chart - 7 September 2008". Jam! Canoe. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved September 8, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  45. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Metro Station – Metro Station" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  46. ^ "Lescharts.com – Metro Station – Metro Station". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  47. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Metro Station – Metro Station" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  48. ^ "Italiancharts.com – Metro Station – Metro Station". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  49. ^ "メトロ・ステーション" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 5, 2018. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  50. ^ "Charts.nz – Metro Station – Metro Station". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  51. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  52. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Metro Station – Metro Station". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  53. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  54. ^ "Metro Station Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  55. ^ "Dance/Electronic Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  56. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Metro Station – Shake It". Music Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-18.
  57. ^ "Release: Metro Station - Metro Station (CD - Columbia/Red #8869710521)". AllMusic. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  58. ^ "Metro Station - Album by Metro Station". Apple Music. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  59. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station". Discogs. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  60. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station". Discogs. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  61. ^ "Release: Metro Station - Metro Station (LP - Columbia #88697278291)". AllMusic. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  62. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station". Discogs. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  63. ^ "Metro Station - Metro Station". Amazon. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  64. ^ @fielddayrecords (April 12, 2023). "Metro Station - Self-Titled - Vinyl" – via Instagram.