Yes to Everything is a rock album by 54-40 on True North. This is the CD edition. This edition was released on June 14, 2005.
The first album with former Matthew Good Band guitarist Dave Genn has Canadian rock icons 54-40 invigorated with new blood. And Yes to Everything shows the band very comfortable in delivering well-crafted rock that also happens to be radio-friendly at the same time. This is very evident judging by the midtempo pop/rock of Easy to Love that has a certain swagger to it. Meanwhile, the straightforward punch of Can't Get Enough also seems to work with Genn and singer Neil Osborne working as tightly as the tandem of drummer Matt Johnson and bassist Brad Merritt. The quartet also manages to change things up with the bouncy and almost ska-tinged Golden Sun that could be covered at some point by No Doubt. Twenty four years ago, a young Vancouver band started out making music as rebellious, indie rock boys. Fast forward to 2005: 54-40 are now rebelling against major labels by putting out their first indie record since their earliest days. Over the last quarter-decade, the group has enjoyed critical and popular success with hits such as "One Gun", "I Go Blind," and "Baby Ran". They've also remained lyrically astute and politically active throughout their career, taking on issues from war to spousal abuse and beyond. Yes To Everything contains the same melodic elements that fans love, although the band itself has changed; longtime guitarist Phil Comparelli has departed and the gap has been aptly filled by ex-Matthew Good guitarist Dave Genn, who pumps up the rock throughout the disc. As a result, tracks like the opener "Easy To Love" and "Another Kiss" come with anthemic guitar riffs perfect for a fist-raising, sing-along live performance. Frontman Neil Osborne continues to create lovely, languid melodies, and on the slower side of things "This Is Here, This Is Now"'s Buddhist-inspired lyrics and "On The Road Home" --a disc highlight--proves to be a beautiful closing melody, the perfect soundtrack to a summertime road trip. Twenty-plus years and twelve discs in, Yes To Everything contains no dramatic musical changes, just more of the same great melodic hits that 54-40 has been known and loved for since their earliest days. --Denise Sheppard
