In Bob Green’s third and newest album, Silver Screams for Silent Screens, the artist explores unsaid emotions, vulnerable vices, and turmoil in relationships. Throughout each song, Green’s commanding voice recites words often left unspoken.
The track opener, “Next Full Moon,” has Green lamenting about his own personal failings in a relationship. However, he wishes for the subject of his desire to wait for him to better himself by the titular “next full moon.” As an opener, “Next Full Moon” starts the album off on a strong and arresting note.
In “Blood and Water”, Green angrily addresses an unnamed party demanding if they “see the error of [their] ways.” The song builds up to Green repeating to “let your conscience be your guide” before swelling into its final chorus.
“Unknown Road” begins with just a guitar before Green begins to sing. The song itself describes the innate uncertainty of life, and Green’s belief to brave that uncertainty instead of finding another path. He sings how life is “a roll of the dice,” and “just a flick of the wrist.” Consequently, Green adds that one can “end up so high or dig down in the ditch.” One of the only songs off the album to not have a defined subject to be sung to, Green is instead advising us listeners, and perhaps also reminding himself, that the only way out is through.
The middle-most track, “Run”, is about loving someone past your parting with them. While the first verse has Green singing about his love for this person, by the chorus it becomes apparent that this person is with a more abusive partner now. Green advises his former flame to run away from this person, showing that despite their relationship ending, he still cares for this person.
My personal favorite track on the record, “Whiskey Weed and Wine,” has Green going to what I would argue is his most vulnerable place on the album. The song dissects Green’s relationship with substances. He weighs the pros and cons of substance use citing his desire to feel more numb, or at least feel less pain, as a reason to engage. However, he contemplates how healthy it is to cope with these substances. It feels very refreshing and raw to have an artist get vulnerable about their relationship with substances in a world that treats such conversations as hush hush. The song aptly ends with an unknown voice audibly exhaling into the microphone, adding to the personal nature of the song.
The penultimate track, “Pirate’s Life,” plays around with instrumentals reminiscent of sea shanties. The song likens our modern day life, metaphorically, with that of a pirate’s. A very fun and upbeat song, this is definitely the most joyful track on the record.
Closing the album out is “Drain You.” Green sings how an unnamed lover taught him how love can be safe. The song starts off stripped back with simply a guitar and Green’s voice. The most romantic of the love songs on the album, Green sings about passionate kisses and uses the simple but effective profession: “I like you.”
Silver Screams for Silent Screens has Green pouring love, anger, frustration, joy, and grief all into just seven tracks. The album is aptly named as each song feels like a reflection of the words we try to repress, but that end up bubbling up with tenfold as much emotion.
By Paris Levin