When you listen to an album by a popular artist, there's typically about 3 "great" songs, while the rest are passable attempts of filler to complete a 11-or-so track list. It's aggravating, as a consumer and musician, to spend the time and money on an album that doesn't sound like much effort went into the creativity and meaning of it. Thankfully, there's some bands/artists that still exist who believe an album should be a collection of their best work. It's hopeful enough to hear a band release one album that falls under this category of quality, but to hear two albums in a row that breath life back into the pop genre is something to be amazed by. Parachute has done just that.

Virginia based quintet Parachute stopped by Center Stage in Atlanta, Ga in support of Andy Grammar and I was lucky enough to be in attendance. I've seen Parachute before when they had just released (that week, I believe) their freshman album, Losing Sleep. I thought it was remarkable to hear a band (their first full-length album, at that) who never once sounded unsure of their sound. It didn't hurt that any pop artist would be lucky to have any of Parachute's songs as their single. But that was 4 years ago. How would they have changed? Had they become less confident of their sound and decided to pick up a rap career? Was I over thinking the vocalist Will Anderson's ability to rap? Thankfully, all this was put to rest.

While I'm still unsure of Will's rapping career (I believe in you, buddy), the five Virginia gentlemen eased my worries by performing old and new material, all benefitting from Parachute's unique pop sound. Starting off with White Dress, the opening track to their latest album, The Way It Was, Parachute started things off right by getting the crowd completely on their side. They played a healthy amount of their material off the previously mentioned 2011 album, while only playing 2-3 tracks off of their freshman album, Losing Sleep, including Ghost and She (For Liz). Wishing to hear more of their older material, it's pretty important to note that I was never disappointed by their performance. Each song contained the sing-along lyrics, memorable melodies and Will's soaring vocals. These three factors are enough to complete any concert-goer's night out in Atlanta.

Ending with Something To Believe In, Parachute left the Peach State with the promise that they weren't close to being done doing what they have that night. Will, Johnny, Alex, Nate and Kit had way too much fun onstage making everyone dance and sing to even think about not coming back to Atlanta soon. Wishful thinking, I'd like to hear a new Parachute album and see them back in Atlanta within a year. But creating great albums and putting on a performance like theirs takes time. And I, for one, am willing to be patient.