Album Review: Jonas Brothers - 'Lines, Vines And Trying Times'

On their fourth outing, the Jonas Brothers aim to show their growth and maturity as artists, while still remaining true to their legions of teenage fans.

The album’s title Lines, Vines and Trying Times, represent the proverbial lines people will feed you, the vines of obstacles that get in your way, and the trying times in relationships and personal woes that test your strength. The guys wisely acknowledge that this isn’t something that one experiences alone, but rather a set of tests that we must all face.

The funky, “World War III”, pumps the set into drive as it metaphorically doubles as the story of a relationship that slowly evolves into a battle. Nick Jonas notes that “this is a personal experience for me,” and that by the end of things she was the only one fighting.

“Paranoid”, which served as the set’s first single, embodies the guys’ niche for taking a catchy and, at times, simple track to the next level with the use of evoking instrumentation. That aside, although it was a rather safe way to lead the project, it was definitely the right and most accurate choice.

The ageless, “Fly With Me”, is a love song that transcends with the group offering up references to legendary characters Peter Pan and Wendy as they dream of flying away and falling in love. Still, the highlight of the track is the incredible balance they find between its’ balladry and edginess.

“Poison Ivy” deals with a toxic girl that seems irresistible, “Hey Baby” rages on a vintage Michael Jackson cut, and “What Did I Do to Your Heart” gives country vibes. Collectively, all three tracks see the guys taking respectable risks, but just not ones that end with rewards or praise.

The Miley Cyrus-assisted “Before the Storm”, is a bittersweet duet that shines as the former couple, who are rumored to have rekindled their relationship, dish out the album’s strongest and most heartfelt vocals.

“Much Better” starts by cleverly taking shots at Taylor Swift, as Joe Jonas coons “I'm done with superstars and all the tears on her guitar,” but it’s the Neil Diamond influence that helps the old-school laced track walk on winning grounds.

“Black Keys” and “Turn Right” mark the disc’s most lyrically competent moments, while “Don’t Speak and “Keep It Real” prove to be the exact opposite.

Still, the biggest bump and mistake in the road arises with “Don’t Charge Me for the Crime”, which features an awkward guest appearance from lyricist Common, who helps the guys drive the track straight into the ground. Aside from just being downright weird, it clearly gives you the perception that the guys are trying to be something that they just aren’t.

In conclusion, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, does adequately showcase their maturity as both artists and songwriters, and profitably widens their appeal beyond the teen crowd.

Even with the set backs of repetitiveness and verging distress, the thing that most effectively makes the album a winner is their willingness to take risks and, at least, attempt to gravitate beyond the realms of their roots, which for the most part sees them flourishing.

3 out of 5

Celebrity Bug’s Key Tracks: “Paranoid”, “Fly with Me”, “Before the Storm”, “Much Better”, “Black Keys” & “Turn Right”