• Artist: The Polyphonic Spree
• Year released: 2004
• Label: Hollywood Records
• Genres: Alternative / Indie, Experimental / Avante Garde, Pop

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Feelin’ low? Feelin’ great? However you feel today, The Polyphonic Spree’s deliriously uplifting sound will make you smile with glee.

Together We're Heavy's track listing picks up where The Beginning Stages of… left off at “Section 10” beginning with "Section 11 (A Long Day Continues/We Sound Amazed).” The lyrics of Together We’re Heavy prove that this group understands that life is not always perfect, as shown in “Section 13 (Diamonds/Mild Devotion to Majesty)” with the lyrics “Don’t fall in love with diamond rings or tragedy will somehow find its way in all that you hold true” and continues to hold on to a cautious optimism in “Section 17 (Suitcase Calling)”: “It seems like it’s always better until my heart/ It starts to show.”

Tim DeLaughter exchanges his guitar for a piano (which by the way, he had never played before forming The Spree) and the album has a more polished and elaborate sound. Since there are so many instruments and voices, DeLaughter puts more effort into making the sound dynamic on Together, so that each instrument and voice can be heard. The listener is guided on a whimsical ride, hearing every detail in each song. Tracks have longer musical breaks and are not as catchy as on Beginning, though “Section 12 (Hold Me Now)” has the same poppy enthusiasm as “Soldier Girl.”

The group presents a massive, ambitious, and harmonic sound with this sophomore album. The CD also comes with a bonus DVD of live performances, videos, an interview with founder Tim DeLaughter, and even a game for extra entertainment. Together We’re Heavy is a compilation of carefully crafted remarks about the harmony of life and music… a soundtrack to life.

- Whitney Devin