The most annoying phrase used in 2002 (besides 'Homeland Security') was by far the word Emo. Yes, music fans alike shudd, because 'Emo' was tossed around more times then any other genre of music. The magazines are endless...Rolling Stone, Teen People, SPIN, etc etc. Hell, Time even had a brief piece on this 'rising genre of music for our youth'. In summary, it was disgusting.

The Juliana Theory got thrown into this mix, and be it good or bad helped them get a major label. But uh-oh. Indie Emo Band goes to major label? This has a familiar ring to it. Not even just that, but Juliana Theory were on the label Tooth & Nail Records, known for its hard rocking Christians. So, to say that The Juliana Theory had some views to break, and opinions to change going into this album, is the understatement of the year.

Love, is the Juliana Theory's greatest album to date. Many fans of their first and second album are going to disagree greatly, but the fact is, 'Love' is the album of rock they should be making, because they make it more definitive, diverse, and touching then any of their emo-pop albums like 'Understand this is a Dream' and 'Emotion is Dead'. Love hits you right off the beginning, with a rocker 'Bring it Low', and hardly lets go for the occasional ballad ('Shell of a Man', Jewel to Sparkle', 'White Days', etc).

The songs shows the band's greater talents in playing their instruments (good piano and gasp, more then just power chords? and acoustic guitars that don't sound like Dashboard Confessional), and that Bret Detar is a very good frontman, displaying better song writing skills to boot with a voice that ranges with his songs.

'Love' should be the Juliana Theory's break out album, but in all reality, it probably won't be. The Emo-craze has died down considerably (regardless of SPIN naming Dashboard Confessional the 'band to watch for 2003'), and their CD has been pushed back roughly 4 times. Leaving the album to be on the Internet since August, and making the material seem less NEW. The CD last I checked is being sold at Target (once again read the summary) and is roughly $5.99, so spend the 6 bucks and buy it.