With "Smoke & Mirrors" Lifehouse place finally in front of her now fifth studio album. The album is the way of "Who We Are" continuously advancing, towards pop rock, away from pure rock music. The opener "All In" is reminiscent of classic Lifehouse singles. Very catchy and good melody in the chorus neat guitars and a beat, matching the convertible weather. In the same way is also the first single "Halfway Gone", which certainly proves Radio capability and are hoping for a long-deserved hit in the German single charts. The rocking songs like "Had Enough", which was co-written and produced by Daughtry, or "Wrecking Ball", the first of guitarist Bryce alone eingesungene Song convince all along the line. As was found in the last-mentioned album with "Falling In", "Smoke & Mirrors" or "By Your Side" somewhat shallower, but well-done rock-pop numbers. 2 old acquaintances are also found on the new album: "From Where You Are" was used in 2008 for an advertising campaign for responsible driving in the US, however, was too late for the LP "Who We Are" off. A special treat for all Lifehouse fans is especially the new version of "Everything", in fan circles the absolute favorite of all Lifehouse songs. Disappointing, however, fall to mainly 2 songs. "Here Tomorrow, Gone Today" does not fit into the picture as the California rockers and it shows clearly that here (as well as at "Halfway Gone") of the Hip Hopper Kevin Rudolph sat at the controls. Such a technically distorted disco number one would not have expected Lifehouse and you do not want to hear. "It Is What It Is" is the ballad on the album. What with great strings in "Broken" on the last LP was still working, go here but a little off. "It Is What It Is" is a bit too pop but then you miss and here clearly the actual band with guitars etc. Apart from these two derailments is "Smoke & Mirrors" but a well selected wiedermal Lifehouse album that the style of the previous album "Who We Are" further developed. Was also positive to note that on the Deluxe Edition is really neat stuff on it and the CD with a total of 16 songs really worth. At the debut "No Name Face" and also to the 4th album "Who We Are" the new LP but does not reach.
