Two (stylized as II) is the second studio album by American rock band the Calling, released on June 8, 2004 (lead vocalist Alex Band's 23rd birthday), through RCA Records. The record only features original members Alex Band and guitarist Aaron Kamin, along with several session musicians. Similarly to its predecessor, Two primarily discusses romantic love and relationships.
Despite radio-friendly singles and incessant touring by the band, the album was under-promoted by RCA Records and commercially deemed a sophomore slump compared to Camino Palmero. Critical reception, however, saw a minor incline.
Reception
"Our Lives" was a minor hit, but the album was not as successful as their debut album Camino Palmero with sales totaling two million worldwide. Johnny Loftus at AllMusic, who gave it one and half out of five stars, said the album is "never adding enough of anything to be memorable or personal", and, that it is "the alternative to having an opinion."
Two didn't do as well in the charts as their debut album, as it only peaked at No. 54 on Billboard 200. In UK it peaked higher than their first album as it reached No. 9.
Track listing All songs written and composed by Alex Band and Aaron Kamin.
Personnel Alex Band – arranger, keyboards, programming, vocals, producer Paul Bushell – bass The Calling – video producer Bob Clearmountain – mixing Clive Davis – executive producer Stephen Ferrera – A&R Shaina Fewell – video director FJH – art direction Josh Freese – drums Marc Greene – engineer Tal Hertzberg – engineer Kurt Iswarienko – photography Aaron Kamin – bass, percussion, piano, strings, arranger, programming, producer, engineer, spoken word, group member Chris Lord-Alge – mixing Clif Magness – producer Jamie Muhoberac – piano, strings Gary Novak – drums Alan Steinberger – keyboards, Hammond organ Marc Tanner – producer Matthew Welch – photography Joe Yannece – mastering
Charts +Chart performance for Two Chart (2004) PeakpositionArgentine Albums (CAPIF)20 Australian Albums (ARIA) 96 Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 95 European Albums (Billboard) 22 Japanese Albums (Oricon) 25 US Billboard 200 54
Certifications
References