Pioneer (The Maine album)

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Pioneer
An adult man with a bushy beard, red lips and a white shirt is front-and-centered on the grey cover. The band name appears above the man, along with the album title that's colored twice: one in black and one in red over it.
Studio album by
ReleasedDecember 6, 2011
Recorded2011
GenreAlternative rock[1][2]
Length61:45
LabelAction Theory
ProducerThe Maine, Colby Wedgeworth
The Maine chronology
Black & White
(2010)
Pioneer
(2011)
Forever Halloween
(2013)
Alternative covers
Pioneer And The Good Love cover
Singles from Pioneer
  1. "Don't Give Up on "Us""
    Released: November 15, 2011[3]
  2. "Some Days"
    Released: November 15, 2011[4]
  3. "You'll Never Know"
    Released: August 14, 2012[5]

Pioneer is the third full-length studio album by The Maine. The album sold over 12,000 copies in its first week,[6] debuting at number 90 on the Billboard 200.[7]

Background[edit]

In May and June 2011, the group went on a co-headlining US tour with Augustana.[8] During the tour, the group debuted several new songs. On June 5, the group revealed that they had started recording their next album before the tour began, and were going to continue following the tour's conclusion.[9] Recording took place at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas with producer Colby Wedgeworth.[10] On June 22, the group performed a new track titled "Don't Give Up on "Us"" on Fuel TV.[9]

Release[edit]

In October and November, the group supported Taking Back Sunday on their headlining US tour.[11] On October 5, Alternative Press reported that the group's next album would be titled Pioneer and was due for released in either late November or early December.[10] On October 27, the group announced that the album would be released in December. In addition, a trailer was released which featured a snippet of a new track titled "Some Days".[12] In November and December, the group went on a headlining US tour.[13] On November 1, "Don't Give Up on "Us"" was made available for streaming.[14] Later that day, the album's track listing and artwork were revealed.[15] On November 6, a lyric video was released for "Don't Give Up on "Us"".[16] On November 9, the group released a video of them making the album.[17] On November 15, "Some Days" was made available for streaming.[18] A lyric video was released for the track on November 21.[19]

On December 2, Pioneer was made available for streaming,[20] before being released on December 6[12] through the band's own label, Action Theory. "Misery" was made available for streaming on December 2, 2011.[21] The album features singles "Don't Give Up On Us" and "Some Days."[22] To promote its release, the group held a livestream event via Stickam called This Is Pioneer. It featured a documentary on the making of the album and a concert where the band performed material from all of their previous albums and EPs.[23] Shortly afterwards, the group performed at the Unsilent Night festival.[24] In January and February 2012, the band supported All Time Low on their UK tour.[25] On January 22, the group released "Take Me Dancing", an outtake from the album, as a free download.[26] On February 5, a lyric video was released for the track.[27] On February 16, a music video was released for the song.[28] Later in February, the group embarked on a European tour.[29]

Between April and June, the group went on a headlining US tour with support from Lydia and Arkells.[30] On July 27, a music video was released for "Like We Did (Windows Down)".[31] A behind-the-scenes video was subsequently released.[32] On September 11, Pioneer was reissued in the UK through Rude Records. Under the new title Pioneer & the Good Love, it featured new artwork and six new songs.[33] The new songs were also released separately on the Good Love EP, which was released on the same day.[34] A behind-the-scenes video of the group recording the new songs was also released.[35] On September 30, the group performed at the Bazooka Rocks Festival in the Philippines.[36] On October 11, the band released an alternative version of "Like We Did (Windows Down)" under the name "Like We Did (When We Were Lost)". They explained it was "a more abstract take on friendship and adventure".[37] In October and November, the group went on a co-headlining US tour with Mayday Parade. They were supported by The Postelles.[38][39] On October 20, the group released a music video for "Thinking of You".[40]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk75%[41]
AllMusic[42]
Alternative Press[2]

Pioneer was met with positive reviews from music critics. Chrysta Cherrie of AllMusic gave a positive review praising the group for their "stripped-down and mature effort" on the album. She compared the group to the likes of Kings of Leon, Fountains of Wayne and Old 97's.[42] In another positive review by Scott Heisel of Alternative Press he remarked, "we never would've guessed the Maine would be the ones putting out rock records this consistently unique, interesting and, well, great." He complimented the band for changing up their sound that make them stand out among their peers.[2] Thomas Nassiff of AbsolutePunk stated, "Pioneer is actually a real rock record. Sure, it's still corny as all hell and the lyrics are nothing to be too proud of, but there are guitar solos here that don't suck, there are melodies that aren’t annoying."[41]

Track listing[edit]

All lyrics written by John O'Callaghan, all music composed by The Maine.

No.TitleLength
1."Identify"3:37
2."My Heroine"3:36
3."Time"3:28
4."Some Days"3:55
5."I'm Sorry"4:21
6."Don't Give Up on "Us""3:35
7."Misery"3:53
8."When I'm at Home"4:26
9."Thinking of You"3:02
10."Jenny"4:15
11."Like We Did (Windows Down)"4:08
12."While Listening to Rock & Roll..."4:46
13."Waiting for My Sun to Shine" (contains hidden track "One Pack of Smokes")14:43
Total length:61:45
Pioneer and the Good Love bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
14."I Want You"3:51
15."I'm Leaving"4:16
16."You'll Never Know"3:53
17."Goodbye"3:29
18."Take Me Dancing"5:07
19."Hello World"3:38
20."Good Love"5:16
Total length:1:31:15

Personnel[edit]

Credits for Pioneer adapted from AllMusic.[43]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2011) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[44] 90
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[45] 11
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[46] 25
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[47] 6
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[48] 14

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The Maine - Forever Halloween". Alternative Press. May 29, 2013. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Heisel, Scott (December 6, 2011). "REVIEWS". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  3. ^ "Don't Give Up on "Us" - The Maine | Release Info". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  4. ^ "Some Days - Single by The Maine". iTunes. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  5. ^ "You'll Never Know - Single by The Maine". iTunes. Archived from the original on April 9, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  6. ^ "The Maine: With Pioneer, the Mesa Rockers Step Away From Warner Bros". Retrieved January 18, 2021.
  7. ^ "Pioneer - The Maine - Billboard.com". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  8. ^ Bird, Michele (March 14, 2011). "The Maine announce co-headlining tour with Augustana". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  9. ^ a b Bird, Michele (June 5, 2011). "The Maine perform a new song, "Don't Give Up On Us"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  10. ^ a b Zaleski, Annie (October 5, 2011). "Exclusive: The Maine name new album, confirm 2011 release". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  11. ^ Paul, Aubin (August 15, 2011). "Taking Back Sunday / The Maine / Bad Rabbits". Punknews.org. Aubin Paul. Retrieved March 12, 2017.
  12. ^ a b Zaleski, Annie (October 27, 2011). "The Maine announce "Pioneer" release date, reveal single snippet". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  13. ^ Bird, Michele (October 7, 2011). "The Maine announce fall headlining tour". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  14. ^ Common, Tyler (November 1, 2011). "The Maine release new song, "Don't Give Up On Us", for free download". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  15. ^ Bird, Michele (November 1, 2011). "The Maine post cover art, tracklisting for "Pioneer"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 27, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  16. ^ Bird, Michele (November 6, 2011). "The Maine release lyric video for "Don't Give Up On (Us)"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  17. ^ Bird, Michele (November 9, 2011). "The Maine post studio update". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  18. ^ Common, Tyler (November 15, 2011). "The Maine release new song, "Some Days"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  19. ^ Bird, Michele (November 21, 2011). "The Maine release lyric video for "Some Days"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  20. ^ Bird, Michele (December 2, 2011). "The Maine stream new album, "Pioneer"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 6, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  21. ^ "Song Premiere: The Maine's Misery". Alternative Press. December 2, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  22. ^ Kennedy Brock (November 10, 2011). ""Some Days" Release and Track By Track - The Maine". The Maine. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  23. ^ Common, Tyler (November 27, 2011). "The Maine announce "This Is Pioneer" release day event". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  24. ^ Yancey, Bryne (November 28, 2011). "Unsilent Night 4 to feature All Time Low, the Maine, Attack Attack!, more". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  25. ^ Rock Sound (July 12, 2012). "All Time Low Plot 2012 Headline Tour - News". Rock Sound. Freeway Press Inc. Archived from the original on September 18, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  26. ^ Common, Tyler (January 22, 2012). "The Maine release free song, launch pre-orders for "Stay Up, Get Down" reissue". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  27. ^ Bird, Michele (February 5, 2012). "The Maine post "Take Me Dancing" lyric video". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  28. ^ Common, Tyler (February 16, 2012). "The Maine release "Misery" video". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  29. ^ Bird, Michele (November 26, 2011). "The Maine announce European tour dates". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  30. ^ Common, Tyler (February 8, 2012). "The Maine announce U.S. tour with Lydia, Arkells". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  31. ^ Colwell, Matthew (July 27, 2012). "The Maine release "Like We Did (Windows Down)" music video". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  32. ^ Bird, Michele (August 8, 2012). "The Maine release behind-the-scenes look at "Like We Did (Windows Down)" video shoot". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  33. ^ Common, Tyler (July 31, 2012). "The Maine announce "Pioneer" Europe re-release with six new songs". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  34. ^ Common, Tyler (August 14, 2012). "The Maine release new b-side, "You'll Never Know," stream clips from "Good Love" EP". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  35. ^ Colwell, Matthew (September 4, 2012). "The Maine release behind-the-scenes video on making of 'Good Love' EP". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  36. ^ Yancey, Bryne (June 4, 2012). "Mayday Parade, the Maine, Forever The Sickest Kids to play festival in Philippines". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
  37. ^ Common, Tyler (October 11, 2012). "The Maine post new rendition of "Like We Did"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  38. ^ Bird, Michele (August 6, 2012). "The Maine announce co-headlining tour with Mayday Parade". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  39. ^ Colwell, Matthew (August 7, 2012). "The Maine, Mayday Parade and the Postelles tour dates revealed". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on August 10, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  40. ^ Kraus, Brian (October 20, 2012). "The Maine release video for "Thinking Of You"". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. Archived from the original on December 31, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2017.
  41. ^ a b "Maine, The - Pioneer". Absolute Punk. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  42. ^ a b "Review". AllMusic. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on December 23, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  43. ^ "Pioneer - The Maine - AllMusic". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Archived from the original on March 5, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  44. ^ "The Maine Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  45. ^ "The Maine Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  46. ^ "The Maine Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link] Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  47. ^ "The Maine - Chart history (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  48. ^ "The Maine Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2013.

External links[edit]