Who We Are (Lifehouse album)

The album was produced by American record producer Jude Cole, Lifehouse, and John Fields. As a follow-up to the success of their previous eponymous album, Cole was given wider creative control.[1][2] Lifehouse started recording Who We Are without any demos, and only had lyrics from Jason Wade when they entered the studio.[3] When asked about creating a song for the album, Lifehouse lead percussionist Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. said, "Nobody really knew what they would be playing. We just cut it, listened to it and realized it was pretty electric… the kind of song where you just turn up the radio."[4] The album focused on the different emotions of love, bliss, struggles, and pain.[5] Musically, the album was a combination of rock, alternative, and adult alternative.[6] After being asked about the title of the album, Wade stated, "We established camaraderie on the road and gelled as a unit. This record defines 'Who We Are,' which is why that’s the title. The sound fits where we’re at right now."[7]

Lifehouse lead singer Jason Wade had many inspirations when writing songs for Who We Are. When asked about the background of lead single "First Time", Wade said, "It just felt urgent, like a first kiss, a first love. Like the first time you realize there's more to that relationship than you thought. I had to dig a little for that one, but I find myself at a place where I can write stuff that's a little deeper than your average love song in terms of emotion."[8] Wade was inspired to write "The Joke" after he read a newspaper article that detailed the story of a British boy who hung himself as a result of being bullied by his fellow schoolmates.[9] The song "Broken" was written by Wade after he visited a friend in Nashville that needed a kidney transplant.[7]

"Make Me Over" was inspired by the band's love of British rock, while strains of "Learn You Inside Out" were inspired by the Plastic Ono Band.[7] When asked about the song "Learn You Inside Out", Wade said, "I wrote it really quick. We decided just to freestyle. It was one of those moments when we really grew as a band, being able to reach each other and know where we're going."[7] The song "Disarray" was inspired by Wade's strict and religious family. When asked about the song, he said, "Angels, demons. We all fight them both, and anyone who pretends they don’t is not someone I want to hang out with."[7] "Storm" was originally written by Wade at the age of sixteen, when he was going through difficult times.[7] When asked about the song in an interview, Wade said, "That was fun to record because of its starkness. We love the idea of the title, surrounded by negative space, like the a cappella beginning. Because when you’re lost in confusion, no matter how much is going on around you, you’re still alone."[7]

In support of Who We Are, Lifehouse went on the "Disarray Tour", which was highlighted by dates in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Atlanta.[27] American singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson and HoneyHoney joined Lifehouse on select dates throughout the tour.[28] Lifehouse continued to promote the album on Last Call with Carson Daly on July 9, 2007 where they played "First Time".[29] They also performed the song on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on August 15, 2007.[30] The band made an appearance at the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl on February 10, 2008.[31] On February 15, 2008, the band performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.[32] They performed on Live with Regis and Kelly playing "First Time" and "Whatever It Takes" on April 1, 2008.[33]

All songs produced by Jude Cole and Lifehouse, except "Broken" produced by John Fields.

Adapted from Allmusic.[35]