Parachute is landing back in the music scene with their second album, “The Way It Was”, which dropped May 17th via The Island Def Jam Music. Following the group’s debut release, “Losing Sleep”, the sophomore album expands on the pop rock band’s sparkling creativity. We know the word sparkling might sound cheesy, but that is exactly what the group’s music does to us. It ignites inspirational spurts of energy within us as the beats of the tracks whisk us away. Produced by John Fields, whose credits include Switchfoot, the Goo Goo Dolls, Pink and Paper Tongues, “The Way It Was”, is a 10 track album that exudes spontaneously uplifting beats, catchy rifts and passionately and pleasantly sung vocals. The fervor of Parachute’s music is boosting our own infatuation for the band and making “The Way It Was” a top 2011 pop rock album in our Shockya music charts. We give all around compliments to Parachute. We’ll soar away with you any day.

Fans can grab the album’s track, “What I Know,” free on iTunes this week, as well as “The Way It Was” at a bargain price. Check out the Youtube video of Parachute explaining the math behind the album’s price. The five-member band is not only talented musicians, but mathematicians as well.

Will Anderson, Johnny Stubblefield, Alex Hargrave, Kit French and Nate McFarland, also known as Parachute, will be heading on tour this summer, performing alongside the Goo Goo Dolls and Michelle Branch on specific dates.

Just as how love begins with friendship, making great music also begins with friendship. With roots in Charlottesville, VA, the members of Parachute have been friends for years. Will, Johnny, Alex and Kit have been playing together since high school and Nate came along in the college years. Doesn’t that brief history of the group’s musical bond make you just gush. Maybe today is an especially corny day for us, but Parachute delivers those oohs and ahhs with “The Way It Was”, so we’ll take our get out of jail free card.

by Lonnie Nemiroff