When I first started listening to the Side Effects album, I had a mixed opinions on it at first. I thought that Coexist was good, but I wasn't a big fan of Side Effects and had mixed feelings See You. The album overall is pretty good, but the song I have come to love from it most is Mayday!
The intro to the song is great and hooked me right away. The lead guitar is pretty good in the intro, but I personally really liked the rhythm guitar work better. The lower sounding guitar stood out to me more and is what I remember more in the intro. The verses are well executed with great melodic vocals that leads into a very heavy prechorus. That then leads into a very epic chorus that is intense and fun to sing with. They then end the chorus with the singer screaming mayday and I think that is a fantastic way to end the chorus. I do wish that there was a little more in terms of lead guitar work. You can tell that it is there but it doesn't really stand out and I wish it stood out more. Having said that, I still think the music is very good overall.
The lyrics are classic angry lyrics that you expect out of Coldrain. It reminds me of songs like Envy, You Lie, and Runaway, where they are singing about being angry at somebody. It is within the norm for this band but they are well written and way they are sung proves that they work really well. While safe, they are written effectively and are executed very well.
This is a very solid song from this band and in my opinion it's one of there best, I have listened to this song many times since it came out and I am still not sick of it. If you are a Coldrain fan, this song is more of the Coldrain you love. If you are a metal fan, I highly encourage you to check this song out. I give Mayday a 4 out of 5.
In all honesty, I am not the biggest fan of country music, especially of modern country. I am a hard rock and metal fan and have been for most of my life. However, one thing I have come to love and appreciate is a song that is from the heart. A song that is well written and has a deep message. Martina McBride has accomplished this many times, but one of her best, in my opinion, is “Concrete Angel”.
Lyrically, the song is very deep and talks about the issue of child abuse. Martina McBride wrote the lyrics in the form of a story of a girl who goes through life hiding her abuse or people seeing and ignoring it. The lyrics take a dark turn by saying that the girls died in the final verse. In chorus, tells us that fought through it while alive. It then goes on to say that the girl has found happiness in Heaven.
Along with powerful lyrics, Martina McBride has a beautiful voice that conveys the song’s message well. I saw a YouTuber named “Too Sushi” who said her voice made the song sound like a lullaby and I honestly agree. The soft melody is able to do both address the deep message and give a song a bit of a calm feel.
The music video for the song is amazing as well. It illustrates the lyrics perfectly and Martina McBride’s look is amazing. Her blue eyes really make you keep your attention on her. It is not in the form of, (oh I look beautiful and sexy so look at me). It’s actually in the sense of,( I’ve got something to say, please listen). When you look at her face and eyes, you can tell she’s being real and it sells the song that much better.
No matter what genre you listen to most, I can’t recommend this song enough. It has a good, deep message, the music fits well, and Martina McBride’s voice really carries the song. This is song is one that deserves a lot more attention and is one you really should check out.
Nocturnal Bloodlust has been through a lot recently due to the departure of their ex guitarists Daichi and Cazqui. After the two guitarists found out that employees at their record label were stealing money from them, they quit the band. This left the band's future uncertain with many people fearing that they would disband. Instead, they recruited guitarist, Lin, and recently put out their first song with the new guitarist, "Thank You".
I do like the opening riff that Lin plays in the beginning of the song. It has a good heavy vibe and is a good way to kick off the song. Natsu's drumming continues to be good in this song and really does a good job carrying the song through. Hiro displays his usual combination of growling and melodic vocal work and it continues to be amazing. However, even with all the good things, the loss of Daichi and Cazqui can be heard and felt in this song. The lack of guitar solos and great lead lines that were always key things in the band's other songs are missing here and that really hurts the song. As a result, the song ends up sounding more repetitive then the other songs have sounded in the past. I've heard Lin doing some soloing in his other band, Abstracts, and he can indeed solo. However, he doesn't display any of that in this song and in a band that is so famous for epic guitar solos, you have to be able to deliver on that. I hope that he does that when the band releases their mini album, "Unleashed".
As far as the lyrics go, the band has returned to doing mainly Japanese lyrics as oppose the majority English lyrics they did on more recent songs. Overall they do flow very well, especially in the chorus. As for the message, there has been a lot of controversy around the message. This song is clearly a diss track and a lot of people think that it is towards Cazqui and Daichi. While their names are never mentioned in the song, I can see why people would believe that this song is targeting them. With lines like "spreading stealth marketing" and "behind your smile is full of deceit", it can give off the vibe that they are saying that Cazqui and Daichi are just trying to promote themselves while leaving the rest of the band behind. Since they have written songs with these kind of lyrics in the past, I will give them the benefit of the doubt, as far as this song being directed towards the ex guitarists. Whether it is directed towards the ex guitarists or not, I don't think that doing a diss track so soon after long time members have left the band was such a good idea, because it would only end up causing this kind of controversy. Instead, I think they should of done something like they did with "Deep Inside" where the song would basically be about rising above the pain and soldering on. It would of had a more positive feel and fans would be more united around a message like that. The lyrics are not written badly, but I think the theme and message is bad timing.
I said at one point in time that no one in Nocturnal Bloodlust could be replaced and sadly I still feel that way with Thank You. The song is not bad, but it doesn't feel like a Nocturnal Bloodlust song. It doesn't have the same level of technicality and power that Daichi and Cazqui brought when they were in the band. Also, the fact that there is no guitar solo when Lin has proven he is capable of soloing hurts the song as well. Lin has a lot to compete with in this band and I do hope he succeeds in the future with this band, as I do with all the members, including Cazqui and Daichi. I give Thank You a 3 out of 5.
Brian Head Welch made a name for himself during his time as one of the guitarists for Korn in the 90s. During that time he helped the band compose some of their biggest songs and became very distinct in the band. However, he also became addicted to drugs and left the band. During his rehabilitation and recovery from drug addiction he became a devout christian and would go on to form his own band called Love and Death. One of the songs that helped that band gain traction in the christian metal scene was Meltdown
You defiantly hear the Korn influences in this song when it comes to the music, especially in the vocals. Welch uses very quiet, eerie vocals in the verses that remind me of songs like Evolution and Freak on a Leash. The music echoes that quiet eerie feel before we head into a heavy pre chorus. We then head into a big chorus. This formula continues through the entire song, with the exception of a short bridge. My favorite part of the song is without a doubt the chorus. It has good energy and the music matches the tone of the song perfectly. The music isn't very technical and not to tricky which overall works for the song. The one thing I wish they did though is instead of doing that short bridge with heavy, distorted guitar, I wish they did a deep sounding guitar solo that would work with the message and feel of the song. I feel like that would of got the point across more effectively then the simple heavy guitar that is there instead.
The lyrics in this song are pretty straight to the point. They are about someone in pain, feeling like breaking down, and calling out for help. I do like songs that address the pain that people feel, because I feel that songs like that give people a way to vent their pain. People can also relate to songs like these because everybody goes through pain through out their lives and when you have so much music that is shallow feel good music, it is nice to see someone willing to go deep. The message is clearly about someone's mental state when they are in pain. Overall the lyrics do a good job of getting the message across, I do they they could be written to flow a little bit better, but it is a minor problem and it doesn't kill the song for me.
The song has a good deep message that isn't talked about much in mainstream music and I do like it when bands and artists do these kind of songs. The music is overall good, but i do think the bridge could of been improved with a guitar solo instead of heavy guitar. However, the music is effective overall. I also think the lyrics are good as well. I give Meltdown a 3 out of 5.
When it comes to the 80's metal scene, you could argue that Dokken was one of the best bands from that era. With the great vocal work of Don Dokken and the amazing guitar skills of George Lynch, you have a band destined to go places. These two men did not get a long well, but that didn't stop them from being able to make good music together for a decade. Dokken was one first bands that introduced me to 80s and the first song I heard from them was Burning Like a Flame.
Musically, this is one of the bands more simpler songs for sure. The rhythm is more simple and George Lynch's playing isn't over the top like in other songs. Instead of trying to be fast and technical, Lynch is more simple and melodic and it actually works. The melodic guitar solo sounds pretty good and works well with the layout of the song. Don Dokken sounds good in this song as well. The man is a good singer and he continues to display great vocal skills in this song. Overall, a simple but still fun to listen to.
Lyrically, there isn't anything ground breaking. Like many other songs that came out of the 80's metal scene, this is a song about woman. To the band's credit, there are more relationship based points in this song and not just of focus on wanting sex like most other songs. However, elements of the sex message are still there in lines such as "cause every time I touch you, you just make me go insane". Having said that, the lyrics are written well and Don Dokken does a great job singing them.
While I certainly do like this song, I do admit that it isn't their best, especially when you listen to other songs such as Breaking The Chains, In My Dreams, and Dream Warriors. However, this is still a solid song and I think it is worth checking out. I give Burning Like a Flame a 3.5 out of 5.
I remember hearing this band for the first time when I came across their song We're Not Alone. I thought the song was pretty good and it caused me to listen to the band from time to time. Little by little the band grew on me and I got more into them. However, it wouldn't be until Envy that I really got into this band.
Right at the beginning, the song hooked me with the intro. The guitar riff, the drums, and the energy at the beginning of the song is amazing. Sugi starts the song off with that cool opening riff that carries the intro. Then YKC plays a pretty awesome guitar solo half way through that leads to a heavy verse. Here, the guitar work continues to be heavy and energetic and to match that energy, Masato busts out some heavy screaming vocals. The chorus is pretty good as well, this is where the clean vocals take over and it carries the entire chorus. The bridge is more slow and softer on the energy, but it does fit in to the song very well and doesn't feel out of place. The ending of this song is a great way to end the song. YKC busts out a good solo and Masato supports the him by adding some vocal work that operates more as background rather then the main focus. This guitar solo isn't super technical or over the top, but it sounds good and it really works well with the tone of the music. When it comes to the music, this song is solid.
The lyrics in the song are good to vent to if you are angry at someone and feel they have wronged you. The lyrics are about someone who is in a feud with someone the person thought was a friend and then the person feels that the friend betrayed them and now they don't get along. The lyrics flow well I didn't feel like any lines were out of place or unneeded. I also like this message because it is something that everyone can relate to. Everyone feels that they have been betrayed by someone at one point in their life and they need someway to let that anger out. I think this song is a healthy way to let the anger out without getting mad at the wrong person of picking the wrong battle to fight with the person who wronged you.
Weather you are a metal head, a rocker, or angry and need some way to vent, this is a song you should check out. With really good music that makes you want to head bang and lyrics that helps you vent your anger, this one solid song. Coldrain was already gaining momentum in Japan and world wide, but this song gained them a lot of traction and rightfully so. I give Envy a 4.5 out of 5.
A lot of things happened for metal in the 80's. Many people have argued that it was when the genre was at it's peek in terms of popularity. If you look at all the hits of the 80's you certainly can make a good case for that. This genre would come to be known as Glam Metal or Hair Metal. Since then, there has been a divide on how this genre is viewed. Some people call these bands posers, pretty boys, sell outs, and basically a disgrace to metal. However, others say that these bands put out some of the best musicians in metal history and if it wasn't for them, metal never would of expanded its audience. I personally fall in the second category and one band that executed it pretty well was Cinderella with Shake Me.
The first thing I would like to point out is Tom Keifer's voice. This guys reminds me of ACDC when he sings. He has that same kind of voice as Brian Johnson, high pitch screeching and he pulls it off very well. I personally think he would of been a better choice to replace Brian Johnson in ACDC then Axl Rose. The other great thing about this song is the guitar playing. Tom Keifer and Jeff Labar do some great lead soloing in this song. Guitar playing like this is what I like this era of metal. These bands played their hearts out musically and a lot of the best and most influential guitar playing came out of the 80's and this song show cases that amazingly.
As far as the lyrics go, this is the one area I will agree with critics of this genre on. A lot of the songs that came out hair metal were about having sex and partying from a lyrical stand point and this song followed that trend. The lyrics are very generic 80's rock lyrics and the message doesn't stand out at all from anyone else. However, to the bands credit, the lyrics do flow well and they work well with the music that the band is playing.
While the lyrics are very generic and don't stand out, the music is superb. The band has great musicianship and they deliver some great guitar solos. Overall, this song is a great example of what 80's hair metal had to offer. If you are looking some good guitar work, this one song you should check out. I give Shake Me a 3.5 out of 5.
Dadaroma is a band that is making headway in the visual kei scene. Forming in 2014, they have developed an image of a dark circus band over the years with songs and music videos like Risely Circus, The Kinky, and their latest single, Dendrobium. The singer portrays himself as a dark, scary looking clown and their music sounds like a combo metal and carnival music. Giving them, one of the more unique styles in visual kei.
The main intro to this song is pretty cool, the guitar in the intro is a great way to get you hooked into the song. The verse takes a little more of a darker feel, with the mysterious sounding vocals coming in to play. This leads into a heavy pre chorus that makes you think you in for a big chorus. However, this is where the songs gets weak for me. They have this big build up that makes you think your in for a loud, big chorus and instead they drop the energy in the chorus. It doesn't sound bad, but the way the energy drops hurts the chorus for me. I do like the way the bridge plays out though. The vocals sound great in that section and the combination of eerie music and heavy guitar sounds pretty cool. Overall, the music is solid, but not great, certainly not the best this band has done in my opinion.
The lyrics in this song kinda play out like a love song. It seems like the message is about love being more of a necessity of life rather then a feeling. This would make sense, because the title of the song, Dendrobium, is a flower that is attached to trees and needs trees to survive and when they bloom it is beautiful. I have heard some people say that the song is actually about wanting sex but no relationship. Given some of the bands other songs, I can see why people would interpret that but I don't think that is the case with this song. The lyrics do flow pretty well but they are repetitive at times. For example, the entire bridge is just one line being repeated, "She's a girl who wants real love song". It is sung differently so it doesn't sound overly repetitive but I would of added one more line to the bridge. Overall though, the lyrics work well.
The intro and verses to the song are great but the lower energy chorus hurts the song a little bit. The lyrics are a little repetitive, but the flow is good and message is very interesting. While I don't think it is this band's best song, I do enjoy listening to it and recommend checking it out. I give Dendrobium a 3.5 out of 5.
Therion is a band that has had many changes in their long career. Having gone through over 20 members and putting out 16 albums they have done a lot over time. When a band has so many changes, it can lead to a lot of debate over which era is the best. For a lot of people thought, this band started to really reach their full potential with Birth of Venus Illegitima.
This isn't one of the heaviest songs I have ever heard, but the mysterious tone of the song does catch my interest and keeps me listening to the song all the way through. The vocals in this song are very impressive. The male backgrounds vocals sound great and add a real chilling feel to the song that I think works very well. Martina Astner did a great job on lead vocals for this song. Her opera style vocals sounds great and really helps to carry the song. The the music is simple but it does work well with the song. The musicians knew not to go to crazy musically otherwise it would hurt the feel they were going for. The guitar solo continues with the simplicity and like the rest of the music, it doesn't try to hard and in this song, that is a good thing. Overall, this song has a very mysterious feel to it that I enjoy.
The lyrics in this song are a bit of a mix bag for me. They flow very well and a executed with great excellence by the vocals, but they are also very repetitive and don't go anywhere. I get that they are singing about the Goddess Aphrodite (AKA Venus) but because both verses are exactly the same and there isn't really a bridge to help add on to the lyrics, it kind of falls short of an overall story or message. I get the sense that the music and tone of the song was a bigger priority than than the lyrics.
Overall, this song delivers some good music and great vocals. The vocals really carry this song well and I got plenty of enjoyment listening to them. The guitar solo was good in it's simplicity and kept to the songs tone well. However, the lyrics didn't do much for me and as a result hurt the song a little for me. Having said that, if you are looking for a mysterious sounding song, I recommend giving this song a listen to. I give Birth of Venus Illegitima a 3.5 out of 5.
Sabaton is considered by many to be one of the best and most unique modern metal bands. With the way they convey history through music and the amazing performances this band display's it is very understandable why they have gained so much traction in the past few years. As a history guy myself, I can certainly appreciate a band like this that brings attention to so much history that often gets overlooked and doesn't get the recognition it deserves. One period of history that is often overlooked is the World War 1. World War 2 is what more people remember because of the higher loss of life and all the events that happened outside of the battle field such as The Holocaust. World War 2 certainly is a very important part of history and deserves all the recognition it has. However, the carnage of World War 1 is something that should never be forgotten and Sabaton gives us a good reminder with the Field Of Verdun.
Musically, this is the classic Sabaton sound, melodic guitars and powerful vocals. The guitar work in this song is nothing too fancy or tricky but it sounds great and carries the intense feel that is very fitting, considering the songs topic. Joakim Broden's vocals are superb for this type of music, as he is able to convey the intensity of the battle field perfectly with his voice. The powerful vocals really carry this song and makes you really want to sing along and add on to the intense vocals. This shows up most in the big chorus this song gives off. I also really like the guitar solo in this song. It has a cool melodic style to it that gives a nice emotional feel, almost to make you feel sympathy for the men who died. The music is great, but the lyrics are where this songs really shines.
This song's lyrics perfectly depict how harsh and brutal the Battle of Verdun was. With lines like "father and son fall under the gun" you get a sense of how intense the battle was. The rhyming in the chorus is very well done and well executed. Like the big vocals, the way the chorus plays out (lyrically) also makes you want to sing along and get more into the song. This one of this band's biggest strengths and the continue to display it here.
This is a great song and it really pays great service to men who fought at what is considered the bloodiest battle of World War 1. The music and vocals are superb, the lyrics are great and convey the message very well. The way that Sabaton conveys history through music is unique and very masterful. I think this song might actually be one their best songs yet. I give Fields of Verdun a 5 out of 5.
When is comes to band musicianship, few have it together as well as Children of Bodom does. From the guitar work of Alexi Laiho, to the keyboard skill of Janne Wirmen, this band demonstrated that they have real chemistry as a band. With their unique blend of melodic euro metal and death metal, they have created one of the most unique styles ever and they continue to demonstrate that with Under Grass and Clover.
As far as the music goes, this is one of my favorite songs from Children of Bodom. The opening duel solo with the keyboards and guitar sounds amazing and has a cool melodic style to it that hooked me from the beginning. I also like the few lead lines that Daniel Freyberg plays through out the intro as well. they are brief, but they are executed very well and are a nice addition to the intro. I also like how they go about the verses in the song as well. The way the music comes in after Alexi Laiho delivers the lyrics is awesome and the bends they play in those sections helps to keep you hooked to the song. Alexi Laiho's guitar solo is very impressive. With the combination of speed and melodic playing, he continues to display his amazing talent as a lead guitarist. I really enjoyed listening to this solo and it could possibly one of my favorite parts of the song. Musically, this one of the best Children of Bodom songs I have every heard.
The lyrics in this song are good but they are not anything special. The lyrics are basically about someone trying to remember something awful they did but are unable to. They then turn to the bottle to try to forget and have hope but still battles the memory. This is the one weak link I would say this band has. They don't tend to write very memorable lyrics and it certainly isn't the main strength this band has. I think they are well aware of this though, as they clearly always put more focus on the musical side then their lyrics and in their case, I think it is for the best. Because what they lack in terms of lyrical ability, they more then make up for with their music and musicianship.
While the lyrics are nothing special, the rest of the song is amazing. Everybody is on point and everybody plays very well. Alexi Laiho continues to show that he is a very talented lead guitarist and this is one of my favorite solos from him. I give Under Grass and Clover a 4 out of 5.
Skillet has without a doubt one of the biggest Christian Rock bands in modern times. With successful songs like Rebirthing, Live Free or Let Me Die, and Never Surrender, this band has proven to be the real deal. Those songs made the band successful but when they came out with Monster, they rose to big time fame. This song was my introduction to this band, I saw the music video on Fuse TV when the song came out and man was I impressed.
Musically, I love the energy of this song. The opening guitar riff is awesome and really gets you energized. Not only is that riff energizing but the way it sounds dark and heavy is really cool. It has just the right level of distortion and the down tuned guitar chords create a slightly eerie sound that would work in a horror soundtrack, as many people have shown on YouTube. Like I said in a previous review of this band, I don't think John Cooper is a great singer, but I will say that this song is great for a voice like his. His voice really works well with the distorted guitar and he builds on that heavy, yet, eerie feel the song goes for.
Lyrically, this yet another good song that bridges the gap between Christian music and Secular music. The lyrics in this song address how everybody has a dark side to them which is something that everybody has and deals with, no matter your perspective or religion. It is a topic everybody can relate to and that really helps to make people enjoy the song. The lyrics themselves are overall written very well. They flow well and the way they are paced works very well with the song. I will also say that they do a good job with rhyming in this song. They all sound great and blend really well.
This is without a doubt one of Skillet's most solid songs. I doesn't surprise that is has over 200 million views on YouTube and considered the bands biggest hit. While it is not my all time favorite Skillet song, it is very impressive and is a song I love listening to. If you have never heard Skillet before, this song is a good introduction to the band. I give Monster a 4.5 out of 5.
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When it comes to metal and classical vocals, few have made that combination work as well as Tarja Turunen. Tarja rose to fame during her time with the famous band "Nightwish". While there were plenty of female vocalists in metal before Tarja, she brought her classical style vocal to the genre, which no one had done before her and it made a huge impact on the metal music scene. Her vocal work would play a huge part in the creation of symphonic metal. This would make Nightwish one of the biggest bands in Europe and would earn them a strong following through out the world. Sadly, Tarja got fired from Nightwish in October 2005. The reasoning for this is still being debated today among Nightwish fans today. However, Tarja moved on and has since had a pretty successful solo career. Most recently she decided to try her hand at Christmas music and put out her version of the classic hymn, " O Come O Come Emmanuel.
From a musical stand point, she certainly has taken a different take on this song. It sounds more mysterious and classical. Early on in the song, it sounds mysterious with subtle orchestra music playing and Tarja singing with it. The bridge really gets louder and more energetic. The sound is deeper, heavier, and more big as the song goes on. She does this to try to add more depth and it actually works. The one problem I have with this song is how she tries to make it sound dark at times. For example, when the orchestra really pics up at first, it sounds more like trying to escape in a horror movies then listening to a Christmas song. I understand that she is going for that, but for an uplifting hymn like this I don't think it fits. She doesn't go too far with it though and she brings it back to more classical feel it started with. Tarja's vocal work is superb in this song. She continues to display that amazing deep classical voice she has and it really brings a unique spin on this classic hymn.
When it comes to the lyrics, there isn't much to explain. Whether you are Christian or not, you have heard this hymn more then a few times in your life. The message is basically about awaiting the birth of Jesus Christ and celebrating his arrival. The message is simple and very effective. It gets to the point and is written in a way that both Christian and non Christians alike can really enjoy it. It never gets old and is something everybody can pick up on.
I must say, I give props to Tarja for will to trying something different that hasn't been done before with a Christmas song. I think it gets a little darker then a Christmas song should be, but it doesn't get over blown and she seems to keep it in check, more then some of the other songs on the "Am Spirits and Ghosts" album. However, this isn't a song for everybody though, even among rockers and metal heads. If you prefer Trans Siberian Orchestra or the classic style Christmas music, then you will not like this song. On the other hand, if you are a Tarja fan and/or you are looking for a new take on Christmas music, then you might enjoy this song. I give Tarja's cover of O Come Emmanuel a 3 out of 5.
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Gary Moore is famous Irish guitarist who has is famous for his time with the famed Thin Lizzy, as well as his amazing solo career. One of his songs that brought out the best in him was "Over The Hills And Far Away". Most people who know of this song know the Nightwish version. However, it is actually a cover of the version written by Gary Moore in the 80's and while it wasn't huge in the U.S., it is a classic song in Europe and has established Gary Moore as a rock hero in that continent.
The music in this song does a great job of catching that Irish feel. The way that the violin and the bagpipes are used in this song is really unique and and wasn't common in rock music at that time. The instruments blend really well together and create a really cool intro that hooks you into the song. Gary Moore's guitar playing is very superb and well executed in this song. His guitar solo is very well done and continues to display the guitar excellence he has. Gary Moore isn't a fantastic singer, but he is decent and he does a great job of carrying this song. Overall, a fantastic song from a musical stand point.
The lyrics in this song tell a story about a man accused of a crime he did not commit. The lyrics tell this story very well and the flow very nicely. You can tell whats going on and easily pick up the progression of the story. It starts out with the guy feeling hopeless when imprisoned and ends with him having a glimmer of hope while reading letters from his wife. I love it when people are able to write good stories in lyric form and this is one of the best I have ever heard. The lyrics are solid, easy to understand, and flow very well.
It's a shame that this song isn't that well known here in the U.S. and even in Europe a lot of people think that Nightwish wrote it. Don't get me wrong, I love the Nightwish version and think it is amazing. What I am saying is that this version has become very underrated and deserves a lot more recognition then it has. I give Gary Moore's version of Over The Hills And Far Away a 5 out of 5.
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Creed has defiantly become one of the most controversial bands in history. Some people hate them because they think they are a hallow band with no real substance. On the other hand, people think they were a very talented band that made great music. However you feel about the band, they certainly have made an impact in music. In late 90's they were one of the most popular bands on the music scene and had a good number of hits. One of those hits was "One Last Breath".
The music in this song is not great, but it is good. The guitar work in this song is pretty good, Mark Tremonti does a great job with the intro and then the heavy chords he plays in the chorus really make the chorus stand out. The drum work is solid, but it isn't anything to special. It is a common drum beat we have heard a lot and doesn't really enhance the song to much. I like the vocal work of Scott Stapp in this song. He isn't a great singer but his voice really makes Creed unique and it contributes big to this song. He sounds really good and you can tell he is giving it his all when he is singing. Overall, the music is solid and sounds good, but isn't too special.
Lyrically, this song continues with the Christian style lyrics this band is known for. The lyrics are about being feeling like you've lost it all but still wanting to keep going. The chorus is basically calling out to God to keep you from falling and losing your way. I think the verses are pretty good, but the chorus and the bridge are the best parts of the song, lyrically. While the lyrics do have a more Christian tone to them, they aren't blunt about it. They have been able to convey it in away that appeals to both Christians and non Christians alike.
While I don't think this is a great song, it is good and it was actually unique for it's time. Thanks to grunge, most rock in the 90's was about being depressed and angry all the time. However, Creed decided take a positive turn. They still had songs about being hurt and feeling depressed, but instead of being totally focused on the negative, they expressed hope and a way out of the pain. I give them props for doing something different at the time. However, the problem Creed had was that a lot of their music sounded the same, they never really experimented outside their comfort zone, which is strange when you look at bands they are in today like Alter Bridge which experiment a lot. This was a problem with a lot of post grunge bands including Nickelback, Seether, and Candlebox. They found a formula that worked and they didn't look outside of the formula until it was too late. People either didn't care to listen to them anymore or hated them because they thought they were hallow and lacked substance. However, Creed is one of the bands that I feel gets a little more flack then they deserve. One Last Breath is a good, solid song that I enjoyed listening to. It isn't great but I enjoy listening to it from time to time. I give One Last Breath a 3.5 out of 5.
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When most people think of the band Kelun, they think of the song "Chu Bura". I actually discovered Kelun because of this song myself. Used as the 8th opening theme in the famed anime "Bleach", this song made the band famous in Japan and the song gained cult success through out the world. Sadly, the band disbanded years ago, but Chu Bura is still a well known song in Japan and a classic among anime fans.
I actually really like the music in this song. The guitar intro isn't technical, but the way the chords flow when they are being played makes it sound really good. The guitar works pretty much has this tone to it in the entire song. It isn't technical, but it is still catchy and you really enjoy listening to it. The drum work in this song is very solid. The drummer is clearly giving his all and he puts out some impressive and fast paced drumming in this song. The bass playing in this song is worth noting as well. the bass solo is performed very well and while it is a little short, it still sounds great. The best part of the song though is in the vocals. The vocals work very well with the music and uplifting voice the singer has really brings the lyrics to life and makes the message stand out better.
The lyrics in this song use a story style formula to send a message of hope and not giving up. It starts out with the verse conveying the pain, the pre chorus talks about hope, and then the chorus gives you the drive to not give up and move forward. I like lyric writing like this because it is a good way to let out grief and pain while at the same time giving you hope. It isn't one sided, it isn't just happy, it isn't just sad, it brings both together. This band executed that very well and it sounds amazing.
This is a very solid song, the energy is great, the lyrics are great, and the music sounds awesome. I can understand how this is Kelun's biggest hit. There is a lot of cool things going for this song that makes it great and unique. If you are a JRock fan, this is a song you should check out. If you a rock fan in general, you should listen to this song as well. I give Chu Bura a 5 out of 5.
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When it comes to making history rock, few do it as well as Sabaton. Since they started in 1999, Sabaton has become famous for taking acts of heroism, historical battles, and other historical events and turning them into great metal songs. Some of their most famous songs include Ghost Division, Primo Victoria, Winged Hussars, and Last Dying Breath, all about war history and told very effectively. One of their biggest hits currently is "The Last Stand".
Musically, Sabaton continues their signature big, heavy sound in this song. The combination of guitar and keyboards sounds awesome. You can tell that they are trying to capture the time period they are singing about and they do it very well. The guitar solo in this song is simple but very effective. The melodic and medieval combination really sounds great and gives a good heroic feel that the song is themed on. One of my favorite parts of the song is the chorus. It sounds big and the way it is written makes you want to sing along with it. Joakim Broaden has a voice that is meant for historical music. His voice really works well in this song and it is able to communicate the intense situation the song is based on very well. When it comes to the music, this song is very solid.
Lyrically, I think this is where this band really shines. This song is specifically about the 189 Swiss Guard that defended the pope's escape during the Sack of Rome in 1527. The whole song is telling the story of this event and they tell it very well. The phrases are written very well, and like I said before, you really want to sing along with the band on this song. The message in this song is clear and you can really understand the story that the band is trying to depict.
Sabaton is certainly a unique power metal band. The way they choose to communicate history through music is very well done and brings a fresh take to the power metal genre. The Last Stand is yet another great song from this band. With good music and awesome lyrics, this song is a must for history lovers and metal heads. I give The Last Stand a 4.5 out of 5.
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It goes without saying that Skillet is one of the biggest Christian Rock/Metal bands in modern times. Having a style that appeals to both Rockers and Christians they certainly have made their mark on the world. Most people who know of Skillet today, know them because of the huge success of their album, "Awake". This album featured some of their biggest hits such as "Monster" and "Hero". While that album and those songs are certainly great and deserve their recognition, I first got into Skillet when I heard their song "Rebirthing" off the "Comatose" album.
One of the things I really like about this song is the combination of rock and orchestra they have in this song. The combination makes the song sound more intense and more powerful. The guitar work is not super technical, but it sounds good and it does its job very effectively in the song. The vocal work is also very good in this song. While I don't think that John Cooper is the greatest singer in the world, he is good and you can hear the passion in his voice and it makes the song sound more authentic. Korey Cooper does a great job when she sings as well. The way she sings "I come alive somehow" is done very effectively and I think it was a smart move to have her sing it instead of John. Her type of voice communicates that section better then John's voice could and as a result it sounds really good. My one problem with this song is the guitar solo. It sounds pretty good, the melodic guitar playing was awesome, but I thought it was too short. If they stretched it out for just a few more measures, I feel like the solo would have been much better. This is a minor problem though and doesn't kill the song for me.
Lyrically, they did a fantastic job with this song. Like I said in the beginning, Skillet is a band that is able to appeal to both Christians and Non Christians alike and these lyrics are a good example of how they do that. To a Non Christian, it sounds like the song is about being in hard times and deciding to come out a better person. For Christians, it is about needing God and being reborn with his spirit. For Skillet, it is about needing God and being reborn with his spirit. However, they aren't blunt about it and it doesn't come off as them trying to tell people to go to church like other Christian bands do. It sends a good message that everybody can relate to in one form or another.
While I love Monster and Hero along with many other song from Skillet, this is one of my favorites. The music is good and the lyrics are very well written, making this a must song if your a Skillet fan. If your a Rocker, Metal fan, or Christian music fan, I recommend giving this song a shot. I give Rebirthing a 4.5 out of 5.
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Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is one of the most interesting bands I have ever come across. They have an interesting sound that I haven't really heard out of too many bands. Their combination of metal core and electronic music has made them very unique. While there are elements of this band I don't like, there are elements of this band I like a lot. Like I said in my review of their song "Let Me Hear" they are overall good musicians with a good sound. Let's see if their newest song, "The Sun Also Rises" holds up.
Musically, this is not one of my favorite songs from this band. Usually, this band has a good balance of electronic music and metal, but in this song the metal takes a back seat to the electronic and it isn't as balanced as I like. While the metal music is there, it is more subtle then most of their other songs. It only sticks out briefly in a few sections of the song. The rest of the song is more driven by auto tune vocals and synth. While I am not a fan of auto tune, the basic vocal melody is pretty good and sounds decent. The band also continues their unique song structure that they use in most of their songs and I really like that about this band. The way they structure their songs is very uncommon but it still sounds good and it flows very well. Nothing really sounds out of place and it sounds smooth. I just wish that they were more balanced like they normally are. Because certain elements are taking a back seat in this song, it sound more like a generic electronic song then a interesting mixture of genres, which what people like about this band. Overall, the music isn't bad, but it isn't their best.
Lyrically, this an uplifting song about overcoming obstacles you come across in life. It is saying that you will have to make decisions to either give in to your obstacles or take them head on and defeat them. While I do think the lyrics could have been written better, they are not all that bad and they are effective at getting the message across. Overall, the lyrics have a good message and they make it clear what the message is. The way they are written could be improved but it is a minor problem.
While I am not a big fan of the music in this song, I don't think the song is flat out bad, it is misguided. Clearly, the band is experimenting in this song and trying something new. I give them credit for trying new things, it just isn't my taste. If you are a big fan of this band then you might like this song. For me, it is an okay song. I give The Sun Also Rises a 3 out of 5.
When anyone talks about the Disney movie "Song of the South" it can get ugly sometimes. Just to simply mention of the name can set off a range of emotions and opinions. Some say that it is a racist movie that doesn't make black people look good and uses negative stereotypes, while others say that the movie actually depicts an anti prejudice message. Either way, it led to an uproar that Disney wasn't ready for. Contrary to popular belief, the movie wasn't full on "banned" like people say. The NAACP had voiced their disapproval of the movie but they never made a huge effort to ban it. In reality, Disney just decided to withhold from re releasing it do the backlash. However, even with all the problems surrounding the movie, people seem to agree on one thing they like about this movie. That is that people love this movies soundtrack. This movie actually wen't on to win an Oscar for best original soundtrack. There is also of course the famed ride at DisneyLand "Splash Mountain" which uses the characters and music from the movie. The song that sticks out the most in this soundtrack is none other then "Zip A Dee Doo Dah".
One of the main reasons that people like this song so much is because while it is simple, it is also very catchy. The music itself is overall slow and simple, but it does sound decent and good still. The main reason why it is so simple is because the focus is meant to be on the vocals. This a true sing along song that the audience is supposed to sing along with and if you make the music stand out too much, then you lose that. Typically, I am all for being technical and bringing out the best in a musicians musical ability. However, in this case, I think it is best they keep it simple on the instruments. The best element of this song in the vocals. Got to give James Baskett credit, he brings a real charm to this song that none one else can. The way he sings the song makes it sound real soothing and relaxing. At the same time, the way he brings out the lyrics makes you want to sing along and get more into the song. He is having fun singing this song and you can tell he is. He projects it very well and you can't help but to enjoy his performance.
Now, they sing the song again at the end of the movie and this time it has more of a build up that starts with the kids singing it instead of James Baskett. He isn't silent the entire time but his lines are minimal and he doesn't do much in this portion. Obviously the kids don't sound as good as James Baskett, but I expected that so it didn't bother me. What did bother me though is how long it went on. They slowly build up the music by making the instruments louder and incorporating more animals as it goes on. I feel like they could have trimmed this portion a little bit and made it shorter. The way they add the recorded version at the end with the additional voices and the big instrument ending was pretty cool. However, when it got to that point I found myself asking why did it take so long for them to get there. I also feel that it would have been better if James Baskett sang with the kids at some point instead of just giving him that one small talking section. I think it would have added more to the song and because he sound so good singing it the first time it would of made the ending more memorable.
Lyrically, it is a very cheerful song. Obviously the title alone is very catchy and makes you curious. Like the music, the lyrics are simple but the way they are constructed and the way the phrases play out make them very unique. The happy tone makes it enjoyable for kids but in a way that adults can enjoy it as well. It is the classic style of the old Disney era. It is cheerful, it sounds fun, and you can't help but to sing along with the lyrics.
While it is not one of my favorite Disney songs, it is still pretty decent. Regardless of what you think of the movie this song is from, you have to admit that this song is pretty good. The way the lyrics are sung hook you and you cant help but to want to sing along with it. While the movie is unavailable, this song is. You can get it on Itunes and on most Disney music collections you come across. If you are a Disney fan, I recommend getting it. I give Zip A Dee Doo Dah a 3.5 out of 5.
