Godsmack - IV
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Free Music Notes for IV
Free Music Review: Godsmack ditches the nu-metal thing...thank God!
Hit: 5 Stars
I finally picked up this Godsmack album. I really despise nu-metal more than anything, but Godsmack has always been my guilty pleasure band. Their first two CD's were very good, but they wore it out on Faceless. Faceless sounded like the first two CD's re-hashed, and it was forgettable. Then, The Other Side was released. The nu-metal kids couldn't understand why they were playing acoustically, but I loved it. It proved that Godsmack could play more than basic music, and also proved that nu-metal was dead. With the release of this album, they proved that they can give us some good, old fashioned modern rock. I can't call Godsmack a nu-metal band anymore. They are too talented. Of course, if you look at the reviews, the nu-metal Slipknot and Korn kids say this album is trash. For people like me and the positive reviewers (with an open mind!!!) who know good, talented music, I think this was an unsuspecting gem.
Not only has Godsmack mellowed out their sound on songs, but they don't all sound exactly the same. Yes, Sully Erna could change his vocal pitch from time to time, but that is no big deal. Another big change with Godsmack is that they soloed in almost every song. And, even without a whammy bar in a few. There was also acoustics' and a chick singer. Never think you would see that in a Godsmack album! There are still the traces of metal in some songs, but it is really almost replaced by the mid-tempo'ed rockers. The lyrics have changed, too. There is rarely the "I hate the world" and "Nobody loves me" lyrics anymore. The band members have all matured, especially guitarist Tony Rombola. The bass is audible and as good as always, and the drums are some of the best in modern rock today. Overall, they blow away anybody in mainstream music, except maybe Tool. Even though some hardcore fans may not like the change, I think for a modern rock to advance and grow is important. Unlike metal, when growing is considered disaster.
IV starts off with "Livin' In Sin". This is a perfect choice to start out the album, and one of my favorites. The hit single, "Speak", follows. This is a straight out rocker, with hints of metal in it. The solo and chorus both are great. Kind of played out, but that happens. "The Enemy" is a nice, little throw-in, with more traces of metal. Then, "Shine Down" follows. This kind of throws you off, because it has a western music theme. This, my friends, does not belong at all! It could work somewhere else, but not here. "Hollow" follows, with a chick singer and acoustics. Some reviewers were unhappy with this song, but this just shows Godsmack's variation and growth. The next song, "No Rest For The Wicked" is another good rocker and fits in perfectly after Hollow. "Bleeding Me" is a soft, depressing sort-of-track. It is a good song, but sort of filler. Next, "Voodoo Two". They have tried to re-hash this, but it didn't work. This time, it works. It's not the original from the 1998 self-titled, but it is good. "Temptation" and "Mama" follow, which are both very good songs. "Temptation" is a metal-ish song, and "Mama" is more of a mid-tempo'ed song. Both are very good. Then, "One Rainy Day" follows, to cap off a great album with a Tool-esque type song. Overall, a masterpiece.
So, Godsmack gives us a surprise that will be considered a classic in this field for years to come. They have sealed themselves in modern rock history, because if you can find a better modern rock band out there, tell me. And, I want to clear up the whole Best Buy/Target controversy. I bought the Best Buy version, and there was a very-well hidden song at the end of "Rainy Day". It was called "Safe And Sound". It is actually a very good song. The Target exclusive version includes the bonus track "I Thought". The Amazon version HAS NO BONUS TRACK, I REPEAT NO BONUS TRACK!!! Even some Circuit Cities gave a free t-shirt with the purchase of the CD. I recommend the Best Buy version because it includes a good bonus track, but it is your choice. Overall, if you are a Godsmack or modern rock fan, get this album right now if you haven't already. My guilty pleasure band once again comes through with a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come!
Free Music Review: Indeed a new sound
Hit: 5 Stars
I got into Godsmack around the time Awake was released, but I wasn't a huge fan. A couple years ago I saw them with Metallica, and they almost outplayed them. After seeing how powerful Godsmack was live, I got every album available. Though they each sounded a bit the same, they at least had some sort of identity. The self titled was a pure aggressive mosh inducing album, Awake was darker, but had that "you can tell they wrote this while on tour" feel. Faceless was a bit different, but seemed more of an early shift. When I heard Godsmack was coming out with a new album, I was pretty stoked, especially after hearing "Speak." After about 2 months of anticipation, I finally got IV today, and I'm more than impressed by how Godsmack has evolved.
First off, I've read alot of reviews that said "Godsmack hasn't changed at all" or "This is the same recycled crap." All I can say is that, yes it did sound a bit alike with their first 3 albums, but if you've been listening to Godsmack, and I mean really listening, you'll notice the sound change with IV. The sound has gone from a crunchy metal grunge to a rock, almost groove induced aggression. Even when I listened to "Speak" for the first time I could notice the change. If you're just listening to Godsmack for the first time, then you won't notice much. But those who know their sound will realize the change here.
1. Livin In Sin 9/10 - An interesting choice for an opener. This song has a slow, haunting groove to it. Its a great song, but it sounds like something that would go in the later tracks of the album.
2. Speak 11/10 - Wow, thats all I had to say when I heard this song. It pulsates with aggression and Sully's vocals shine more than ever. Great choice for the first single
3. The Enemy 8/10 - A fast paced head banger that reminds you of early stuff like "Bad Religion." The lyrics are a bit clumsy every now and then, but still a good song
4. Shine Down 9/10 - This is where things get different. Right in the beginning you'll notice the use of harmonica, a new twist to Godsmack. This song is very bluesy, yet still fuses the elements of Godsmack. A very interesting song
5. Hollow 8/10 - An acoustic piece that is reminiscent to The Other Side offerings. Its a slow, mellow song, with good female background vocals
6. No Rest for the Wicked 9/10 - Another bluesy song, still using some heaviness. The verses are pretty interestingly sung
7. Bleeding Me 10/10 - I almost thought they'd be covering Metallica's song, but Godsmack made a very good song here. The chorus is very good and this song is one of the best on the album
8. Voodoo Too 9/10 - Normally sequel songs are a bit corny to me. Usually they don't put up much of a fight to the original (Ex: The Unforgiven II by Metallica was good, but nothing close to the original). The original Voodoo is still superior, but they didn't screw this up, and it still has its own uniqueness
9. Temptation 10/10 - Here's a big pickup from Voodoo, as this song thrashes you. It's a very welcome heavy song, and the chorus is a pretty cool listen
10. Mama 9/10 - This song slows things down a bit. It's not acoustic like Hollow, but has the same feel. It's a pretty interesting song, and may take a listen or two for some people to enjoy it
11. One Rainy Day 8/10 - An interesting choice for the album's finale. Usually the album closers for Godsmack are a bit more haunting, but this just seems to be a mellow song. Don't get me wrong, its pretty good, but compared to songs like Voodoo or Serenity, it really doesn't hold a huge flame
Overall I felt this album was a nice change for Godsmack, while still holding some traditional feel to it. If you're a big fan, you'll notice the difference, and hopefully welcome it. If not, give this album a listen anyways, it may change your mind about the band, as they are not just a one trick pony. And catch them live, they are certainly not a band that can't handle its material on stage, they'll blow you away.
Free Music Review: great album
Hit: 5 Stars
First, let me say that I ordered this on April 24 with "Free Super Saver Shipping, and my package arrived on April 28, a mere four days later and much faster than the time frame advertised for the free shipping. Bravo, Amazon!
I've been a Godsmack fan ever since I first heard "I Stand Alone" on the radio; I bought Faceless shortly after it came out, and probably wasted about $15 on cheap batteries playing it on my Discman the first couple of months I had it. Faceless was, in my opinion, Godsmack's best album to that date, and I think IV surpasses it. The music is more varied; if you were expecting it to be all heavy headbanging numbers, you may be disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised by the slower, more ballad-style tracks ("Hollow," "Mama," "One Rainy Day") mixed up with more "classic" hard tracks like "Speak" and "The Enemy." The harmonica on "Shine Down" was very unusual for a metal song, but I think it worked very nicely. It was also refreshing to hear female vocals from Lisa Guyer on "Hollow;" female vocals are something I haven't heard from Godsmack until now.
One other thing that I loved about this album, though this may be merely a personal prejudice, is that it is purely an audio CD, without any "enhanced" CD-ROM features contained on the disc. Faceless and Awake were both enhanced, and while the features may be interesting, I was not happy to have to shut off the autoplay on my CD-ROM drives before inserting the disc, else the drive would read the enhanced features first and hijack my system for a few minutes before I could shut them off and merely play the music. I've had the same problem with other enhanced discs (notably Linkin Park's Meteora and Iron Maiden's re-released Seventh Son of a Seventh Son) and I find it very annoying.
All in all, I rate this album 5 stars out of 5. If you're a Godsmack fan, or even if you're just curious, I think it's definitely worth your while to check it out. Their range keeps improving, and the variety of music on the album is pleasing and interesting. Unless you're one of those metalheads who only likes the hard and heavy stuff and has no appreciation for a good ballad or slow track, it's an excellent choice.
Free Music Review: Godsmack shines down on us
Hit: 5 Stars
With all that I had read leading up to this release, on one hand I was a bit concerned that the band might be changing their style too much. On the other hand, I questioned whether the title 'IV' was any indication of a lack of creativity. Fortunately, both of my reservations have been placed at ease.
After listening to the album once, I was intrigued - and had to play it again - then again - then again - and again - and again - and again - and now I can't stop listening to it. It seems to get exponentially better each time.
With this release, the band is offering something new on the menu, while reminding us that we're still in the same restaurant. Songs like Temptation, Speak, The Enemy, Voodoo Too, and No Rest for the Wicked reassure us that the band hasn't strayed from the fundamental Godsmack sound we all know and love, while several of the other songs on the album give us a taste of what Godsmack is truly capable of, and also gives us a window into the type of music that inspires them. My personal favorite is Hollow: a mesmerizing song that showcases Sully's now polished singing voice and Tony's mastery of the six-string. They deliver in a big way on this accoustic number, which contains no drums, by the way - a commendable endeavor for a band that runs rampant with drumming talent.
Speaking of vocals, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out something else: I'm hard-pressed to find another Godsmack song that demonstrates Sully's full range and intensity than on One Rainy Day. In fact, I think he's expanded his range on this one. And the band compliments his effort in creating a captivating, deliberately somber ambience.
As for drums and bass, the boys meet and exceed all of my expectations. These elements are as crisp and diverse as any other sounds found in the album, and their pounding styles are simply awesome in songs like The Enemy.
It's probably safe to say that if you like Godsmack's previous albums, including 'The Other Side' EP, you won't be dissappointed with 'IV'.
Free Music Review: Welcome Back!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
First of all, I am sick and tired of people saying that this album sounds the same as all the others. IV sounds nothing like previous Godsmack, with the exception of a few songs. Oh yeah and shut up about the wannabe AIC thing. You know what, I am not a fan of AIC but I love Godsmack. And please name me one AIC song that hits heavier than Godsmack. This album shows real growth and so far the best album of the year. Here's my breakdown:
1. Livin In Sin 3/5:I thought the chorus was too monotanous.
2. Speak 4/5: Great song but there are better on the CD
3. The Enemy 4/5: Great song that is remniscent of the self-titled album
4. Shine Down 5/5: One of the best, drastically different, but awesome
5. Hollow 3/5: Ok song, but it hasn't grown on me yet
6. No Rest For The Wicked 5/5: I know this song hasn't been scoring well with others but I love the chorus, it's catchy
7. Bleeding Me 5/5: Great song with no flaws
8. Voodoo Too 3/5: I can appreciate the differences but in the song when they say "Voodoo Too" it sounds kind of silly
9. Temptation 5/5: Another hard-hitting gets-stuck-in-your-head kind of track.
10. Mama 2/5: Not really a fan, but I can listen to the whole CD without skipping this song so there must be something there
11. One Rainy Day 4/5: I really like this song, but I thought the closing song could have been better
Overall, this CD is awesome and it is clearly apparent that Godsmack is evolving and I don't know about you guys, but I love the direction they are headed. Keep it up guys. Oh and for the one's who don't like this CD, you are way outnumbered by 4 and 5 stars. So obviously this CD is awesome.