Sunday, January 29, 2012

Seether Album Review

Seether’s album Holding Onto Strings Better Left To Fray comes in two versions, the second being a deluxe version with 4 more songs. It was recorded after touring with Nickelback and also included a new lead guitarist, Troy McLawhorn, whom left the band shortly after recording. These factors may suggest the slight influence that led to this album being different from their last. The new album doesn’t include as many of the same screams from the lead singer, Shaun Morgan, which the previous albums included. The band’s drummer, John Humphries, has described the new album as “very strong, melodic and heavy at times”. The tracks within the album vary on topics but mostly hinting towards anger, relationships gone badly, and lies. The music although about negative topics still keeps mostly an upbeat on edge rock tone rather than a more metal based one like their other albums. One of the major tracks of the album is “Country Song”. It was recorded in Nashville so Shaun decided to have it as a tribute to the place. On the Seether official message boards he stated this about the song, "in some ways I guess I was dealing with growing up and having to make better life choices. It's definitely not country, but we recorded the album in Nashville, and felt like it was a small homage to such a wonderful city." Another important tack is “Here and Now”. It is where the album’s title can be found fourth line into the lyrics, surprisingly just once said though. “Here and Now” also brings the old track “Rise Above This” to mind for previous Seether listeners. Overall, this album hit 2nd on Billboard Top 200 and it hit 1st for Billboard Top Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative charts. It provides a new taste of Seether’s musical capabilities which won’t disappoint loyal fans or new listeners. 

12 comments:

  1. I liked how you compared the band's previous albums to the new one. That provides a good basis for comparison. You had some facts, which was good as well.
    I suppose you didn't include to much on how you felt about the album. From your review, I can't decide whether or not the album is an improvement from their previous album. You definitely took a more factual angle, which is cool.

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  2. Good use of quotes to help tell about the production of the album. Great choice of band too!

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  3. This review shows that you are well-informed and knowledgeable about the band and album, which is crucial for a good review.

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  4. I definately got a sense of what this album would sound like. I think the next step would be to craft each sentence, so it delivers the message with more flare. Good work.

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  5. Good job on the review and explaining on how the music works in this album

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  6. I liked the use of quotes from members of the band, I think that added a nice element. The description of what the album involved was also good, although I wish you would have maybe included a bit more of your opinion in the first part of the review rather than leaving the final judgement for the last line.

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  7. good background information, good detail, and nice use of quotation. However It doesn't really make me want to listen to it, but that just may be because of my personal preference.

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  8. This was really well-researched. I got a very good understanding of the albums sounds, themes, and background. Great job.

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  9. the introduction is a little boring but definitely adds to the value of the review by giving a little back story. i liked how throughout the review, you compared the album to the band's previous albums, to give existing fans as well as new ones a feel for the album.

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  10. A little dry, maybe use a little more colorful language, but still informative and good review. I like the comparison to the band's other so you know what your in for.

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  11. I like the use of quotations... shows you know a lot about this band and album.

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  12. i liked that you compared their first and second albums. good review overall.

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