Red Returns With A Bang
Posted February 05, 2011
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
We didn't have to wait three years for a new Red album this time, just the usual 2. It's a good thing too cause their last album left quite a demand for more new music from the rock act.
The band doesn't disappoint this time, crafting what could be their best album yet. The screaming opening track "Feed The Machine" is too rough for my tastes but it's sure to satisfy the fans of their earlier work. Lead single "Faceless" is a 'safe' Red song covering expected territory, but it works well and sounds great. "Lie To Me (Denial)" is currently doing very well on iTunes Rock charts and it isn't even a single. It's a testament to the song's catchy and accessible sound that is sure to make it a future hit.
The band slows things down a bit with "Let It Burn," which has a powerful intro. "Buried Beneath" follows next, which is perhaps the most polished rock track I've ever heard from the band. It's clearly not a "slow song/ballad" type but it's not the intense rock sound their other rock songs possess. However, it's still just as good and memorable. "Not Alone" is next and what initially might seem a slow track erupts into one of the most beautiful songs Red has done. Truly a hit in the making.
The screaming vocals return in the next three tracks, confined mostly to the bridge and background. "Watch You Crawl" kind of left me a bit underwhelmed, especially the chorus. It sounds a bit undone to me, but it works overall. "The Outside" brings back the hard rock for a slamming and unique track. "Who We Are" has success written all over it with what could be the most memorable rock chorus of the album.
The album closer with two slower songs. "Best is Yet To Come" is a bit cliche but the execution makes that easy to overlook. This could easily become a radio hit. The somber piano-driven closer "Hymn for the Missing" closes the album in a quiet and reflective fashion. It doesn't erupt like it's predecessor album closer did, but it's just as good.
The album's themes aren't too ground breaking ranging from the search for identity in "Faceless," pleas to God to save us (Buried Beneath), or a declaration to the world that we won't hide our love for Christ (Who We Are). It won't be mind blowing original but it's enjoyable and contemplative nonetheless.
The only real gripe about the album is that it's a bit too easy to cluster the tracks. Perhaps a slightly better arrangement could've made for a better flow, such as switching "Who We Are" and "Best is Yet To Come." But in the age of iPods, that is unlikely to be a serious problem anyway.
All in all, Red has crafted a catchy and memorable melodic rock album that will surely find it's way onto many 'Best of' lists come year's end, even though it's release comes in February. If Red can keep this up, they surely got a bright career ahead of them in the industry. View All Music And Book Reviews By JJFrancesco_NRT | View JJFrancesco_NRT's Profile
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