Review Summary: You will most probably like this album if you liked Getting Away With Murder. Papa Roach have not learned much and they don't plan to.
Papa Roach have always been one of those nu-metal bands that while not as influential as the likes of Korn, were always active and continued producing solid albums. With the declining popularity of nu-metal, they and others have moved on to other genres.
What I like about the album:
Songs like
No More Secrets and
Crash should be familiar to fans who have accustomed themselves with the new post-grunge Papa Roach. Jerry Horton is a very talented and underrated guitarist, on
Alive (N’ Out Of Control) he dishes out some very neat chunky riffs that suit the pace of the song. He even delivers a mini solo on
The World Around You that reminded me of the days of
Last Resort.
Jacoby’s vocals are very good throughout most of the album.
Forever showcases his wide vocal range which he uses to good effect. On songs like
My Heart Is A Fist, he sings with real passion which shows his commitment to the band. He also gets experimental with
Roses On My Grave, a song which has orchestral instruments only, a first for Papa Roach.
The band certainly knows how to put together a bunch of catchy and entertaining songs. At this rate, we should be seeing much of them in the next 5-8 years.
What I did not like about the album:
Dave Buckner is an average drummer. Most of his drumming is audible yet very simplistic as you can see at the start of
I Devise My Own Demise. He also needs to experiment with more beats and rhythms. Tobin Esperance would probably be the achilles heel of the band. Aside from the intro bass lines of some songs like
Crash and
Forever, his bass is usually inaudible. I’m not sure whether to blame him or the production crew here.
The first track
..To Be Loved would certainly be a skippable track and a possible contender for the worst single of 2006. They make a surprise comeback to nu-metal. Its “Whoa oh oh” is one of the worst lines I’ve heard. Thankfully its only one track although it being the first track may put some people off immediately.
The songwriting is usually too predictable and cheesy for example on
The World Around You, “Somebody falls in love, somebody breaks a heart, we never fell in love we only fell apart” certainly will leave some people scratching their heads. Jacoby could certainly have a lesson or two with the Gallagher brothers of Oasis.
Overall:
If you like Getting Away With Murder, chances are you will like The Paramour Sessions. Aside from
Roses On My Grave and the poppy
Time Is Running Out, there isn’t a whole load of new material on the album. The band seems content with sticking with their post-grunge formula and it would be up to you to accept them or not.
Recommended songs:
Alive (N’ Out Of Control)
Forever
Roses On My Grave
The World Around You
A solid
3.5/5 overall.
My first review so go easy.
