Review Summary: Great mainstream rock album, just as expected.
01 Doomsday Clock - Chamberline's rolling snares and Corgan's heavily layered guitars announce the return of the Pumpkins in the form of a gutsy, hard rock intro. As seen (or heard) in the first "Transformers" movie, this song is packed with action supported by Billy's classic guitar riffs and outstanding chord progressions, along with his whiny proclamation of the inevitable apocalypse. Awesome intro/theme setter. 5/5
02 7 Shades of Black - The second track is most definately another hard-hitter, kicking off with Jimmy's powerful drumming beneath several layers of guitar, not to mention the incredible siren-like guitar soaring over the top. This is an incredibly catchy song that stays consistent with the sound of the album. 4/5
03 Bleeding the Orchid - Following a haunting choir of several Billy Corgans, an immensly gloomy guitar part opens up to possibly the most interesting song on the album. The creepy Zeitgeist guitar prevails once more, screaming above and throughout the track while Chamberline's drums drive the song further and further into the realm of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. 4.5/5
04 That's the Way (My Love is) - After listening to the album the first time through on the night it was released, I remember strongly disliking this song. However, it didn't take long at all for that to change. "That's the Way" is an excellent alt. rock song, consisting of a much lighter sound and Corgan's classic love lyrics. Overall, this track is one of the album's greatest and was an excellent choice for a single. (5/5)
05 Tarantula - Yes! This hard rock mainstream track is definately the best on the album, and is most likely the cause of the albums success. After about six years of silence (not including Billy's solo projects), the Pumpkins have returned! Jimmy's flawless drumming fused with Corgan's shredding guitar work achieve one of the best songs of the decade. (5/5)
06 Starz - No! Other than really cool drumming and a nifty guitar riff, this song has little to offer. I would have very much enjoyed this song if it weren't for Billy's overconfident vocals: "We are starz. We are, we are starz". I guess you could call it a cool song, but I simply can't get over the fact of how stupid he sounds. (2.5/5)
07 United States - Drums!!! Not only are these drums pretty much the most awesome thing I've ever heard in my life, but they were all recorded on one take without a metronome. The Zeitgeist guitar returns for awhile, and hovers around for quite some time, making you appreciate Billy's skills. The coolest part of the album occurs towards the end of the song, when it all slows down and then eventually transforms into a badass groove. This ten minute song serves as an excellent centerpiece of the album and paints a perfect image of the theme. Very impressive in concert. (5/5)
08 Bring the Light - This song is pretty darn good, although the lyrics are just a tad irritating and gospelish. The guitar work makes up for this, however, as well as the climatic double guitar solo. Cool song. (4/5)
09 (Come On) Let's Go! - Darkly layered guitars change the pace drastically, as the tempo slows down to a solid groove. I honestly can't find anything wrong with this song, and it's upbeat sound makes it a great tune to chill out to. (4.5/5)
10 Neverlost - Another change in pace, "Neverlost" serves as a calming, ocean-like melody containing a marimba and some sort of organ. Although it's definately not a highlight, it does its job well and is a rather enjoyable track. (4/5)
11 For God and Country - As the album draws to a close, it suddenly becomes very wierd. "For God and Country" is a landmark for the Pumpkin's in that it is most likely their wierdest sounding song to date. The synth part and bass line are very cool, as well as the echoing "for god and country" effect. (3.5/5)
12 Pomp and Circumstances - Almost as wierd as the previous track, the album's closer serves as a sort of salute to life in general. It almost sounds like an Enya song, with a dominant orchestral part and Billy's "la la la's". Very beautiful song, that is, if you're ok with wierd. (3/5)
