I think it's very safe to say that Hoobastank is a controversial band, to say the least. When I first heard "The Reason" (song), it didn't exactly strike a chord with me. I applauded the numerous Hoobastank-bashers, especially after a very untalented college band performed a cover of The Reason at my summer camp. When the song began to dominate the airwaves, I began to hate the band with a burning passion. But thank God for my underground-oriented radio staion. One day I was listening to aforementioned station, and a floaty, well-written power ballad played, called Disappear. When the DJ announced the artist was Hoobastank, I nearly fell out of my seat. "Wow, that's not such a bad song." After downloading the song and becoming even more addicted to it, I decided to buy the album and promptly did so. What I purchased was a very solid rock album with only one skippable song (The ever-infamous Reason) and some very exceptional songs. Sure, it was nothing groundbreaking, but how many bands today are truly groundbreaking?
To those Hoobastank-skeptics who label them as a bunch of talentless losers, I urge you to check out some songs from their new release. The musicianship, already above average, has definitely improved. Dan Estrin is much more talented than most rock guitarists out there, and the songwriting carries enough compexity and variety to keep you listening for a very long while. Hoobastank has a talented of making their songs catchy without relying on empty hooks like pop-punk tends to do. Indeed, the main riffs to songs such as "Look Where We Are Now" and "Born To Lead" are fairly challenging compared to your standard Foo Fighters or similarly styled bands. In addition, the occasional use of synthesizers and programmed sounds (something the Reason didn't have) give the songs an additional layer of depth. Musically, this is a much-improved album.
If the music has improved, the most startling improvement on Every Man for Himself is the lyrics. Previous albums focused on that ever-cliched topic of relationships, but love songs on Hoobastank's new effort are few and far between. Douglas Robb sings about various issues of living in general, from the slightly angsty "Born To Lead", focusing on noncomformity and taking the first step, to the magnificent "If I Were You", about being thankful for your present condition, to "Say The Same" a song written obviously to departed bassist and Hoobastank founder Markku. When there IS a love song or two, they are less cliched and corny than the Reason. The lyrics to "If Only" are postively heartbreaking, especially in conjunction with the music, and the 7-minute closer "More Than A Memory" boasts some lovely lyrics as well. Lyrically, this is an extremely above average album.
Hoobastank has never quite been a revolutionary band, which leads many to criticize their music. (I find it ironic that those same critics will listen to Green Day and Nirvana without complaint) I beg to differ that Hoobastank is worlds better than the better part of most bands out there today. They finish their albums with a fine polish but leave just enough personality to keep it interesting. I made sure to buy this CD before a week after its release date was up, and I'm going to buy Hoobastank's next one when it comes.
Listen to:
Inside Of You
If I Were You
Look Where We Are Now
If Only
I think hoobastank's guitarist Dan Estin is a very well accomplished guitar player. I know because i mostly play nothing but hoobastanks music. They are better than most band out there. I think they have done pretty well on getting better,but there is always room for improvment. NOTINTHEFACE I think you did a very well job on writing this review!!!
I think hoobastank's guitarist Dan Estin is a very well accomplished guitar player. I know because i mostly play nothing but hoobastanks music. They are better than most band out there. I think they have done pretty well on getting better,but there is always room for improvment. NOTINTHEFACE I think you did a very well job on writing this review!!!
I like this CD. Hoobastank is underestimated. Sure, they're a generic rock band, but their music is still good. I could really connect with most of the lyrics on here.
it's more of a separation from both of them. It sounds like their first two in a way but also introduces alot of new ideas musically. It sounds like their third album, basically.
Had to listen to disappear after you mentioned it, 'cause I had the cd... So I put it on, great stuff man. The Reason is such a sucky tune.
Great review also mate, I like your style of writing a lot.
