Review Summary: The problem with this record in general, even though it is more varied lyric-wise, is that it feels highly derivative.
No, it ain't Eagles, it is a sophomore effort from Oklahoma's dearest quintet, Hinder. On the wings of their mega-successful album "Extreme Behavior", they started off a new chapter with "Take it to the Limit".
There were certianly many problems with the debut; repetitive music, over-the-top vocals from Austin Winkler, no change in rhythm whatsoever, stale, unchanging and at time ridiculous lyrics... While I myself love said album, one can't ignore such issues.
In spite of all these problems, Hinder cracked the top 30 twice and even the top 3 with smash hit "Lips of an Angel". Which cannot be said about the first two singles leading into this record. Both "Use Me" and "Without You" went nowhere in the mainstream, and those two were literally the most popular songs. Both of these tracks are fine, I will even argue that they're both better than "Lips of an Angel", but the problem with this record in general, even though it is more varied lyric-wise, is that it feels highly derivative.
Influence is one thing, but the 80's hair metal sound bleeds through majority of "Take it to the Limit". A little bit of Def Leppard on said single "Without You", which is a decent ballad (although can get bland at times), and a strong Pour-Some-Sugar-On-Me feel on "Up All Night", which is honestly one of the better tracks on here, with good lead work and a great hook. That can also be said for the title track with its memorable lyrics and catchy riffs (and even a really decent solo from Mick Mars!).
There is a feel of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" to be found in "Loaded and Alone", which lyrically stands much taller than the rest, with some interesting lead and rhythm work from Joe Garvey and Mark King.
The one other major issue is that the song are, structure-wise, very similar to each other. Majority of the ballads follow the same progressions, and the first few hard rock songs, while good, have the same feel to them, and it becomes less engaging as it goes on. Lyrics are overall more varied than the last time around, but that is definitely not the case for the music.
Not to mention some of the songs feel painfully generic even for Hinder. "The Best is Yet to Come" is really just a throwaway track ("Heartless" or "Running in the Rain" from deluxe versions would fit much better). The same can be said about "Thing For You", which is as bland as it gets for Hinder. Acoustic arrangements with no memorable hook nor any interesting instrumental passages. "Far From Home" is a nice touch for the end, a nice heartfelt song about missing your family while you're on the road.
All this adds up to - a decent follow-up record. They are not reinventing the wheel, but just having a good time. I am aware of how ridiculously biased I came up in that "Extreme Behavior" review, but I really think this one, while -good-, it does not surpass its predecesor. It is not intelligent, but it doesn't need to be, it is just a feel good record with enough highlights to keep casual listener engaged for the most part.
