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Alter Bridge
One Day Remains
For a new reviews site I figured I should update my review. My old review was rather lame and started an endless argument that was really dumb. Either way: onto the new and improved review.
Unless you have been living under a rock the last ten years, you know of the band Creed. Alter Bridge consists of three former Creed members and a new singer—formerly from the Mayfield Four—Myles Kennedy. Due to the Creed members and a Creed sounding first single, a lot of people have completely written off Alter Bridge as just another Creed. This could not be further from the truth, and everyone should listen to a few songs besides “Open Your Eyes” before dismissing this band as another Creed.
This album is not an entire about face from Creed, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Some songs sound a lot like Creed, some have similarities, and others sound nothing like them—it is these songs that truly rock and make this one of the best albums of 2004, and in my opinion, the best album of ’04.
First, the line-up:
Vocals: Myles Kennedy
Guitar: Mark Tremonti
Bass: Brian Marshall
Drums: Scott Philips
The vocals are great. One of the first things a listener will notice after hearing the album is how much of an improvement the singing is compared to most mainstream bands. Myles can hit amazing highs and lows, and he is clearly a cut above most.
The guitar is just incredible. Tremonti, finally freed from the mainstream crud that was Creed, really lets loose on this album and his talent shows. Five really amazing solos, as well as constantly pounding riffs fill the album. Every once in a while he lapses into a “name that chord progression” phase, but if he continues to move in this direction on future albums, the sky is the limit for him.
The bass is somewhat difficult to hear at most times. In some songs it really shines but most of the time it is very hard to find.
The drums, handled by Creed’s drummer, are definitely an asset, not a liability. While on some songs Philip’s gets a little to comfortable with horribly basic beats, it is clear that he improved immensely on the whole. His rhythmic assault on Metalingus is by far the best drumming on the album, but other songs are good as well. One Day Remains has very decent drumming, Find the Real does as well. The End is Here and Watch your Words are also examples of his better drumming. I have actually found that if it is a “Creed-ish” sounding song, his drumming is almost unfailingly boring. However, on all of the songs that make the album good, his drumming is far better.
Track by Track:
Find the Real: This song is a great way to open the album. Not only does it have an awesome riff and a super awesome solo, but the bass is audible (and very good), the drums are very interesting, and Myles does his best vocal work on the whole album by FAR. His ten second long wail of “real” near the end is one of the best examples of mainstream singing I have heard in a long time. Definitely a great way to start the album. 5/5
One Day Remains: The album continues its strong start with One Day Remains. If you want to know why you shouldn’t dismiss this band as Creed 2, just listen to this song. It sounds nothing like anything Creed ever did. Tremonti practically shreds throughout, and he has another very good solo. The opening tom pattern is very good on the drums. The singing is also very nice. 5/5
Open Your Eyes: Well no album is perfect I guess. The drums are just awful on this song, reverting to Scott Philip’s hi-hat lick once again. He uses this simple beat on nearly every Creed song ever, and uses it on a few One Day Remains songs as well. Sometimes it is permissible, here it is not. Philip’s crummy drumming is not the worst part of the song though. The lyrics just make one want to scream Creed, the guitar sounds exactly like Creed. The saving grace of this song is the amazing solo. Some claim it doesn’t fit the song. While I disagree with this, no matter it fits the song or not it is an amazing solo that shows that even in the most Creed sounding song on the album, Tremonti can still rock. Overall, though, the song is basically responsible for every image problem that Alter Bridge has. 2.5/5
Burn It Down: While this song does have some Creed similarities, it shows the best side of it. Tremonti throws in yet another great solo, the whole song just builds intensity throughout, and has an epic feeling to it. Myles voice comes back to the forefront on this one, and overall this is just a very strong song. 4/5
Metalingus: This is the song you want to listen to. If you are going to only hear one song on the album, listen to THIS one. It is the most amazing song I have heard in a long time. Not only does this song attempt to exorcise the shadow of Creed, it also just plain ROCKS. The guitar is just amazing. Fast, heavy, fast, and heavy. And fast and heavy. The bass is at its best, complimenting the other instruments perfectly. The singing is great. Myles as usual throws in great highs and lows to make the song sound great.
And then there is the drumming. Philip’s just decided to turn this song into his own personal showcase song. It opens with a great tribal tom pattern which he later throws in twice on the song. Then, to get you ready for Mark’s super heavy riff, he throws in he first double bass fill I have ever heard him do, and it works perfectly. The tension in the intro builds and builds and it just WORKS. Then, during the verse he uses two great beats, punctuated by nice hi-hat accents and the perfect tempo to hold you in. During the chorus he fits the song perfectly for the first three measures, then usually throws in a nice fill during the last one. Finally, after an interlude which constantly builds thanks to Myles wailing lyrics, Philip’s takes out all the stops and does an awesome double bass fill. While it isn’t necessarily the stuff that would make Terry Bozio proud, it puts %98 of mainstream drumming to shame, and then some.
Finally, the song ends with a great double time outro, during which Mark’s super fast riff and Philip’s double bass drumming fit perfectly. All in all, this is the kind of music you want to listen to. Definitely the best song on the album. 5/5
Broken Wings: After the intense and awesome Metalingus, Alter Bridge comes down to earth. Broken wings is a mediocre song, very Creed-like. No amazing riff, no amazing solo, basic drumming, etc. It does have a great intro and outro on the guitar—very bluesy—as well as great singing, but all in all it isn’t the kind of song they would want to release as a single, DESPITE the fact that they friggin ARE. 2.5/5
In loving Memory: I almost discount this song from the album because it is an ode to Mark’s mother, who died some time ago. It is obviously not meant to be a song that rocks, but is very touching if you listen to the lyrics. It has a Creedish feel to it, no amazing riff, no solo, but a lot of emotion conveyed in the lyrics. And instead of Scott Stapp’s whiny lyrics, they are about someone who has passed away, and if you are in an emotionally unstable mood, don’t listen to this song if you ever cry listening to music. overall, 3/5.
Down to My last: Mark puts the last solo on the album in this one, and it is another great one. The lyrics on this song are the only ones written entirely by Myles so he sings them to perfection. Nothing particularly outstanding in this song outside of the solo and the singing though. 4/5
Watch Your Words: Has a very metallica-ish feel. Possibly the heaviest song on the album outside of metalingus. The basic riff is pretty simple but Tremonti fleshes it out and it sounds very awesome at parts. As usual the singing is on target, but the bass is also very distinguishable—and very good—on this track. The drumming is IMO the second best on the album, behind only metalingus. Not necessarily the most technically advanced, but has some very interesting stuff, not nearly as boring as most drumming is these days. 4.5/5
Shed my Skin: This one sounds somewhat creed-ish, but it does not do the normal “pensive verse/epic chorus” thing. It is a pretty upbeat song through out, good everything, outstanding nothing. 3/5
The End is Here: This is another very uncreed-ish song. It does have a very low, slow verse and then huge chorus, but it actually sounds good. The guitar is very nice, the drumming is good again (lots of drags on the double bass which sound great on this song), and the bass I also good. It has a very epic feel to it. Still, the verse and chorus are pretty basic stuff, it is the interlude which makes this song. Not a very easy interlude to explain. It goes from a simple single note clean riff to a distorted, raw power chord riff, to wah pedaled power chord riff. The drums follow well, going from light playing on the ride to explosive playing on china and eventuall a nice simple fill bringing it back into the chorus. Very good, fitting way to end the album. 4.5/5
In all, this album won’t change the face of music. But this band might. If they continue to progress eventually their albums will be just full of metalingus worthy songs and then we will have one heck of an album. This album definitely would appeal to anyone who likes the genre, and even some who don’t. I believe everyone should at least listen to it. So in conclusion,
My biased rating: 5/5
My unbiased rating: 4.5/5
| other reviews of this album |
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This has been recommended to me quite a few times, I went off Creed years ago but this sounds promising. Decent review.
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I always thought the weakest part of Creed was Stapp, followed by Marshall...
I'd like to hear one more track before deciding on this though...Open Your Eyes is not a bad track, but I want to hear something least like Creed...
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Tremonti is still to much of a show off. He throws a fast solo in the new single where one is clearly not needed. He thinks he is God's gift to music, and I have little respect for him. They still sound like generic radio rock to me.
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This just proves how much of an asshole Scott Stapp is. I mean, why would all of his bandmates toss him out, get a new singer that sounds almost like him, and play almost exactly the same music as they did before? There are no "creative differences" here, just one guy who couldn't stop being Jesus.
I hope this band sells twice as many records as Creed, because all they ever had was chart-topping success without the critical acclaim. If Stapp values it that much, he'll surely crucify himself if this band gets bigger.
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ouch!!! that hurt, but its an opinion so im not gonna say anything. Personally i liked creed (nobody hate me for this), and this new band Alter Bridge isnt to bad either. But everybodys always saying how bad creed sounded and their guitarist sucks. Obviously none of them have ever played an instrument nor realize how much work goes into it all, trying to make it all sound good, only to have people turn around and b!tch about it. Seriously, some of these people should be drug out and forced to make a cd, that sounds good, and when it doesnt, see if they like having all that sh!t thrown at em. Now i know it sounds like im a diehard creed fan, but im most definately not, im just sayin i wish people would stop ragging on them about the music. Maybe they werent the best band ever out there, but if you think you can do better, why dont you record yourself and post it on here. Until then, respect them for being musicians who try to make good music, dont hate them cause the music sucks.
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[QUOTE=The JoZ]I always thought the weakest part of Creed was Stapp, followed by Marshall...[/quote]
actually brian marshall, their bassist, left the band after my own prison, from then on they had a touring bassist with them.
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[QUOTE=screamo_rocks_101]actually brian marshall, their bassist, left the band after my own prison, from then on they had a touring bassist with them.[/QUOTE]
Either way, Creed bass was never that special
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[QUOTE=screamo_rocks_101]ouch!!! that hurt, but its an opinion so im not gonna say anything. Personally i liked creed (nobody hate me for this), and this new band Alter Bridge isnt to bad either. But everybodys always saying how bad creed sounded and their guitarist sucks. Obviously none of them have ever played an instrument nor realize how much work goes into it all, trying to make it all sound good, only to have people turn around and b!tch about it. Seriously, some of these people should be drug out and forced to make a cd, that sounds good, and when it doesnt, see if they like having all that sh!t thrown at em. Now i know it sounds like im a diehard creed fan, but im most definately not, im just sayin i wish people would stop ragging on them about the music. Maybe they werent the best band ever out there, but if you think you can do better, why dont you record yourself and post it on here. Until then, respect them for being musicians who try to make good music, dont hate them cause the music sucks.[/QUOTE]
Alright. I'll also stop complaining about bad lyricists until I'm on level with Whitman and Shakespeare. I'll stop complaining about how much microwavable wings suck until I can cook better ones myself. I'll stop talking about how terrible of a job any politician is doing until I can run a country myself.
As for the tunes, Tremonti's a good guitarist but the single's solo is definitely over-the-top and made to shoot down any accusations that he can't play while not fitting with the song's mood/feel at all, inevitably taking away from the point of the solo in the first place.
Also, I don't think that, as per the forum's rules for rating an album, this cd is necessary for any fan of music, the basis of a 5/5. The review was good but entirely too biased in the end. Ah well, to each his/her own.
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Tremonti is still to much of a show off. He throws a fast solo in the new single where one is clearly not needed. He thinks he is God's gift to music, and I have little respect for him. They still sound like generic radio rock to me.
A show-off? You can't be in a band with Scott Stapp for almost a decade and be a show-off. He also does not think he is God's gift to music--where would you get an idea like that? Also, that solo comes at a perfect time, and adds a ton to a song that would have been pretty boring otherwise.
Also, I don't think that, as per the forum's rules for rating an album, this cd is necessary for any fan of music, the basis of a 5/5. The review was good but entirely too biased in the end. Ah well, to each his/her own.
Isn't deciding what CD is necessary for every fan of music something that involves opinion? It is my opinion that everyone who likes music should own this CD, I like it THAT MUCH. You might not agree with me, but don't tell me that I'm "biased" because I like an album. Yeah, sure, my like for the album comes through some, but if it had all come through, every song except burn it down would be a 5/5. And no review is perfectly unbiased. By its very nature, music appeals to some and not to others. This CD appeals to me like no other CD ever has, and that it is what I was saying. You can't give anything but ones opinion, and an opinion will always be "biased".
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Something tells me this is going nowhere...
Simply put, the purpose of these reviews is to be as objective as possible. You can get into a huge argument as to how difficult it is to be objective on something as subjective as art but that's not what this is about. The criteria is stated and stickied at the top of the forum. That's great that you're giving your opinion but everyone has an opinion. Presenting them as judgement helps nobody. While it may be fickle and fussy to put so much value in an internet forum about music reviews, the rules are there for a purpose.
To put it another way, Jimmy Eat World is my favourite band and I love all of their albums but even I'll admit that none of their records are worth a 5/5, maybe barely a 4/5. They don't particularly define genres and though their literacy may change someone's perspective on their genre, it's not like not having Clarity is a terrible thing. That album also appeals to me like few other albums.
Also, it is hard to take your words very seriously seeing as the album has been out for less than a week stateside. While I honestly appreciate the review not flaming the band for being Creed's fallout project, it is rather frustrating to see such a blatantly subjective "review" that so goes against the very purpose of the forum. If your review was a follow-up post to a review, I would certainly not quarrel. As a strong believer in following rules when they are for the better of everyone, I have to disagree with your review and your stance and justification for the review.
I assure you that this is no personal vendetta against you. My problem is with what you wrote in respect to the foggy view of the foundation of this forum. Nothing more. Please do not take this personally. 
| | | Album Rating: 1.0
Yeah, the ranking basically runs as;
5/5 - Should be an absolutely essential listen, inside and out of the genre, or else have done something amazing like created/crystallised an entire genre. Something truly special.
4/5 - An essential buy for fans of the genre, and a good record to use to introduce people to this kind of music.
3/5 - A recommended album for fans of this band or this genre; probably a good example of the genre, but nothing really great.
2/5 - For hardcore fans of band/genre only; they should at least be aware it exists.
1/5 - Better off buried.
No one uses this though 
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But 3/5 seems so low.
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...Which is why I still believe we need to implement 10/10, and why I've been doing it in more of my own reviews...
I've never heard this album, but if it's above average, it could easily pull a 7 or maybe, maybe even 8/10. It's not essential (10/10) and not even totally groundbreaking (9/10) but it's a cut above the rest of the albums in this genre (6, 7, 8/10)
5/10 could be completely average for the genre. Not bad, but not adding to
4, 3 = Below average; the album shows lack of effort, or is generally too repetitive, cliche, to be enjoyed by anyone but the most hardcore of fans
2, 1 = Don't waste your time on this one
| | | Album Rating: 1.0
Why not..
[QUOTE=The JoZ]
I've never heard this album, but if it's above average, it could easily pull a 3.5 or maybe, maybe even 4/5. It's not essential (5/5) and not even totally groundbreaking (4.5/5) but it's a cut above the rest of the albums in this genre (3, 3.5, 4/5)
2.5/5 could be completely average for the genre. Not bad, but not adding to
2, 1.5 = Below average; the album shows lack of effort, or is generally too repetitive, cliche, to be enjoyed by anyone but the most hardcore of fans
1, 0.5 = Don't waste your time on this one[/QUOTE]
?
What's the difference?
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I dunno. I personally think it's easier to judge from 1 / 10 as opposed to getting nitty gritty with these half points.
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[QUOTE=i am miik]Tremonti is still to much of a show off. He throws a fast solo in the new single where one is clearly not needed. He thinks he is God's gift to music, and I have little respect for him. They still sound like generic radio rock to me.[/QUOTE]
1) Tremonti's solos are awesome. U mentioned mainstream... how many acts out there actually have solos in their tunes (besides Godsmack and a few other bands), and i'm not talking a 3 note punk solo;
2) Also, it's fresh to hear a solo again - I love the way the guitar is coming back and is on the forefront of a lot of bands as opposed to turntables or s*** like that
3) Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darell, and Kirk Hammet all play fast solos too; but retards like YOU don't question their talent. Tremonti is an old school soloist who enjoys shredding as much as anyone else, and it's really not your call on whether a song needs a solo, mr Bob Rock
P.S. Lindsay Lohan sucks
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Good review.
Lindsay lohan is hot, so shut up.
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It is an OPINION whether or not an album is essential!! There is NO WAY to be objective about it!!! there will never be an album that everyone in the world agrees is good. NEVER. Does that means there should never be 5/5's? Don't think so.
1) Tremonti's solos are awesome. U mentioned mainstream... how many acts out there actually have solos in their tunes (besides Godsmack and a few other bands), and i'm not talking a 3 note punk solo;
2) Also, it's fresh to hear a solo again - I love the way the guitar is coming back and is on the forefront of a lot of bands as opposed to turntables or s*** like that
3) Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darell, and Kirk Hammet all play fast solos too; but retards like YOU don't question their talent. Tremonti is an old school soloist who enjoys shredding as much as anyone else, and it's really not your call on whether a song needs a solo, mr Bob Rock
P.S. Lindsay Lohan sucks
I pretty much agree with everything you said there. It is also refreshing to see an intelligent post once in a while...
| | | Album Rating: 1.0
[QUOTE=splashfreak]It is an OPINION whether or not an album is essential!! There is NO WAY to be objective about it!!! there will never be an album that everyone in the world agrees is good. NEVER. Does that means there should never be 5/5's? Don't think so.
1) Tremonti's solos are awesome. U mentioned mainstream... how many acts out there actually have solos in their tunes (besides Godsmack and a few other bands), and i'm not talking a 3 note punk solo;
2) Also, it's fresh to hear a solo again - I love the way the guitar is coming back and is on the forefront of a lot of bands as opposed to turntables or s*** like that
3) Eddie Van Halen, Dimebag Darell, and Kirk Hammet all play fast solos too; but retards like YOU don't question their talent. Tremonti is an old school soloist who enjoys shredding as much as anyone else, and it's really not your call on whether a song needs a solo, mr Bob Rock
P.S. Lindsay Lohan sucks
I pretty much agree with everything you said there. It is also refreshing to see an intelligent post once in a while...[/QUOTE]
So first of all, anyone who agrees with you is intelligent, and anyone who doesn't, isn't? Posting like that will get you nowhere, so please don't.
Yes, of course it is opinion. You can never get outside of your opinion, but, you can temper opinion with common sense. I've read your review, and what you're saying is that it is a first class example of hard rock; it's not doing anything new or different, it's not creating a new genre or blowing away our concept of music as we know it, so why should it get a 5?
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now dont think i dont have respect for most musicians but i must say that solo is a bit over the top for that song. a great solo but it doesnt really add any texture to the song. and in my opinion, alter bridge is creed.creed is alter bridge and frankly their a little too mainstream for my taste. BRING ON THE BLACK METAL!
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