1992
Cut tragically short after lead singer Shannon Hoon’s death in 1995, Blind Melon only had a few chances to shine, but it was evident that there was a strong lasting power and creativity that is sorely missed. Blind Melon’s debut is among the best albums out there, leaving the listener feeling good and feeling inspired.
1.) Soak The Sin:
Blind Melon opens up their debut album with a blunt rock song with such a structured formulation reminiscent of Pearl Jam’s earlier works to songs that may put some Led Zeppelin tracks to shame. It is clear that this band knows how to play, and not just run off with a solo for five minutes and leaving it at that, portraying definite emotion. Shannon Hoon’s vocals are very intense but soothing at the same time, such like Maynard James Keenan of Tool, but even more haunting considering Shannon Hoon died just a few years later. “Soak The Sin” has many layers to it, starting off with a jam band feel, driving a very powerful guitar riff and pounding drums, to breaks and echoing vocals, to dreamy ethereal sounds, to pure head banging and stage diving worthiness. (4/5)
2.) Tones Of Home:
This song is a single off of Blind Melon’s debut, which isn’t surprising at all considering it has a similar feel to the previous track but a bit more of a radio friendly catchy melody. It is clear by this point in the album that Blind Melon’s lyrics are something to be admired, taking you through a journey of self discovery and the people closely involved reacting to it. Lines like “You don’t like the way I’m living” and “I thought that this would be the land of milk and honey, but I’ve come to find out that it’s all hate and money” stick out. (4/5)
3.) I Wonder:
On the album, this song starts out with a beautiful yet cryptic acoustic intro, as a single, this song goes right into the catchy rock melody. This song speaks of wanting a better world, wanting peace and individuality, and bluntly asking “Why am I even here?”. “I Wonder” doesn’t stick to the verse chorus verse formula, in fact not much but a few lines are even repeated at all, giving the listener an earful from start to finish. Much like many Blind Melon songs, “I Wonder” puts you in a trance if only you’d let it. (4.5/5)
4.) Paper Scratcher:
This song is like the previous three rolled into one, but like every track on this album, it holds its own unique feel. Such highlight lyrics include “For every living day I give myself a hand” and “On the day I die, thank god my soul will be released”, which indicate clearly that Blind Melon paints optimism with dark tones. The guitar work, the drums, the vocals, all tie together and give someone who doesn’t even understand English a very accurate assumption of what is being said. If Shannon says a powerful line above the rest, the volume and instruments will accompany that and sometimes portray more enthusiasm and meaning than the words themselves. (4/5)
5.) Dear Ol’ Dad:
“Dear Ol’ Dad” was the first Blind Melon single. There is Spanish acoustic guitar, rolling drums, powerful bass, creative lyrics of ironic humor, and of course pure rock emphasis. This song shows how Blind Melon is a band for everyone from the person who listens to the lyrics, who listens to the instruments, wants to dance, mosh, and sing their hearts out, to the ones who do it all. If you don’t nod your head at least a little bit for this track, you need nerve work done. (4.5/5)
6.) Change:
You knew it was coming, and here it is. “Change” is an acoustic track that is so beautiful and melodic that you can’t help but come close to a tear. This song is pure poetry, and quite possibly the best lyrics to be sung on a Blind Melon album. Summed up, “When life is hard, you have to change.” (5/5)
7.) No Rain:
It seems that everyone has heard Blind Melon’s “No Rain” at least once, usually associating the band with the songs hippy-like feel. Blind Melon was put on the map with this song, along side of the video that depicts a bee girl trying to find her niche in the world. “No Rain” just makes you feel good with its finger snap intro and pretty guitar melodies intermingled with acoustic guitar and maracas. This song stands out far from the rest on the album, and basically the entire Blind Melon catalog, which on that stance along shows how the band is not just a one trick pony. (5/5)
8.) Deserted:
Blind Melon’s debut album continues with it’s dark and intimate feel with “Deserted”, opening with the line “Grab my knee and look at me and try to tell me I’ll be home soon.” The quiet sense explodes with the same energetic rock feel evident in earlier tracks, then depicts quite well the metaphor of being lost in the desert for the stages of finding inner peace. “Deserted” then breaks down to a calming melody, like the beginning of the song, and flows directly into the next song. (3.5/5)
9.) Sleepyhouse:
Acting like a sequel to “Deserted”, “Sleepyhouse” continues the flow with personal and honest lyrics accompanied with a slow yet very powerful instrumental arrangement. Despite these songs though, the album seems to lose the listeners attention a bit at this point. (3.5/5)
10.) Holyman:
Emerging from the previous two tracks, “Holyman” touches on religion and finding own personal satisfaction. This song is very strong, and very catchy, proclaiming “I’ve been shown the way a thousand times and I want a keeper.” The album becomes a bit more experimental at this point, proving again that there is no definite formula present outside of sticking with emotion. Each member of the band shows here what it is that they can really do. (3.5/5)
11.) Seed To A Tree:
Blind Melon has definite humor and silliness, which is pretty clear with opening a song with “As I S***". If anything, this song shows some of the many lyrical sides to the band, from the aforementioned to bleak seriousness and interesting interpretations of the world around them. The song opens up with drums and progresses to the full on rock feel that proves to be a staple with this album. Overall, this song touches on love, alienation, and basically everything else that takes place growing up and becoming the person you want to be, hence “seed to a tree”. Everything rolled up provides a very detailed and listenable result. (4/5)
12.) Drive:
“Drive” proves to be a very relaxing and emotional experience, also showcasing how Blind Melon is a band that just jams out in all the raw and personal ways one could expect to be a breath of fresh air from the monotony of the typical music scene. Shannon Hoon belts out some very motivational and thought provoking lyrics in this song, deserving of a second look considering the bands demise after just one more studio album of new material. Unfortunately though, “Drive” is one of the songs on this album that tends to blur out upon the first few listens. (3.5/5)
13.) Time:
The final track on Blind Melon’s debut is a stew of what made the previous twelve songs so good, slow to fast, quite to laud, intricate and powerful from every angle. This song leaves the listener with a sense of what Blind Melon was all about up unto this point, and what so many fans still cling to over a decade later. (4/5)
Overall, this album is a breath of fresh air, and definitely worth buying.
