Review Summary: For a major label release by a group of guys that were under 21, it was an impressive debut. Eric was a great guitar player at the time and his ability has grown since than. Paul has gone on to win a Grammy for his performance on the song Bring Me To Life
12 Stones is:
Paul McCoy - Vocals
Eric Weaver - Guitar
Kevin Dorr - Bass
Aaron Gainer - Drums
12 Stones saw commercial success with this album. Broken, Home, Running Out of Pain and Back Up were all used by the WWE for pay-per-views or their desire videos (videos focused on certain wrestlers). A close relationship between WWE and Wind-Up records helped push 12 Stones. My Life was also featured on the soundtrack for The Scorpion King.
12 Stones are religious and their name reflects that. The meaning behind their name is that of the 12 disciples who followed Jesus along with the 12 stones the Israelites raised when they crossed the Jordan River. Though their songs are not all about their relationship with God, there is a Christian undertone to the songs.
1. Crash 4/5
The highlight of the song is Eric's great solo.
2. Broken 5/5
The first single off the album. The song is deceiving by the beginning. Paul begins the song by screaming "Bring It" leaving listens to believe the song would be filled with screaming and loud guitars. The majority of the song is absent of screaming till the very end with Paul repeating "Broken". Regardless of that, the song shows Paul's vocal talent along with Eric's guitar skills.
3. The Way I Feel 3.5/5
The second single off their album. Considered by some to be one of the slower songs on the album, the songs follows the same formula as the previous two. A slow beginning with a heavy ending.
4. Open Your Eyes 4/5
One of the heavy songs on the album. On a personal note, I'm not a fan of the ending. Whenever songs fade out, it feels incomplete. Almost as if they did not know how to end it. That's a personal thing that shouldn't impact other peoples opinion of an overall good song.
5. Home 5/5
The stand out song on the album. It best depicts Paul's ability to sing and scream at once. "I hide in darkness blind to sense, Chasing a dream with false pretense, Help me find the fracture in this dark sky" - my favorite lyrics on the album.
6. Fade Away 3/5
One of the weaker songs on the album. Not to say it isn't good or consider it filler, compared to some of the other songs, it doesn't stand up with the rest of them.
7. Back Up 3.5/5
The heaviest song on the album. The band performs well here together but there is something missing. I've listened to this song dozens of times but I can never put my finger on it.
8. Soulfire 4/5
Another heavy song by the band showcasing their ability to rock. Paul delivers a rap reflecting on his relationship with God. One could argue it's about a person in his life that's been good to him but to me, it reflects something else.
9. In My Head 3/5
Much like Fade Away, the song is slow that doesn't go anywhere. Could have been a good song but without a guitar solo, it feels unfinished.
10. Running Out of Pain 4/5
I wouldn't say this is a slow song but compared to the rest of the album, this is the slowest one. It reflects the struggle of trying to help someone that will not take the offer. It's the type of song you could imagine becoming a pop hit but with the electric guitars, it keeps it in the grunge sound that will never allow for a crossover hit.
11. My Life 4/5
Another good song that contains good solo. The solo is short but delivers.
12. Eric's Song 4.5/5
The song takes a different approach than the rest. It's the stand out track that shows Eric's great guitar ability. The song has a southern rock feel that reflects their roots (being born and raised in New Orleans). One of my favourite songs of the album.
