Review Summary: Wow, what a trip. Anything but a tragedy.
Papa Roach have accessed a prominent position in the world of mainstream rock, and have settled in quite nicely. After the release of their major success "Infest", it apparently was time for Papa Roach to settle in other areas they feel they could've mastered just as well as the sheer raw power and emotion as their debut portrayed. Lovehatetragedy is a perfect example of experimentation while adding in a few assortments of depressing instrumentation, and at the same time, highly upbeat songs that capture your attention easily. As far as the band goes, this album really sets some high standards, and exemplifies a true measurement of just how good the band really is outside of their comfort zone. Unfortunately for me anyway, after this album, nothing like this will ever be created again by the Roach's.
This album kicks off in one of the strangest ways imaginable. This heavy instrumental intro opens up this masterpiece with lyrics portraying a style, and actually saying that they are rock n' roll. Not that the song is bad or anything, and it might just be a little too cynical of me, but I find this song as the one and only minor issue in this album just because of its bizarre lyrics. Otherwise, decent intro, but the album only just now starts. "Life is a Bullet" is a great semi-ballad performance containing interesting guitar lines and amazing lyrics. This is also the first track that opens up with the true emotional power that Papa Roach portrays nicely, both from their debut and especially in this record. "Decompression Period" is another high point in this album containing a dark instrumental setup, and soft vocals that provide a good atmosphere for the whole track.
Along with the amazing emotional power and awesome instrumentation to solidify it, comes Jacoby's vocals that provide excellent harmonies with the back dropping instruments. "Born With Nothing, Die With Everything" is the single greatest song on the album. The melodies for this track are phenomenal both musically and vocally. But aside from the fantastic melodious aspects to this track, also stand the lyrical concept as well. Following alongside the overall "depressing", or "angsty" style this album perfects, like a rainy-day concept, this track justifies Jacoby's skill well. "She Loves Me Not" is a good rap-metal ballad-like track consisting of pretty generic instrumentations, but good vocal work. "Black Clouds" is yet another good example of amazing vocals that set the mood nicely, along with the overall soft and dark feeling to it. As a high point of this album, though rather obscure, this is easily the second best track on the album. The last tracks (including bonus tracks) only solidify this extravagant masterpiece with amazing instrumentation. Even "Lovehatetragedy", which is simply a soft ballad carries off nicely into the powerful "Code of Energy" and finishes the album off nicely.
Lovehatetragedy is plain and simply a glorious album consisting of great instrumentals and show Jacoby's vocal skills at his best. The guitar courtesy of Jerry Horton is pure, straight, and gorgeous. Even Will's bass is better portrayed here than on their debut. Some of the tracks on this album have the greatest backdrops provided by Horton and Will James alone. The drumming is superb, the beats are well maintained, and the vocals wrap this all up together into one great package. As far as the negatives go in this album, well occasionally, generic instrumentals wind in, infesting ultimately decent tracks like "She Loves Me Not" and "Singular Indestructible Droid". But these faults can be easily surpassed once the album has a chance to grow on you as the rest of the album melts away and takes you on a wonderful journey through a dark and angst-filled ecstasy ride.
