Review Summary: P-Roach has delivered with a solid rock and roll album that might have some weak spots, but is definitley worth a listen. Leave all your pre-conceived notions about this band at the door.
Papa Roach get a ton of crap for being one of the many "nu-metal" bands that plagued us a few years back. Yet, they have always offered something different and unique, unlike many of those other bands. They have also been able to evolve with each record they put out which keeps their music fresh and interesting. They have done just that again with the release of The Paramour Sessions. This is a flat out rock and roll record. They have also changed their look a little bit as well. I mention this because it bothered me at first but then I realized the hypocrisy in letting that affect my feelings toward the music, since I preach strongly against the importance of the "image" of musicians. Yes, Jacoby and the boys might wear eyeliner now, but really, it has nothing to do with the music and it shouldn't even be taken into consideration when forming an opinion on this record.
Track 1 - ...To Be loved
Ok, this is the first single off of the record and if it's all you've heard, don't let it stop you from giving the rest of it a chance. I'll admit that when I heard this for the first time, I laughed. It was so dissapointing that I didn't expect anything good from the rest of the album. The opening riff is pretty sweet, but that's about as far as it goes. It's pretty repetitive and annoying (especially the "Wh..oah...oah..oah's" in the chorus).
Overall Rating - C-
Track 2 - Alive (N' Out of Control)
The first thing that jumped out at me when I heard this song was Jacoby's vocal style. It's very rugged and powerful. The fast riffage in the pre-chorus and the solo (if you can call it that) is pretty tight as well. I really love the chorus, the change of rhythm was unexpected and enjoyable.
Overall Rating - B+
Track 3 - Crash
This song has a dark feel to it. The chorus is pretty catchy, you might find yourself singing along and head banging at the same time (which is kind of what Papa Roach seems to be going for on the whole album).
Overall Rating - B-
Track 4 - The World Around You
This is probably my favorite song on Paramour right now. The lead guitar in the pre-chorus gives me chills everytime I hear it. It's nothing technically amazing but it's very satisfying. It's a good time for a little bit of air guitar. I'm impressed by the lyrics in the verses. The lyrics in the chorus are pretty generic but it's really catchy. The vocals at the end of the bridge are really cool. It almost sounds like there is an effect used on them, but I'm not sure. Don't be suprised if this is the next single released.
Overall Rating - A
Track 5 - Forever
The song starts with a simple bass and drums part. Jacoby comes in singing and it brings a kind of somber mood. The guitar part at the end of the verse is pretty cool and different, but the transition into the chorus sounds a little awkward. The lyrics in the chorus are pretty bland and cliche, but Jacoby really pulls them off. I like this song more and more with each listen.
Overall Rating - B+
Track 6 - I Devise My Own Demise
The intro is promising but the rest of the song is kind of boring. The chorus is simple and not exciting. There is some good lead guitar in here though.
Overall Rating - C
Track 7 - Time is Running Out
Extremely simple but very catchy, definitely a sing-a-long. The intro is kind of cheesy but it fits the song. I like the vocals in the chorus a lot. It's an anthem that will probably be one of their most popular off of this album. This is another candidate for the next single.
Overall Rating - B
Track 8 - What Do You Do?
Lyrically, this might be the worst song on the album. I am pleasantly suprised with the piano in here, even though it does sound a little bit forced. I think that this is the type of song that Papa Roach wrote because of the success of Scars. It's not that bad, but it's not one of their best. It sounds like Hoobastank broke into the studio and put a song on here.
Overall Rating - C
Track 9 - My Heart is a Fist
Once again, not a lyrically impressive song, but it's made up for. The verse is led by a cool bass line and good vocals. The chorus makes me want to sing it from a rooftop. I like how verse 2 is different from verse 1 in the sense that the guitar really gives it a completely different feel. The outro with the piano and vocals is a great ending to a great song.
Overall Rating - A-
Track 10 - No More Secrets
Great lead guitar work throughout. The verse features the signature stop and go crunchy guitar that Jerry does so well. It reminds me of Blanket of Fear off of GAWM. The chorus isn't really anything special, but the transition from the chorus to the verse is pretty badass.
Overall Rating - B
Track 11 - Reckless
Another anthem, which is kind of a theme on the second half of the album. I absolutley love the chorus of this song in all it's power ballad glory. You will be singing this song at the top of your lungs when noone is around.
Overall Rating - B+
Track 12 - The Fire
Straight rock and roll baby! The chorus has a great guitar riff complimented nicely by agressive vocals. If i'm not mistaken that's a cowbell I hear...and I've got a fever.
Overall Rating - A-
Track 13 - Roses on My Grave
When this song starts you will double check to make sure someone didn't change the cd. A Papa Roach song featuring an orchestra? That's right, and as out of place as it might be I really like it. I can see how some will really be put off by it, but it's pretty entertaining.
Overall Rating - B-
Album Highlights - The World Around You
My Heart is a Fist
The Fire
Songs You Will Probably Skip - ...To Be Loved
What Do You Do?
