Review: Shinedown - ‘The Sound Of Madness’
Posted: June 17th, 2008
Contributed By: Nick
 |
Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: June 24th, 2008 |
| Shinedown is: Brent Smith (Vocals) Nick Perri (Guitar) Zach Myers (Guitar) Eric Bass (Bass) Barry Kerch (Drums) |
Overview: They might not be my Jacksonville Jaguars, but the band known as Shinedown was conceived in the same backyard, and has certainly done its hometown proud. Atlantic Records A&R stalwart Steve Robertson wasted no time in locking up the band to a deal, and sent Shinedown head honcho Brent Smith, along with then guitarist Jasin Todd, then bassist Brad Stewart, and drummer Barry Kerch to Atlanta, Georgia to work with the likes of Rick Beato and Tony Battaglia on their debut offering. ‘Leave a Whisper‘ was its name, and the record dropped in the summer of 2003. Bolstered by their pick-hit first single “Fly From the Inside”, the album was a steady seller; it was not until Shinedown went back to basics, stripping down to an acoustic guitar and a voice, and tracked a cover of the Lynyrd Skynard classic “Simple Man” that ‘Leave a Whisper‘ took off. The album was re-released with the tribute in mid-2004, and combined with the chart-topping grandeur of the powerful “45″, Shinedown found themselves twenty three months deep into touring behind a platinum first record. Just as quickly as they were gone, Shinedown came rolling back, releasing their next album ‘Us and Them’ no more than seven months after ‘Leave a Whisper‘ had run its course. Shinedown secured its first number one song with “Save Me”, which topped multi-format rock charts for nearly three months. The band also got its first taste of crossover success when “I Dare You” made a sizable splash on mainstream radio. With one last push on the airwaves by “Heroes” and another round of rigorous touring, ‘Us and Them’ hit gold. Lost in all the madness was member changes, as Brad Stewart was replaced midway through the ‘Us and Them’ tour with The Fairwell mastermind Zach Myers. Once Shinedown began laying down its third opus with Rob Cavallo, they decided to relieve Jasin Todd of his duties. Zach Myers scurried over to guitar, and to round out Shinedown’s second skin, Silvertide axeman Nick Perri and Charleston, South Carolina based producer/songwriter Eric Bass were brought on board to handle second guitar and bass duties respectively. With their identity crisis under control, the quintet carefully pieced together the aptly titled ‘The Sound of Madness‘, which is ready to jumpstart a fresh Shinedown on June 24.
The Good: If this is Shinedown’s encapsulation of “madness”, then it makes me wish I were pissed off alot more often. Ironically enough, it is the band’s ability to hone their feelings and push their emotion outward into their music, making for a Disney experience Mickey Mouse himself could never replicate. Ready or not, here comes Shinedown, tip-toeing into the album with the devious, Revolutionary War inspired introduction of “Devour” that acts a springboard to catapult you into the premier song and single. “Devour” spearheads ‘The Sound of Madness‘ with thunderous, cutthroat intensity, galvanized by the swarming vocals of Brent Smith. Smith speaks of “toys” in the song, and if you were the “toy” left to fend for yourself within “Devour”, then you would be a rubber ducky getting creamed by bathtub tidal waves. Having marked their territory with a vengeance, Shinedown bares all for the dirty and raunchy title track. “Sound of Madness” might be dirty and grungy enough to join the aforementioned ducky at sea, but it cleans up nicely with commanding lyrics that get in your grill and beckon you to surrender to its primitive, organic lifestyle; furthermore, “Sound of Madness” is more than enough proof to show that there will be no awkward transition periods or adjustments for Shinedown’s newest arrivals, allowing you to get acquainted with ‘The Sound of Madness‘ on a far more intimate level. “Second Chance”, in a nutshell, will leave you breathless. You don’t hear music and words-you hear heart and passion, as much a tearjerker as it is hopeful and spirited. If a vast audience embraces “Second Chance” the way it envelops the listener, then Shinedown is sitting on the best end of summer, post-graduation song since Eve 6’s “Here’s to the Night”. ‘The Sound of Madness‘ sinks its teeth in with the impellent “Cry For Help”, a savage and ravenous beast that nukes everything in its path for the entirety of its three minute, twenty second lifespan. Smith lends his pipes to the blistering energy of his bandmates and delivers guttural vocals with sheer finesse. Shinedown provides some relief to the victims left in the wake of “Cry For Help” with the sparkling “The Crow and the Butterfly”. The whimsical and highly sentimental tune is cinematic without coming across as pretentious, like a radiant short story put to song. Shinedown continue to flash their Hollywood potential with the heavyhearted and reflective “If Only You Knew”. The song can best be described as the love letter that has been written, sealed, and stamped, but never sent off to the hopeful soulmate; a little hint of melancholy gives credibility to the track’s theatrics. Shinedown is jonesin’ like whoa on the unsettling “Sin With a Grin”, where a rugged, scrappy blueprint combined with a punchy chorus scratch the band’s itch and might even leave you longing for another hit. ‘The Sound of Madness‘ becomes a sharp dressed man for the ZZ Top rooted curveball that is “What A Shame”. Relying on an earthy, fresh-picked vibe contained within an omniscient dynamic fortress, Shinedown offer quite possibly the disc’s most honest cut. Keeping the trend of paying homage alive, the juiced and rousing “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide” prudently hints at the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with just a smidgen of Pearl Jam tossed in to create balance in an otherwise propulsive song. If that’s not enough, “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide” will get you ROFLing automatically with a couplet that slanders the late “necrophilia for fortune” Anna Nicole Smith, no doubt making this one a keeper. Shinedown alternates two personalities throughout the sensitive “Breaking Inside”, as somewhat despondent verses are hoisted by soaring, peachy choruses. ‘The Sound of Madness‘ heads into hibernation with heartbeat of “Call Me”, a piano and vocal ensemble that glistens under the disco ball, the exquisite backdrop to Pastor Smith’s warm and masterful approach. While this angelic song is obviously directed to Mrs. Smith, Brent is no doormat, voicing his own personal desires and feelings for a refreshing listen, and without cracking the porcelain ballad. Once the silence hits, you are left pleading for ‘The Sound of Madness‘ to come back, only this time for a permanent visit.
The Bad: You know, there really isn’t much to put on this plate. There are only two small, nitpicky leaks on ‘The Sound of Madness‘. The first is the placement of “If Only You Knew” which immediately follows the innovative “The Crow and the Butterfly”. While both songs come from the same family tree, “If Only You Knew” is eclipsed by the much more thorough and savory “The Crow and the Butterfly”, unintentionally letting the air out of an otherwise filled to capacity “If Only You Knew”. The only other thing that grinds my gears is how well “Breaking Inside” insinuates Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day”, a song I absolutely loathe; fortunately, the allusion was only brief, but it was enough to get me aggravated. Put those two things through the paper shredder, and ‘The Sound of Madness‘ is damn near flawless.
Bottomline: Whether they want to call it madness, or lust, or victory, the sound Shinedown brings full circle this time around is one thing for certain-dazzling. The band is able to express a huge breadth of personal emotions without losing contact with the creative splendor that drives the consciences all five expose on each of the album’s eleven waltzes. I’ll let ‘The Sound of Madness‘ take it from here, because the music is more than able enough to talk the talk and walk the walk, a well-deserved opportunity for Shinedown to strut, to bask, and to raise the finest trophy of all-the urn of Anna Nicole’s ashes.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Meagan said:
nice review. album of the year FTW!
June 17th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Nate said:
good album, maybe 8/10. not even close to 10 Years or Disturbed for album of the year.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:50 am
drastic8 said:
Just gave it a listen - I wasn’t really impressed so much with Devour when it came out but I’m with Meagan on this one.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Peter said:
11/10 Amazing Review Nick!!
I can’t wait to hear the studio version of Junkies for Fame and then then other bonus tracks
June 17th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Sox5452 said:
I completely agree about “Breaking Inside” sounding like Daniel Powter! I heard that the first time I listened to the chorus and it still pisses me off. What were they thinking keeping that melody in there it sounds awful. Other than that one song though, I think this is a really great album, 9/10. I think Leave a Whisper might stay as my #1, but this will definitely be close.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Mikel said:
Great review as always Nick!
June 17th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Gravity said:
Call me crazy, but I think the three best albums of the year have come out in consecutive weeks, with Disturbed, Rev Theory, and Shinedown. Killer stuff from all of ‘em.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Sox5452 said:
It’s only June and we’ve already had so many amazing albums this year!
June 17th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Ang said:
I’m excited for this album to come out
June 17th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
harty3113 said:
you guys are forgetting we still have 3 potential album of the years still a long way from being released. Trapt, Breaking Benjamin and Ra are all artist with potential to be artist of the year. and thats all that we know is being released
June 18th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
salastna said:
Well Harty Ive heard half the Trapt album and unless the other half is fantastic it wont come close. You do need to watch out for Breaking Benjamin and Ra.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Jay said:
Breaking Benjamin may or may not be out this year though. I’m thinking early ‘09
June 18th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Lucas said:
I hope the new BB will be out this fall. They have always been pretty consistent with a new album every 2 years and ‘Phobia’ came out back in Aug. 2006 so this fall sometime would keep that consistency, but they very well may wait till spring for it I suppose.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
salastna said:
Well Jay, your guys reported it was due Sept. 30th, is there something new you guys know that would cause the delay.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Nate said:
those 3 bands won’t be in contention for album of the year. not even close.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:36 am
harty3113 said:
we should have some “tunelab awards” at the end of the year and we all vote on different ones like album of the year. new band of the year. stuff like that. i think some bands will appreciate hearing that a bunch of rock fans voted instead of old guys in suits giving real awards lol. if you get what im saying
June 19th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Sox5452 said:
How about Black Stone Cherry? I’m pumped for that album and think it has potential to be great.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
Yea I like Black Stone Cherry too but I think their stuff can grow old real quick. I think this cd is by far the best of the year, just like Alter Bridge’s Blackbird was last year.
June 19th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
salastna said:
Yep Blackbird for 07
June 19th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Nick said:
karnivool-’themata’ anyone?
June 20th, 2008 at 1:15 am
salastna said:
Karnivool was not album of the year material. It was half decent.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Sox5452 said:
Themata was really good, the first 8 tracks were absolutely amazing, but they seemed to run out of gas for the last 3.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Sox5452 said:
IF the new Dark New Day CD is released this year, I really think that could be up there. And dont forget Sevendust - Hope & Sorrow, it might not be #1 but it at least deserves honorable mention.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:25 am
triple_b2k said:
Second Chance or The Crow and the Butterfly would make for a great second single!
another great review, and another good rock album I’ll be picking up when it hits stores.
June 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
harty3113 said:
i dont think theres a song that couldnt be a good second single except the one he wrote for his daughter, i forgot the name
June 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
Shadowking said:
I dont get how they can review an album when three tracks are missing from this. “I Own You” “Energy” “Son of Sam”
Three songs! That could change the whole face of this album
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
salastna said:
Because bonus track arent part of the album. They are a “bonus”.
The bonus tracks are awesome though, they are are probably harder than the album combined.
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
hard as in stuff like devour where he doesnt really use his voice or stuff like stranger inside and heroes
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
i forgot the ?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Jay said:
guess we’ll find out tomorrow
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
salastna said:
There is a Leave A Whisper type song in I Own You, The Energy is upbeat and its about us: The Fans and I think this song sounds a lot like something The Exies would write. And Son Of Sam is, I think, the hardest song the have ever written. Believe it or not that song takes out the Inner-Metal in Shinedown.
The tracks are great, but after a few listens I can see why they are not on the actual album.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
I’m excited to hear this metal side haha I guess I will see first thing tomorrow morning
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hiltigre Amnosia said:
Great overall album, filled with catchy and mostly memorable tunes. My problem with it that there are no BLOW ME AWAY songs on here. The reason this band is great is because of Brent Smith. Without him, this band becomes just another rock band out there without distinction. And what did this album do? Restrain Brent. Why?? Please Shinedown, bring back the powerhouse vocals we hear on tracks like “I Dare You”, “45″, “Trade Yourself In”, etc. Brent never gets to belt out the big long powerful notes in the album, and that’s the only fault I can find. I’d say this is my second favorite album… Could’ve been the best if there were more memorable vocal moments.
Best song for me: The Sound of Madness
June 23rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Lucas said:
Finally got to hear a good quality version of this album and it’s fantastic. A definite must-buy for any rock fan and a no-brainer for Shinedown fans. Probably overall their 2nd album, but it’s almost impossible to beat their debut album, though, so that’s not to down this album at all. The mixture of harder and softer songs on tihis great. I’m not one to like too many of either especially with Shinedown have ‘Us & Them’ way too light for my tastes. This album doesn’t lose a beat whereas the sophomore release seemed to lose me after the first half of the album. The songs bounce back to back well with each other in the order they’re in, though I can agree maybe “If You Only Knew” could’ve been placed a little better, but that’s not an album killer. Harder stuff like “Sin With A Grin” and “Cyanide Sweet Toot Suicide” are fantastic as are the softer, more melodic songs like “What A Shame” and “Breaking Inside”. Again, a good combination all together on this album. One of the best this year for me. Top 5 at least. 9/10.
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Lucas said:
2nd best album*.
And 9/10 is for there always being room for improvement.
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
salastna said:
Whats the best for you phreke?
June 23rd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
harty3113 said:
anyone else think the sound quality on sin with a grin kinda crappy and the vocals are drowned out?
June 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Lucas said:
The best songs on the album for me? Probably those last 4 I mentioned there, but mostly “Sin With A Grin” and “What A Shame”, but “Breaking Inside” and “Call Me” are close 2nds.
June 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
I do agree that Brent was restrained somewhat Hiltigre Amnosia but I disagree that there were no blow me away songs. “Sound of Madness” is the most distinct song they have had and shows a harder side to Brent’s voice during the verses and I believe that “What A Shame” is an epic song (especially at the last chorus) up there with “45.” Also, Brent belts out his voice on “The Crow and the Butterfly” and I believe also during the chorus of “Second Chance” and on “Call Me.” This album has a unique sound to it and is just as good as expected. Just below LAW. 9.5/10
June 24th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hiltigre Amnosia said:
Well BluDevils, I do admit there are a few parts that show some of Brent’s range, I just don’t feel that any of them are QUITE as impressive as some of the songs on the first two albums. I still really enjoyed this album, but I just hope the next album has more vocal power, cuz this guy’s got one of the absolute best rock voices in the business, or just voices in general actually. “What a Shame” is good… but I can’t imagine this ever sticking with me like 45 did. That song is just incredible. But I’m definitely with you on “The Sound of Madness”! Great side of Brent and the band, I LOVED it instantly. Sadly, this is the only new song I think will be in my top 5 or 10 Shinedown songs.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
Yea I hear you. I took a listen to a few tracks off LAW right after I posted that (”45,” “Lost in the Crowd,” and “In Memory”) and realized just how epic those songs were. I mean if they ever do beat all of those song on one album I’ll piss myself out of happiness. I do think this album is above “Us and Them” though. I just hope they don’t get a completely new sound with the new members and I hope Jasin does get to come back.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Wyman8or said:
This is a GREAT album…I saw them at ROTR and they played 3-4 of these new ones..I’m seeing them again July 13th so hopefully they’ll play several more new ones.. I would say this is better than “Us and Them”
June 26th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hiltigre Amnosia said:
Yeah, I actually thought their sound changed a BIT in this album, but not too much. I must be in the minority, but I actually REALLY liked Us and Them. Maybe not as a whole, but “I Dare You”, “Save Me”, “Trade Yourself In”,
“Heroes”, and “Beyond the Sun” were some of the best songs they’ve ever done. Everyone else seems to think the album was not good. I mean, it WAS softer, but still amazing. Anyways, I’m with you on the pissing thing. I’d have to join you if they ever duplicate the passion and emotion and just straight out amazing quality of the aforementioned songs and “45″ and “Lost in the Crowd”, etc. But I hope to god I get to piss someday about that, haha.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
BluDevils2417 said:
Yea Us and Them had some good songs just not as strong as LAW. I think the lyrical content in “Atmosphere” is some of the best they have written and there were other good songs, but some like “Lady So Devine” were such a drastic change that I didn’t really like them. And yea haha I’m really hoping that day will come haha.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Moose said:
One of my favorite albums by far!
March 11th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
GaryZ said:
Great review of ShineDown’s “The Sound of Madness”. Being a VH1 fan, I found out about ShineDown only recently thanks their video for “Second Chance”. (number 3 this week, behind 2. O.A.R’s “This Town” and 1. Jason Mraz’s “Lucky” featuring Colby Calette) Unfortunately, harder rock like “Devour”, especially with a negative message, may never be suitable for networks like VH1 due to FCC rules which, since the wardrobe malfunction at the Superbowl, are being strictly enforced. I could see the possibility of a video for a song like “Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide” appearing on VH1, but that may be the limit.
In my opinion, the best song on the CD is “What a Shame”. If this song doesn’t make you think twice about ignoring requests for money from a homeless person you pass on the street, nothing will. I especially love how the chorus comes right out and says it’s wrong to judge someone by their unfortunate circumstances which we cannot change; and that we really are all the same. When you remove the unfortunate situation the homeless are in, we are all part of the human race.
If I understand the song correctly, it is actually a eulogy to a vagabond who the singer knew and saw his fall from grace to his homeless situation which eventually lead to his passing as he pleads “Give this man his wings!”.
This song would make a great hit, especially on VH1! It has all the makings of a great music video. Message songs are always big hits, especially if there were to be a charity tie-in.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:46 am
GaryZ said:
As for the sound of ShineDown changing, I see it as only being for the better. It appears they are trying to fit more in the mainstream, which will mean even more fans such as myself who otherwise wouldn’t have heard of the band.
Here is an idea for a music video for “What a Shame”. The video starts with the man being laid-off from his job. Soon he loses his wife and family and eventually he cannot afford his home and he becomes homeless. He finds himseld caught in a situation not of his making as his appearance becomes disheveled and he is lowered to begging to passing people for any change they can spare. The video would show those people just ignoring him, just passing him by. Later on the cold of winter catches up to him and he dies homeless on the street. The final chorus would show the singer playing the part of his friend delivering the eulogy at the funeral service. WOW! Attending the church service would be other homeless people and the other band members making a cameo appearance. That would be a great, touching video that would be!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:12 am
GaryZ said:
Oops, that “WOW!” was in the the wrong place. Should’ve been “WOW! What a great, touching video that would be!”
May 12th, 2009 at 10:26 am