Customer Reviews

Anthem for the Underdog

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

12 Stones are, for whatever reason, one of those bands that has seemed to fly under the radar of popularity over the course of the past five years or so. Sure, frontman Paul McCoy made a guest appearance on the Evanescence's hit single "Bring Me To Life," and the band had a couple small hits of its own in the forms of "Broken" and "Far Away" (from their 2002 self-titled release and 2004's "Potter's Field," respectively) but aside from that these guys never seemed to really get the credit they deserve. Enter "Anthem for the Underdog," their third studio release, where I believe all of that will finally start to change.

With past efforts, 12 Stones have been accused of writing songs that "all sound the same" or that "try to sound too much like Creed." Personally, I never really understood where the Creed comparisons came from, aside from the fact that 12 Stones are on Creed's former label, Wind-Up records. Paul McCoy's vocals are distinctly different from and more melodic than anything ex-Creed frontman Scott Stapp ever tried, and I honestly don't see too many similarities musically. As far as similar-sounding songs are concerned, I agree to an extent but I also believe that this isn't necessarily a bad thing and that each song on the band's prior albums have enough identity to stand out on its own. With this release, 12 Stones have taken everything that made them a great band on previous efforts (powerful vocals, searing guitars, a forceful rhythm section, and inspiring lyrics) and turned up the intensity. Drawing from both the aggressive nü-metalish sound of their self-titled debut and the more melodic alt-metal of "Potter's Field," "Anthem for the Underdog" represents the best of both worlds in my opinion. To the careful listener, it is quite obvious that the band has done a lot of growing and maturing since "Potter's Field" was released 3 years ago.

The opening/title track of the CD is classic 12 Stones, and musically to me sounds somewhat like the track "Open Your Eyes" from their debut. First single "Lie To Me" comes next, a song which in my opinion is the band's best single released to date. "Broken Road," a beautiful song that the band co-wrote with Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame, comes next and easily earns its place as one of the best "ballads" the band has ever recorded. "Adrenaline" follows; this is the song that the band opened their set with when I went to see them perform as an opening act for Daughtry three nights ago. Definitely got the crowd on their feet and into a frenzy. "It Was You" is another beautiful ballad ranking right up there with "Broken Road." Lyrically, I believe this song to be about the faith that the band members have in God and how that faith has helped them to become what they are in life.

"This Dark Day" tackles the issue of substance abuse/addiction and the joy that is brought to one's life once it is overcome. "World So Cold," not to be confused with the Mudvayne song of same name, is absolutely spine-chilling. As mentioned on this CD's main page, this track was used as background music for a YouTube video commemorating those whose lives were lost in the senseless Virginia Tech massacre, and it's definitely an appropriate song for this purpose. "Arms of a Stranger" and "Hey Love," which boasts a classic Southern-rock flair, follow up and are two heartfelt songs that definitely do not disappoint. The album is rounded out by another love-gone-awry song called "Games You Play," and closes with an awe-inspiring acoustic version of "Lie To Me."

Some may complain about the length of this release, being only 11 tracks long and clocking in at just under 39 minutes. But the way I see it, when you've got music of this quality and caliber, how long the record is quickly becomes a non-issue. 12 Stones have truly stepped up their game and improved upon every aspect of their sound with "Anthem for the Underdog," and I'd truly be surprised if their next release can top this one.

Just like Potters Field, this CD has seen 12 Stones progress both musically and lyrically. With this progress came growth for the band. Although we saw some maturity in Paul's voice with PF, he has absolutely taken it to a new level with Anthem. Also, one of the things I think we missed with PF (the guitar solo's) are back. Eric's playing is superb on this new CD. I don't know what else to say except that my favorite band keeps getting better and better with each new release. Do yourself a favor and pick up Anthem for the Underdog. You will NOT be disappointed.

Being a fan of 12 Stones' first two albums, I was thrilled when I first heard "Lie to Me" and the rest of the CD is pretty good as well.

There's a couple tracks I don't particularly care for, like Adrenaline, but that could just be my personal taste.

I think this CD is their best by far- it's not perfect, but it's got some genuinely good songs (my favorite is Hey Love) and tunes that can easily get stuck in your head for a long time.

To the other reviewers who said they thought the first two were better, I thought this album was much better balanced overall, and yes, they're not the greatest band ever, but they've come a long way and I hope they continue to get more attention.

They're a good band, easy to listen to, and 12 Stones deserves more popularity than they have so far. If you like Skillet, Kutless, and/or Thousand Foot Krutch (among others) and if you like Christian music in general (or just music without profanity- they're not overly Christian IMO), this is definitely a cd worth buying.

12 Stones have finally picked up the pace with "Anthem for the Underdog". Unlike "Potters Field", AFTU actually has a new sound to it. Even though "Potters Field" was a great album, it just didn't sound like the boys had changed their music after their first self-titled album. But here, it's changed.

"Anthem for the Underdog" right away sounds amazing. They certainly have done their homework, and it shows with every song on the CD. Even the acoustic version of "Lie To Me" is a great listen. Paul McCoy's voice has certainly taken several steps forward, which is very apparent. And with the improvements in the guitar riffs and solos, this is a beautiful piece of work.

All in all, there is nothing negative to say about this album. It's short, to the point, and it sounds great. Job well done guys. Job well done!

Just like the last person said, this cd is awesome. This will for sure be there breakout cd and all over the radio for sure. And guitar solos are back!!!!!! My favorite cd of 2007 for sure, there last cd was horrible compaired to this cd and on that cd the hits were "Far Away" and "The Last Song", but this cd every single song is a hit! Love it.

Over the course of the time period from 2002-2007, 12 Stones is the perfect example of what rock music should be. While I do enjoy other bands (I'm a huge rock music fan), 12 Stones, along with some other bands, have exemplified my taste in rock music.

Their self-titled debut album was great, but similar to Breaking Benjamin's debut, repeated listens get tiresome. Although their first is their weakest to date, 12 Stones has a pretty good mix of rock subgenres. Songs like Open Your Eyes, Fade Away, Running Out of Pain, and Broken all have a mixture of hardcore, post-grunge, and nu-metal, and it works very well. It seems like every band's first effort was just a stepping stone.

Their 2004 outing, Potter's Field, was more of what 12 Stones was capable of. Although songs like Lifeless, Waiting for Yesterday, and Stay were a little weak, songs like The Last Song, Shadows, Photograph, and In Closing were all highly energetic anthems and/or very well-written songs. They were fun to sing along to, and they were all catchy and had great beats.

When I first approached Anthem for the Underdog, I had no idea what to expect from it. I mean, the previous two albums were all fun and enjoyable efforts, but they weren't groundbreaking or anything. So, I popped this disc into my computer to rip the tracks, listened to all 11 tracks (if you count the acoustic version of Lie to Me), and I was completely blown away. 12 Stones had managed to mature their sound as well as keep the energy and charm intact with the sound. This is one of the best albums of the 2000's and shouldn't have just peaked low on the Hot 200.

Not only is this album highly ranked by me, but most of the songs found on here are very easy to play guitar to. I learned the opening riff to This Dark Day, the real gem of the record, in about 15 seconds, and it takes about 12 seconds for the riff to kick in. I also learned the chorus to Arms of a Stranger, the entirety of Adrenaline (which by the way is a fantastic riff), and even made my own guitar structure for It Was You.

There are only a few problems with this disc. The record clocks in at only 38 minutes. If only they had put that wonderful B-side Once in a Lifetime and the other missing song, then I would be fully impressed. Also, Hey Love is not up to this CD's standards. While it is an amazing song in and of itself, it has kind of a forgettable guitar solo. But these problems do not hinder the fact that this CD is a masterpiece.

It honestly comes to show that Wind Up Records was at its peak in the year of 2007 with 12 Stones' Anthem for the Underdog, and I can honestly say that 12 Stones' third outing is not only their best work yet, but the best album of 2007, and one of the decade's strongest albums. Folks, do not miss out on this album.

RATINGS:
Anthem for the Underdog (5/5)
Lie to Me (5/5)
Broken Road (5/5)
Adrenaline (5/5)
It Was You (5/5)
This Dark Day (5/5)*
World So Cold (5/5)
Arms of a Stranger (5/5)
Hey Love (4.5/5)
Games You Play (5/5)
Lie to Me Acoustic (5/5)
Once in a Lifetime (5/5)
ALBUM SCORE: (59.5/60)

Rating: 5 stars/5 stars

Rating: 5 stars/5 stars

I enjoyed Twelve Stones first two albums, but to me this is by far their best work! Personally, I would rate this CD as one of the best pure rock albums to come out in the past fifteen years!! It's getting harder and harder to find good rock today and this along with Big Dismal, Seventh Day Slumber and Creeds new CD are the best of the best!!

Hi All, I got my first taste of 12 Stones in the movie Never Back Down, when I heard Anthem for the Underdog. That song had me dreaming for weeks. It is a tremendous rock anthem. I went out and bought this album, and can say unequivocally that there are multiple super anthems on this album that make it just a terrific, near flawless rock album.

INitially when I had heard of them, I simply dismissed 12 Stones as another post grunge nu rock band with nothing to offer. I was mistaken, and it serves me right, to be so arrogant as to dismiss these supremely gifted rockers. This album is a real mega blast of stadium and anthem rock that successfully straddles the line between that post grunge sound and heavy melodic rock (probably better than most bands do). Even the ballads (and there are only a few of them), are deeply felt and great songs.

I will say that this album is in my top 20, along with albums from Hurt, Alter bridge, Tool, Down, 10 Years, Chevelle, Red, to name a few of them. I will say that World So Cold, Lie To Me, Anthem For Underdog, broken Road, Adrenaline are just a few of the flawless rock anthems you will find on this great album.

I hope you all go out and buy this album, if you are thinking about doing so. You will be thrilled that you did.

Thanks for reading.

I am very pleased with this cd. It's not exactly as spiritual as I would have liked but considering I was just starting to listen to Godly music, it's a great rock album. I'm going to give it to my teenage son. The cd was in perfect condition! We've ordered alot of things from Amazon and we are always pleased!

As young bands mature they sometimes lose there edgy and raw sound that made them great in the beggining. This is not the case with the latest offering from 12 Stones. Full of guitar solos, intricate drum beats, and great vocals this album does not dissappoint. Some of the lyrics are a lttle too much on the "girl done me wrong" side, but others are prolific life lessons and keen observations that lend an eye to the writers world. All in all a great album for those who like the "hard emo" sound.