Dead Letters [Enhanced]

Rasmus | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 23, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B0001JXQAQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (101 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,927 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #74 in Music > World Music > Europe > Scandinavia > Finland

Track Listings

1. In the Shadows

2. Guilty

3. First Day of My Life

4. Still Standing

5. In My Life

6. Time to Burn

7. Not Like the Other Girls

8. The One I Love

9. Back in the Picture

10. Funeral Song

11. F-F-F-Falling [*]

12. In the Shadows [Multimedia Track]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Rasmus were already massive rock stars in their native Finland, as well as various other parts of Europe, by the time Dead Letters was finally released in the U.S. in March 2004. Really, one can't help but wonder what took them so long to get here. Boasting hook-heavy guitars and anthemic lyrics, most of the tracks on Dead Letters sound tailor-made for radios and stadiums, from hit single "In the Shadows" to the urgent "In My Life," which has an epic, fists-in-the-air chorus worthy of later Bon Jovi. Still, those expecting rock in the vein of the Darkness will be disappointed by the overpolished earnestness of Dead Letters--the Rasmus's sound is more akin to a goth INXS than any spandex-clad rock gods. A lot of that could well be down to the production, which is at times too clean and sanitized; several of these tracks would benefit from being just a bit rougher around the edges. Still, those who find H.I.M too heavy or Evanescence too wet will probably find something to love in the Rasmus. --Robert Burrow

Product Description

Japanese pressing of the Finnish alternative rockers' 2003 album, scheduled to include bonus material. Details TBA. Playground. 2004. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rasmus, June 7, 2004

By 

Cristian - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead Letters (Audio CD)

Where to start? This is one of the most unique and interesting albums that I've heard in the longest time. When I first heard them on Fuse (yes, I love you Fuse) I didn't know what to think of 'em. And like most, I was under the assumption that Lauri (vocalist) was female. I was shocked to realize that it was a he, but hey...who cares? This band is freakin' awesome.

"In The Shadows" - A very nice start for the album and a lyrically beautiful song. One of the best I've heard in the last few years.

"Guilty" - Powerful and solid. One that you can turn on and cry with or scream to. Has a real nice vibe and sound.

"First Day of My Life" - Catchy tune and interesting sounding. Lyrics are kind of low, but that's alright because the unique music makes up for it.

"Still Standing" - A very beautiful, very powerful song about longing that you can always turn on and feel home with if you just want to be alone/cry.

"In My Life" - The anthem to most of the modern day teen "angst" people. Amen, Lauri.

"Time To Burn" - Another breakup/make you feel better about what's wrong kind of song. Sounds a lot like "First Day of My Life" and is about as unique sounding.

"Not Like The Other Girls" - Soft and interestingly hard hitting. You can listen to this about anytime and feel that it's okay.

"The One I Love" - Fast, technoish, and stylish. Very easy to like and hum along/sing along.

"Back In The Picture" - Real radio friendly and almost poppy, but it's not lost on this album. It feels right at home and very good for a party/fun time.

"Funeral Song" - Sad, somber, and interesting. About the only song that reallys makes me truly feel and cry for Lauri in more than just the normal "okay, this is a sad song" feeling. Great lyrics, great sound, and beautifully executed vocals.

"F-f-f-falling" - Simple. Fun and awesome.

In short, you must buy this is you ain't already. They're the best.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing!!!!, April 5, 2004

By 

Drew (Cininnati, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead Letters (Audio CD)

I just discovered The Rasmus about a week ago. I was shocked at the unbelievable quality of this album. How they have yet to hit it big in the US while there are so many turd bands at the top of the charts is beyond me. This album should garner instant recognition as one of the best of 2004. Very rarely can you put an album in and listen to it all the way through without getting the urge to skip to the next good track. There is no need to skip tracks on this perfect album. In my opinion, it is the best album of 2004.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When Scandinavia Slaps Emo In The Face, But Hurts Its Hand, February 16, 2005

By 

Steven Moore (The City Of Rock'n Roll) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dead Letters (Audio CD)

Odd, title, I know.

This is by far The Rasmus' best album. After listening to thier old stuff, you can really see a change. But I question whether it was them maturing as a band, or trying to capatilize on the current music fad. Whatever statement you agree with, you'll realize this album has some great tracks. Guilty, Not Like Other Girls, and Funeral Song are just a few. But the album has a downfall, in particular, the track, "First Day Of My Life." It doesn't really go to well with the rest of the album, and sounds like a rush job. They'd have been better just making an 9 track compact disc.

Lead singer Lauri Ylonen shows some truely unique vocals, using an odd combination of Tears For Fears, traditional Scandinavian rock, and even a little brodway. It sounds good on the album, but I'm sorry to say it doesn't work to well live. (Points out Tusnami Benefit bootleg, 17.1.05)

I'd have to say the major downfall to this album, is the lack of musical creativity. It has good lyrics, and catchy beats, but it's missing some nesscary components, like proper guitar playing, and varity. The Rasmus are a solid, band, but I don't think they truely represent the music that has come out of Finland in the last decade. But don't get me wrong, this album is in no way a waste of money, I've been listening to it a lot since I bought it. But if you want to hear something a bit more well rounded, I'd suggust bands like HIM, The 69 Eyes, and Icon & The Black Roses.

Make sure to check out Larui Ylonen's duet with Ville Valo (HIM) on the new single from Apocalyptica, called Bittersweet.