Customer Reviews

Dead Letters

5 star:		(67)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The Rasmus are one of those rare bands that you only have to hear once and then your hooked. I bought the CD the day it came out after hearing IN THE SHADOWS only one time. The sound of this album are kind of like a cross between Evanescence and a pop/rock band like Yellow Card because even though they offer the dark sounds of Evanescece they also have catchy fast paced lyrics that are very catchy. They are no doubt going to get HUGE over here.

Every song on the album DEAD LETTERS is a "letter" written to someone and each song has its own feel to it that end up making for a great album.

The only thing I can say is give them a listen and check out there website to catch their video for IN THE SHADOWS and see for yourself that this album is worth buying.

I am not big on writing reviews on anything. But I am compelled to put in my two cents here. I have been hooked on "In the shadows" ever since I saw the video for it. Never cared to actually explore the entire album. Now I finally have. The CD sounds a little repetitive in terms of music melody of the tracks, but it definitely hits the spot for me, so I must give it 5 stars.

People keep ripping on these guys, but they're not realizing one thing: This IS what they wanted to produce!
In a statement right from the band, they love the 80's styles and music and wanted to create more of it- and so they have!
As the title reads, I love it for what it is! Dark it appears to be, light it sounds, its a great blend for those of us who like the shadows but shy away from the gutteral heavy metal more associated with the "goth" tastes.
Personal fav of the lot happens to be "Still Standing" followed by "In My Life". Still Standing is just lodged in my brain, I CAN'T GET IT OUT!
In My Life is actually, in my mind, quite deep. Maybe its just me, but I remember in HS telling my friends "Your life is your choice, no one elses". To me, its less (as others think) a jab at the 'establishment' and more at our peers, those who do follow a herd.
The album just rocks~ Accept it for what it is and you'll agree ^_^

I know this was one of the top selling CDS in the UK. (as compared to the crappy artists taking over the radio in america)
but anyway, heres the deal on the tracks:

1. In the Shadows- the single that got me into this band, very awesome lyrics, very awesome song, awesome overall.

2. Guilty- very catchy song, cant help but like it! The lyrics are sad, (but something you can relate to)and somehow...I cant explain it...this band has a way of taking sad/depressing lyrics, putting them in to a fast rock song (cause sad songs are sometimes slow)...and then when you listen to this song...you feel better...not terrible...at least thats how it is for me

3. First Day of My Life- I love the beginning of this song for some reason, the guitars are awesome. The song gets very catchy afterawhile.

4. Still Standing- One of the best ones on here in my opinion, I love the lyrics and love Lauri's vocals, its an increbible song. Beautiful. Perfect. Incredibly catchy.

5. In My Life- This song is great. I LOOOOOVE The lyrics. Very hopefull and inspiring.

6. Time to Burn- Also has AMAZING lyrics. I cant express how great this bands lyrics are. Very awesome beat too.

7. Not Like the Other Girls- This song has a very mellowed beat. The kind you can see yourself holding your lighter out for at a concert, swaying from side to side. It definetly stands out from the other ones to me. The lyrics are beautiful and again, i love Lauri's incredible voice. =)

8. One I Love- I am OBSESSED with this song. (listening to it right now.hehe) So...I didnt get into it the first time i heard the Cd but afterawhile when i had it going on my cd player..i thought of this song and i was thinking...wait a minute now...which track was that...(lol) I can play this one on repeat. The beat, and the emotion and Lauri's voice is INCREDIBLE!

9. Back in the Picture- Awesome awesome awesome, i think this song is well, yeah, the title says it all...leaving, coming back to the real world, getting out of the bad stuff..."my friends i would die for." I thought this was overall a beautiful song.

10. Funeral Song- OH WOW! I looooooove this song so much. The lyrics are very interesting, and i wasnt actually crazy about this song when i FIRST heard it, but now its one of the best tracks on here. Perfect beat. with some much emotion in Lauri's voice.

11. F-F-F-Falling- thats really cool how thats spelled...(i have that as my msn name, like you care) anyway! About the song: very catchy, the lyrics are terrific, and you should love it.

12. In the Shadows video: I'll never forget the first time i saw this video on TV. I was watching Fuse (why did they not play this video again?????) But as i was saying! The video is great, theres like this lady from the olden days stuck working, and she sees Lauri in the mirror, and he pulls her through into the moshpit at the concert where he was singing. You really got to see it. So, if you havent seen the video, the lyrics fit in with the video perfectly.

So, yeah. BUY THIS CD!...If your looking for a band with a original new sound of their own. I haven't been very impressed with 2004's music AT ALL!, and it wasnt for this band i dont know where i would be. SO IF YOUR SICK OF THE SAME OLD RADIO CRAP...and want something new and MEANINGFUL, BUY THIS CD NOW!!!...what are you waiting for...??? GO!!!

*and, if your a rasmus fan, e-mail me at spirit_kitten@Hotmail.com, i'd like to meet some fans :)

Talking to a friend one night, and then another the next, I kept hearing mention of "The Rasmus" but for once, the music junkie in me was clueless as to who the heck "The Rasmus" was. I kept the name tucked in my mind if I ever came across it, I decided I would have to buy it. So, last night, I found "Dead Letters," and instantly pounced on it.

I'm listening to it right now, and I must say, The Rasmus reminds of HIM, due to the haunting vocals. But, this is a fantastic CD that has profound lyrics, ones that make you think and you can't get out of your head. I'm listening to "Not Like The Other Girls" and I must agree with whoever commented that it resembles Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" with lyrics and guitar riffs - a very well done song. Their single "In The Shadows" has a catchy beat, one that you can't help but tap your fingers to.

I'm truly a fan of The Rasmus now, and I must recommend buying "Dead Letters" along with "Razorblade Romance" and/or "Love Metal", both by HIM.

I first heard of The Rasmus just recently. I saw In The Shadows video on tv and was instantly amazed! I then got the cd myself and I love every song on the cd. Then I found out that the band is over 10 years old which disappointed me because I am so late in finding out about such a great bad so...i bought the other albums that they had out and loved them all.

Ok, I admit it, I like my teenage daughter's music! These guys are great! I have been caught blasting them in the car and at home. Plus, they are a bunch of cuties! =)