Customer Reviews

Falling Away

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

You may remember Crossfade, as coming out from nowhere with their big hit single in 2004 with "Cold." Since that song faded out on the airwaves, it's been a pretty low-profile for the band. Well, here we are in 2006, the band has ditched their turntablist/backing vocalist and have emerged with a new album, "Falling Away" that promises more and more radio-play, with each and every song seemingly tailor-made for mainstream rock stations.

Does anything live up to the catchiness and effect of their one big hit? Well, like their debut, the answer is pretty much "no." There are a few songs that show true growth and improvement, such as "Breathing Slowly" "Never Coming Home" and "Washing The World Away." Songs like "Invincible" and "Someday," however, come across as feeble attempts to recapture that magic. For those who dug the rap-rock vibes of the first CD, you'll be disappointed to find that element is missing (thanks to a missing member, I presume). Personally, I think they're the better for it, but if "Death Trend Setta" was your thing, you'll probably hate this album.

I'm not gonna say this album is all bad. The three tracks I mentioned are definitely worth looking into this album for, and catchy rock-filler like "Anchor" and "Falling Away" help make it a more appealing listen. It's a better album than the first one, but still a far cry from greatness. The sad fact is that Crossfade's sound is nothing overly original or inspiring. Just simple modern-rock for the masses -- not that there's anything wrong with that...

THE BAND: Ed Sloan (lead vocals, guitar), Mitch James (bass), James Branham (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (2006) 11 tracks clocking in at just under 40 minutes. Included with the disc is a 4-page foldout containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, band photos, and than you's. Recorded at Superstar Studios, West Columbia, SC. Label - Columbia.

COMMENTS: Judging by the lack of reviews here on Amazon, Crossfade's popularity is waning. Outside of the occasional "Cold" from their 2004 debut, and a quick run of "Invincible" from this album when it was first released in August '06... I'm not hearing Crossfade on the radio. The problem here is... the songs are down-right average. The players are competent, but the melodies just aren't memorable. The other issue is there are too many bands putting out the same style of music... but, with better tunes (out of the group listed above, Breaking Benjamin is probably the best). With that being said, there are some decent songs here - the opener "Washing The World Away", the semi-hit "Invincible", the moderate rocker "Breathing Slowly", and the piano ballad closer "Never Coming Home". Crossfade's debut was better, but not by much (at least it had one full fledged hit). "Falling Away" is a tamer group of songs - an average album that meets and occasionally exceeds expectations (2.5 stars).

The follow-up to Crossfade's self-titled debut is...well, it just not as good. In fact, I hated this album. The only good songs are "Already Gone", "Invincible", and "Drown You Out." I tried to like the rest, I really did. But after listening to the album numerous times, I couldn't helping feeling like i wasted my money. I expected so much more from Crossfade. Seemingly all the songs have the same recurring theme (the word "pain" is used in several), and the tone of the songs just doesn't flow very well. Several songs have a number of different melodies, stopping and then starting again. It seems as if the band was experimenting and didn't know what kind of sound they were looking for, and the album suffers from it. BOTTOM LINE: borrow the album from a friend, then download the songs. Don't waste your money.

When I listen to this album, and then listen to their debut songs like "No Giving Up", "Starless", "Cold" "Death Trend Setta" I just cannot embrace this album at all. No, I personally don't believe its because the band lost a member. I think Crossfade is obviously one of those bands who without a record label breathing down their necks, makes this great debut album when just getting signed before they come in and tell them what to do. However, Crossfade to be is one of those bands who after getting popular and making some money, becomes lazy and puts this pitiful effort into their follow-up album. There is just something missing in this album, and I don't think I can think of the words to describe it but this album just isn't as catchy as the first one. "Falling Away", what an appropriate title for this album because if they keep this up, they will be "falling away."

I hate it when good bands go bad. I heard the 1st track on the radio a few days ago and said to myself is that Crossfade? Then sure enough it was I was like cool they have a new cd out. It's been out sence August ('06) and I didn't even know that should've clued me in but I figured it was Crossfade their last cd rocked this one should too, boy was I wrong. Washing the world away is the only song that kind of sounds like the pervious cd which I'm sure is why it was on the air. I'm majorly dissapointed the song Colors on the last cd was really awesome then they go and ruin it with some wussy crap, the air waves are already full of that. Maybe the next cd they'll go back to what made them and stop trying to be like everyone else.

After listening to this cd, I would say it's definetly not what I expected. We are all use to they're catchy head banging rock melody from the first cd, but in this cd I fell asleep just out of straight boredom just listening to the melody. Now the reason I gave them a two stars is maybe one or two songs that are decently good other than that I give 1 star to all the other songs. If you are looking for the band that has replaced Crossfade look up Evans Blue you won't be disappointed.

They will never be the same as they have lost Tony Byroads, the 2nd vocalist that did all the hooks in cold & colors, and their original drummer Brian Geiger isnt there anymore either, what made them Crossfade isnt there anymore

I thought this CD would be one listen at the library and then I would go buy it sometime. Wrongo! This release is nothing like the intelligent hard core slams of the self-titled album, the chord progressions are boring and the opening track is the only good one. This is definitely a disappointment; one of the worst releases of the year with certainty. Absolutely don't buy this if you liked the hits "Cold" and "Colors" from the other album, because no songs on here are like that.

Listening to this album had me almost convinced I was listening to 3 doors down, Papa Roach or even Dark New Day. But no, the album cover certified me that it was in deed Crossfade I was listening to...

Tony Byroads added a unique sound to the band and without him, the band has lost their novelty. Too bad.

It might still appeal to your ears if you just want an album that rocks, although you could probably get that from any other generic band. If you were looking for that particular sound produced in their first album, then you might be out of luck.

I bought CrossFades first album and thought it was crap. I listened o it for a while and it started to grow on me, so i did the same thing for this album. to really enjoy this album I recommend taking a random track and putting it in with a play list of other like music. Instantly tracks like: Somebody, invincible, anchor, and falling away click. Don't expect Led Zeppelin 4 or something. The cd is well rounded with unique vocals and very well applied bridges. So forget the other reviews, pick this up and give it time and you will find it in your top 10 rotation.