Customer Reviews

Hot Mess (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I like Cobra Starship. The group's music is usually very unique, fun, a fusion of punk, pop with a tinge of hip-hop and r&b. I hate to say it though but I really did not like 'Hot Mess'. Besides one or two tracks, the entire release feels very uninspired. It almost sounds like an entirely different group. When listening to this, I hear less Cobra Starship and more of a Fall Out Boy cd. The first track 'Nice Guys Finish Last' doesn't sound like the group at all, and one would think it was a cut from Fall Out Boy's last release. They even go so far as to have a track titled 'Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We're Famous'. In all, I summed that the main issue with this release is that it sounded as if they made too much of an attempt to be a commercial success and appeal to the main crowd (as with the lead-single 'Good Girls Go Bad') rather than sticking to their alternative roots.

The Bad: The music. There were fewer chances taken on this release than with the first two releases from the group. None of the songs, even after one-or-two listens stands out. To some degree, many of the songs sound alike on many levels. As stated earlier, I hear more Fall Out Boy-influences here and a less of that fun edge that set this group apart. Even the emo-inspired titles of the songs are less creative than they were with the last releases. Overall lacking musically and just outright boring.

The Good: 'Good Girls Go Bad' is a fun song that did, in some respects, remind me of their old songs. A few others, including 'The Scene Is Dead: Long Live the Scene' that sounds very retro and 80s inspired, were worth listening to one or two times.

In all, I was let down by this release. A Cobra Starship album is usually really good, unique and something worth keeping on repeat. But this ... it's just a 'mess' with a lack of inspiration and direction. I'd splurge and go for the deluxe edition which includes a few bonus tracks and remixes rather than buying the standard edition that is very much lacking in material.

Most of the songs are just fun to dance along to, obviously it's different than their past cds, but in a good way. I hope people give this a chance, and not dismiss this band based just on the ery catchy single track.

The first time I listened to this album I thought it was good...not great, but good. None of the songs really stuck with me, but I could tell I liked it. After listening to it many more times, I realized that its actually a great album with aspects of their last two albums worked in. I like upbeat music, but my favorite songs are the two tracks that are slower. The first song sounds a lot like "Womanizer" by Britney Spears (I'm guessing womanizer might have inspired the track a bit like when they did Hollaback Boy and I kissed A Boy). I think this is a really good buy, especially if you're a fan of their older albums. The album grows on you.

The song list is amazing and Gabe Saporta's voice is a mix of angel and sex. The electronica feel makes the music come alive and the collabs are even better than life itself.

1. Nice Guys Finish Last- the beginning drums and laser sounds makes it quite amazing. Sorta of a Britney Spears sound? OH YEAH! Womanizer background music as their own! And yes, all I want is a bad boy, Victoria.

2. Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous- A big difference from the first song but still COBRAIZED. Yelling verses help the idea of the change.

3. Good Girls Go Bad (featuring Leighton Meester)- pleazzzzzzz, Leighton stick with gossip, girl!

4. Fold Your Hands Child- Still not traditional Cobra, but beautiful song in the intro verses. Makes you reminise about childhood!

5. You're Not In On the Joke- Slower, but still a club jam. Not one of the best, but definatly not one of the worst. Different Cobra, different feel.

6. Hot Mess- True Cobra..... is there anything else to it?

7. Living In The Sky With Diamonds- OMG! Lovin this song! Can't get over the fact that this song didn't chart!

8. Wet Hot American Summer- Cute sound and the electronics are pure.

9. The Scene Is Dead; Long Live The Scene- Amazing, makes your heart swoon and want to fall in love with Gabe (if you haven't already). I think this has to be one of the best songs on the album.

10. Move Like You Gonna Die- Sounds like CS. The fast paced rant. The counting insures you know exact what beat your one. Victoria's electric keyboard in the background sets the mood.

11. The World Will Never Do (featuring B.o.B)- Before B.o.B was a household name, he was still B.o.B.....

American alternative band Cobra Starship created by Midtown bass/lead vocalist Gabe Saporta, guitarist Ryland Blackinton, bass player Alex Suarez, drummer Nate Novarro and keytar musician Victoria Asher return with their third album "Hot Mess".

Their third full-length album is their most exciting album yet!

The album kicks off with their groove-inducing track "Nice Guys Finish Last" which is just one hell of an opening track for the band. Catchy, addictive and an awesome opening track!

The second track "Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We're Famous" is either Saporta showing some love for Wentz or possibly the appreciation for the band getting to open for Wentz's band Fall Out Boy or giving thanks for their inclusion of FOB's "Citizens For Our Betterment" mixtape. Nevertheless, a pretty cool rock track. Although not an official single, the group showcased the song on their Youtube and MySpace site.

The third track features the band's first single off the album showcasing the vocals of "Gossip Girl" actress Leighton Meester for the track "Good Girls Go Bad" (produced by Kevin Rudolf and mega producer, "American Idol" judge and former Warner Bros. Records VP of A&R, Kara DioGuardi) which I absolutely enjoyed tremendously during the single's initial release.

Now whether or not Meester's involvement in the track will generate interest in her music career will remain to be seen.

Other standout tracks include "Hot Mess" which is just addictive and almost sports that old school 80's sound while "Living In the Sky with Diamonds" shows that the group can also deliver in the vocals category.

But when you get to a track such as "The World Will Never Do", the band dabbles with a pop sound and for the most part, the song is addictive and catchy and showcasing hip hop rhymes courtesy of B.o.B.

And ending with the album with another solid track "I May Be Rude But I'm the Truth ("B side").

The remix tracks of "Good Girls Go Bad" are cool but I definitely dig the original version much more

There are multiple versions out of the "deluxe version" depending on where you purchase it from but whichever version you select, you can't go wrong with this album. It's more of an album that emphasizes a fun, care-free attitude without being preachy or deep. The music is diverse and good creative experimentation on this album and definitely a major improvement since "¡Viva La Cobra!".

Overall, Cobra Starship's "Hot Mess" is a solid album and is highly recommended.

Nice Guys Finish Last (6/10)

BAD start to the album. Although dripping with lead singer Gabe's trademark attitude it just comes off as far too Broadway with its West Side Story inspired snapping fingers and annoying back-up singers. This could redeem itself as a potentially hilarious music video at some point but as a stand-alone track it's just kind of annoying. There are parts of this track I do like but they are out-weighed by those that are just unbearable.

Perhaps a toned down remix is in order.

Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous (8/10)

I would probably be spending a lot more time with this track if not for the fact that it was released months before the album and I had already heard it countless times. Still and excellent track and probably sounds the most like "classic Cobra".

Good Girls Go Bad [feat. Leighton Meester] (5/10)

I HATE HATE HATE this one. This was the first single released off the album which made be fear that the band had completely gone off course. But I'm happy to say this is EASILY the worst on the album. It's shallow and repetitive and probably the perfect "mainstream" hit to put Cobra in the spotlight. Now that this has officially made them the "flavor of the month" let's hope people discover the band's far better offerings. Then we'll just have to dismiss GGGB as a necessary evil.

Fold Your Hands Child [10/10]

THIS IS WHERE IT GETS GOOD, kids. This is the REAL Cobra Starship. Yes it's catchy and full of awesome beats but it also has real depth. This one is clever, moving, and downright beautiful. Slower than the groups usual offerings but a welcome change of pace.

You're Not In On The Joke [9/10]

Like "Nice Guys" this one is full of Gabe's unique persona. But unlike that track, this one is truly awesome.

One of my favorites.

Hot Mess [8/10]

This will likely follow "Good Girls" as the band's next big, mainstream hit. Difference is, this one is actually legitimately deserving of that attention. Though far from the best track, it IS fiendishly catchy and you can't help but like it.

Living In The Sky With Diamonds [8/10]

This one grows on me a little more every time I hear it. The second of a series of slower more introspective tracks on the album. The only thing that keeps it from being rated higher is how easily the next two eclipse it.

Wet Hot American Summer [9/10]

Not what I was expecting from the title. This is actually a really sweet love song. Cobra-style of course.

Another of the best tracks on the album and leading into the very best.

The Scene Is Dead; Long Live The Scene [10/10]

It may be a little too cutesy for some but I personally think this is the stand-out track.

Probably ranks as my second favorite of the band's entire discography actually. I won't go into the multitude of reasons I love this one - just listen to it for yourself. If it doesn't grab you at first I guarantee it will after a few more listens.

Move Like You Gonna Die [8/10]

Gets better every time I hear it. Not crazy about it but a good change of pace after a more somber set of tracks even if they are the best of the album.

The World Will Never Do [7/10]

This is another one that I like better each time I listen but it definitely belong at the end of the album serving as a nice wind-down. Other Cobra tracks have used rap interludes to far better results.

Final Verdict [8/10]

This album is not nearly as bad as some so called "fans" are making it out to be although it does feature more "bad" tracks than Cobra's previous two albums combined. But the bad is out-weighed by the good and topped off with a few that reach a level awesome-ness that reminds me why I love this group so much to begin with even if they are "sell outs". Viva La Cobra.

I like Cobra Starship. The group's music is usually very unique, fun, a fusion of punk, pop with a tinge of hip-hop and r&b. I hate to say it though but I really did not like 'Hot Mess'. Besides one or two tracks, the entire release feels very uninspired. It almost sounds like an entirely different group. When listening to this, I hear less Cobra Starship and more of a Fall Out Boy cd. The first track 'Nice Guys Finish Last' doesn't sound like the group at all, and one would think it was a cut from Fall Out Boy's last release. They even go so far as to have a track titled 'Pete Wentz is the Only Reason We're Famous'. In all, I summed that the main issue with this release is that it sounded as if they made too much of an attempt to be a commercial success and appeal to the main crowd (as with the lead-single 'Good Girls Go Bad') rather than sticking to their alternative roots.

The Bad: The music. There were fewer chances taken on this release than with the first two releases from the group. None of the songs, even after one-or-two listens stands out. To some degree, many of the songs sound alike on many levels. As stated earlier, I hear more Fall Out Boy-influences here and a less of that fun edge that set this group apart. Even the emo-inspired titles of the songs are less creative than they were with the last releases. Overall lacking musically and just outright boring.

The Good: 'Good Girls Go Bad' is a fun song that did, in some respects, remind me of their old songs. A few others, including 'The Scene Is Dead: Long Live the Scene' that sounds very retro and 80s inspired, were worth listening to one or two times.

In all, I was let down by this release. A Cobra Starship album is usually really good, unique and something worth keeping on repeat. But this ... it's just a 'mess' with a lack of inspiration and direction. I'd splurge and go for the deluxe edition which includes a few bonus tracks and remixes rather than buying the standard edition that is very much lacking in material.

**Originally posted on "#1 Hits From Another Planet" - 8/10/09**

I didn't think this group would be around this long, let alone make their catchiest album three years from their inception. A surprising triumph.

1. Nice Guys Finish Last - Borrowing from Adam Ant (woohoo!) and big band, this is probably the most unique track on the record and my choice for second single. The chanting is utterly addictive, and it's easily among the poppiest things the band has recorded. 10/10

2. Pete Wentz Is The Only Reason We're Famous - I hate these long "clever" titles that have little to do with the song, but luckily the track is actually very good. It opens aggressively, but soon segues into a calmer verse and a funny, catchy chorus. 8/10

3. Good Girls Go Bad - If ever a track would propel them into superstardom, this would be it. The first single, and an excellent choice, sounds like it's produced by RedOne, though it's not. Leighton Meester adds some much-appreciated spunk to the primarily dance track. Sinfully catchy. 10/10

4. Fold Your Hands Child - This starts as straight-up synthpop before chugging into a rockier chorus. I'm especially fond of the verses here, which have an accomplished subtlety to them that's missing on some of the other tracks. 9/10

5. You're Not In On The Joke - Another possible single choice, there's an almost Michael Jackson feel to the verses--very funky. The chorus is a total singalong. If only they would have cut the odd shouty bits at the end, it would be perfect. 9/10

6. Hot Mess - The verses, again, are very interesting, with some nice vocals, but the chorus isn't quite up to snuff in my opinion. It's a little silly and can verge on annoying. Certainly not bad, but not a favorite either. 7/10

7. Living In The Sky With Diamonds - This has a very brisk, soft disco feel to it compared to the other tracks. Gone are the jokey elements in favor of more accomplished dance-rock songwriting. 8/10

8. Wet Hot American Summer - The verses on this song are flawless, with my favorite synth bits of the entire album. The chorus doesn't really meld as well with them as I would like. It almost feels like a different song. Good, certainly, but a little odd. 8/10

9. The Scene Is Dead; Long Live The Scene - One of the mellowest tracks on the album, but still uptempo. This is an absolute masterpiece. The vocals and harmonies are brilliant and the melody super-catchy. 10/10

10. Move Like You Gonna Die - Probably my least favorite track. It's one of the rockiest, and closest to classic "emo" music. 6/10

11. The World Will Never Do - Another one that's not really a favorite. It's got a laid back reggae feel to it and doesn't necessarily blend well with the rest of the album. 6/10

12. I May Be Rude But I'm The Truth - I love this track! It's a b-side on the deluxe version, but is better than most of the tracks on the album. The "Sha-na-na-na" parts in the chorus are addictive and the synth is full-on. 10/10

13. Cobras Never Say Die - A nice, synth-led track, but nothing overly special. A theme song of a sort, I guess. 7/10

Album Grade: 8.3/10

Thank You so much for this cd! The shipping was really fast with this item. I'll buy from this seller again if i have to. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this is a grest cd. it is fun and enjoyable to listen to. the best songs on this cd are

tracks

1. nice guys finish last

3. good girls go bad

5. you're not in on the joke

6. hot mess

11.the world will never do