Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"There's some strength left in us yet" (3.5 stars), November 10, 2009
Four years after the release of their highly successful self-titled album, the most prominent Christian rock band from Texas -- Flyleaf -- have reunited with producer Howard Benson to dish out their long-awaited sophomore effort, "Memento Mori." While the first album had more of a garage band edge to it, the follow-up finds the band shedding away some of their punkier second-rate Nirvana influences in favor for a much more polished and radio-ready sound. This should come as no surprise though, as Flyleaf are one of those rare rock bands nowadays who can sell a record and since their debut was a bit raw and immature.
Touring heavily with the likes of Korn and Disturbed has done little to soften the band's strong Christian themes. In fact, on "Memento Mori," such moments are much clearer than ever. For some this could be a turn-off, but for the (ahem) faithful followers, it may be a plus. Put plain and simple, Lacey loves Jesus and wants to make sure you know all about it. Putting that aside, though, the album is certainly a notch above the first as far as musicianship goes. While the band has yet to establish a distinctive style, they back up Lacey's broad themes and unique voice well, and Benson's improved production only serves to give the whole affair more bombast and sonic improvements. Put simply, this is the same Flyleaf you know already, just marginally improved and perfected.
If "Memento Mori" has one fatal flaw, though, it's that the songs tend to blend into one another without a single moment sticking out. While there isn't necessarily a bad song to be found, it can be an overall taxing album to listen to and certainly begs the question of whether or not it will continue Flyleaf's string of success. At the end of the day, their second effort improves on almost all fronts, leaving memorable song-writing on the back-burner. Chalk it up to a burnt-out producer (seriously, what album HASN'T Howard Benson produced this year?) and a slightly immature band. Hopefully album number three irons out some of the wrinkles, but in the meantime, this will suffice.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!!!, November 11, 2009
I was eagerly awaiting the release of this record so I could buy it because I loved Flyleaf's first album. The version of the album I have actually has 22 songs because I bought it initially off Itunes to get the two itunes exclusive tracks. I then came back on here and found out there were five more Amazon exclusive tracks. There is not a bad song here. Lacey's voice never ceases to amaze me. Also, the lyrics on this record are awesome. I like the musical style too. I know that the overtly Christian lyrics my be a bit of a turn off to some of the band's non-Christian fans, they are the opposite for me. I love my savior Jesus Christ, and what he has done for me, and I love how Flyleaf expresses that they feel the same way. Give this record a try. You won't be disappointed.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hold on to the world we all remember fighting for, December 27, 2009
I'll be the first to admit that I had all but written off Flyleaf by the time they announced the release date for their new CD, Memento Mori. However, I remember how much I liked them at one point so I gave it a chance and rushed out on the release date and picked it up.
It hasn't left my CD player since.
Now I know this is a different beast than their original was, but I think that's what makes it all the more sweeter, it isn't what I expected. There is still the moments of all out hard rock (Beautiful Bride, Again, The Kind) but now we see Flyleaf flirting more with melody and actual singing than before (In The Dark, Set Apart This Dream, Treasure) and it works in their favor for the most part. I'll be honest, the only song I skip over is Missing and I wouldn't necessarily call that a bad song even. I'm not oblivious to the fact that this CD isn't perfect though. I understand it's not, but it's as close as Flyleaf was gonna get after a four year absence.
There's been a lot of gripe about the lyrics this time around. I can't really understand why, Flyleaf is open in admitting they are a CHRISTIAN band (go to a concert of theirs, that'll prove it), hence the blatant religious lyrics in a lot of songs. As for the others, Lacey hasn't been shy about talking about how she got married during Flyleaf's abscence, hence the songs like Treasure and so on. I accepted those facts before hearing Memento Mori, maybe that's why I still enjoy this CD so much. What aids their case also is the liner notes in the booklet. I opened it anticipating reading the lyrics, but no. Instead you're greeted with a story of sorts about a girl leaving one (bad) 'army' to join the other (good) army. It's obvious they're talking about the constant fight between good and evil, but it was something that helped me make sense of some songs.
All in all, this is still Flyleaf. If you liked their EP or full length debut, you'll find something to love about Memento Mori. For others, don't expect the world and you should come out impressed.
Best songs: Beautiful Bride, Again, The Kind, Swept Away, Treasure, Circle, and (especially) Arise.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
is Flyleaf's 2nd studio release. Browse Flyleaf's Discography 
![Memento Mori [Expanded Edition]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510aIzZHA3L._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
