Customer Reviews

For My Friends

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Facing an uphill battle by coming back after 12 years (and with a new and much younger singer and frontman!) it's kind of amazing this album isn't the disaster it had every right to be. In fact, it's a reason to have real hope about the band's future. New singer Travis Warren sounds enough like Shannon Hoon that the band's sound is still recognizable, but not so much so that he sounds like a cheap imitation. His range is similar to Hoon's but his vocals tend to be a little rougher and perhaps a bit more structured. Not a bad thing; he may lack the wild-eyed soul which made Hoon perfect for the job, but when the songwriting really comes together on the new album, Travis's vocals can really shine. Remember, too, that Blind Melon was always a group effort. Shannon may have been the singer but as a songwriter he was merely part of the creative process. The rest of the band proves their worth by playing their hearts out, really putting forth an outstanding musical collaboration.

This is not to say that the album is perfect. It's actually closest in tone, probably, to the original Blind Melon album, with a few standout tracks, and a bunch of interesting but not-quite-there numbers. "Wishing Well" comes across pretty strong, as do tunes like "Father Time" (featuring a nicely evocative guitar lines) "Make a Difference" "Last Laugh" and the wonderful but atypical "Sometimes". Other songs, ("Tumblin' Down", "Harmful Belly") have some nice parts but ultimately come across as kind of meandering, without real solid pop hooks and melody. Like the first Blind Melon disc, this one tends to rely too heavily on mid-tempo Zepplin-esque rockers, and suffers for it in a way which the more diverse "Soup" and "Nico" don't (nothing like tense, mostly acoustic "mouthful of cavities" or even weirdo cannibal ode "Skinned" to be found here). More troubling, the lyrics here are often a bit on the weak side. They can tend towards being something which Blind Melon never was before, and should never be: literal.

Still, ultimately the CD plays like the start of something really cool. If it has it's flaws, they're probably the result of a band overjoyed at being given a second lease on life, and still trying to shake off the rust and get back in the groove. It's not a home run, but I think it qualifies as a solid base hit to prove to the naysayers that Blind Melon definitely deserves a second chance.

Like Soup, this album will continue to grow on you. I actually got it Friday at the Dallas stop on Blind Melon's tour and have been listening to it ever since. It gets better with each listen. I have to say, after the show the other night, which was completely amazing, I got to meet the band and talk with them for quiet a while and they are all completely genuine and it really shows in the music. They do care about the fans and their old friend Shannon.

Finally new material from one of my favorite bands Blind Melon. From start to finish this album is excellent, this is one of those albums you listen to from start to finish without skipping over tracks.

I was fortunate enough to see Blind Melon in concert in Dallas and I was absolutely blown away by their performance. The band hasn't changed one bit since the passing of Shannon Hoon, and with the adding of Travis T. Warren on vocals the band is better than ever! Though Travis cannot take Shannon's place he does an amazing job on vocals, I was very pleased.

If you're an old fan and are skeptical about a new guy taking Shannon's place, I urge you to pick up this album... you will be blown away.

I'm not one to type long messages, so this will be short and to the point. I actually bought this cd at their show in New Orleans last week (4/17). It hasn't left my cd player since. Like alot of folks have said, Travis will never replace Shannon, but at least we get more Blind Melon. Travis is still a great addition....check out Cheetum Street (w/ Travis' mom on back-up vocals). It's about time a good album has come along. On a side note; 90% of music today consists of regurgitated crap and lack of talent. Thanks for more talented and original music BM!!!! It's about time. Rest in peace brother Hoon.

This is an outstanding album with great musicianship by all. Travis Warren is a find.

Just finished listening to the entire album and it is great. Some songs sound a little over produced. Great feeling album! Good Job.

I had tickets to see Blind Melon on Nov. 4th, 1995. Unfortunately, Shannon passed away on Oct. 21st, just a few weeks shy of the show. I remember thinking that I would never be able to see Blind Melon play live and I was so depressed. Last week on May 2nd, 2008 that all changed. Blind Melon played the El Rey in Los Angeles and totally rocked. It was so great to finally hear songs from the debut, "Soup" and even "Nico", performed LIVE! Of course, Shannon wasn't there but he created that music and his energy will always be in and part of those songs. The fact is Shannon Hoon can never be replaced. I know that, Blind Melon fans know that, and so does Blind Melon. Travis Warren, the new frontman, is not there to replace Shannon, but rather, to keep the music alive and bring back a great band that's been gone far too long.

With all that said, the new album is solid. There's not a bad song in the bunch. There's not a real radio single in the bunch either, but "Wishing Well" is the closest. Travis doesn't emulate Shannon's style very much at all. I noticed slight "Hoon-isms" but just briefly. Yes, they have a similar range and tone, but their style, energy, and approach to song writing (melodically and lyrically) are completely different. Shannon was a free spirit, so free that he was at times, out of control. That energy is apparent on the first album and especially on "Soup". Travis is a bit more structured and has a controlled and steady energy. That's not bad, it's just different.

I think this album is a great start for the new lineup. I think they're just testing the waters right now. Once the band is together for a while I think they will venture into more uncharted territory. My favorite songs on the album are "Wishing Well", "Down On the Pharmacy", "With the Right Set of Eyes", "Last Laugh" (which is a song Christopher Thorn wrote about Shannon), "Father Time" and "Cheetum Street".

I definitely recommend this album, however, if you're expecting it to be just like the Shannon Hoon era Blind Melon, you may be disappointed. If you keep an open mind and focus on what the music is and not what it used to be, you should really enjoy it.

It's been 13 long years since the passing of Shannon Hoon and the end of my all-time favorite band. Finally, the guys have found someone worthy of carrying on the legacy that is Blind Melon.

Travis Warren can not only belt out classic Blind Melon tunes like no one on Earth, but he brings to the table his own uniquness as well. The music on this album is no less than instant classic.

For all of the old fans out there that feel disloyal or unsure, please give this a listen. You will not be disappointed. For the fans-to-be, give this a listen. If you like it, welcome to the club. If not, then it wasn't meant to be.

This album was obviously recorded For Their Fans.

Every time I finish listening through the album I go to grab a different one and nothing sounds remotely appealing. I keep reverting back and listening to the new Blind Melon again and again. A great disc to add to the collection. The musical talent of Brad, Rodgers, Chris, and Glen never rusted, bringing forth a new polished sound built off of much experience. Travis' vocals add the right pitch and range to keep up with the stellar riffs and compositions. These guys are on top of the world right now and rightfully deserve it. Get the album and check out one of the shows. They're on tour non-stop right now which should be a dream come true for everyone.

This is an amazing album you can listen to straight through over and over again. From the title track For My Friends you get the feeling that even though they were gone for so long they still have the connection and you can tell Travis is having more fun then ever with his histerical laughing at the end of the song. Seriously buy this album if your sick of this cry baby bland music out these days. Amazing Album. I recommend Down on the Pharmacy.