Customer Reviews

The Reason

5 star:		(175)
4 star:		(50)
3 star:		(33)
2 star:		(22)
1 star:		(53)

 

 

what can i say? this cd is beyond words. most of the rock music today is based on the singers bein pissed off at someone and mad at the world but Hoobastank is different. Douglas Robb sings with so much emotion that you feel like he's acually been through what he's singing about. here's my breakdown of the songs:
1. Same Direction- Great song and the right song to open the cd with
2. Out of Control- First single off the album. i loved it when i first heard it but it's overplayed. the only song about frustration
3. What Happened to Us- Different beat but it grows on you. great lyrics about a relationship falling apart
4. Escape- drums at the beginning are awesome. one of my favorite songs
5. Just One- song about wanting one chance to prove yourself. very encouraging
6. Lucky- this songs okay. kinda about floating on cloud 9 after finding someone you love. could be longer cause its too short
7. From the Heart- beautiful song about rebuilding dreams when no one else believed in you
8. The Reason- i listened to this song over and over again. Robb sings this rock ballad with so much emotion that you almost feel his pain and longing. Lyrics about changing for someone you love
9. Let It Out- good song between The Reason and Unaffected. a fun upbeat song but too repetitive.
10. Unaffected- second favorite song. i definetly connect with the song about people judging you before they ever meet you
11. Never There- upbeat song that says whenever i need you you're not there.
12. Disappear- 3rd favorite song. love the lyrics and everything about it. about a person who makes everything better when they're around you.

Buy this cd. its worth more then the 10 bucks you'll pay for it.

First off, I'd like to say that I ahve not really been a fan of Hoobastank. A lot of the songs on their self titled album sounded too similiar. The CD only had about 6 or 7 good songs on the CD.
The Reason is much mcuh better then Hoobastanks previous albums. I don't skip any of the songs. It is always in my CD player, day and night. This CD has much more distinguished guitar riffs and choruses.

Same Direction - A great opening track. Great guitar riffs. One of my favorites. 9.5/10

Out Of Control - The first single is very fast paced and fun. It makes out want to get up and do something right away but then to lay back down cause you want to listen to the CD. 9/10

What Happened To Us? - A t first this sounds like it's going to be a great track but then it changes tempo way to fast to actually sound good. Other then that the song is good. 8/10

Escape - This song sounds like a fast paced 3 Doors Down song. Very different from any previous song. 8.5/10

Just One - The intro to this song is very good. Too bad the chorus isn't as good. 8/10

Lucky - This song sounds really complete. Very good. 8.5/10

From the Heart - Again and amazing intro. But this time the chorus is also good. 9/10

The Reason - Now this is definately the best song on the CD. The style is very different from any other song by Hoobastank. It willprobably be the second release from this album. 10/10

Let It Out - A great hard song. It also sounds very good between "The reason" and "Unaffected". 8.5/10

Unaffected - One of my favorites by Hoobastank ever. The guitar is amazing and makes this track stand out. 9.5/10

Never There - A lot of other people don't like this song but I love it. The best hard song on the CD. 9.5/10

Disappear - And the CD ends with yet again another great song. Not quite as good of a closing song as "Give It Back" but is nonetheless an amaing song. 9.5/10

As you can see the CD starts off good and ends great. This CD will occupy my CD player for a long time.

Very rarely does a band put out an album that you can listen to from beginning to end without skipping tracks. This time around I think Hoobastank really proved their potential with this album, it's pretty unfortunate that they're an underrated band but the quality of music is amazing, unlike their self-titled debut, there's more consistency to "The Reason". If you like music that's aggressive and can hold that aggressiveness even on the softer tracks, then there's no reason why you should pass this one up.

01. Same Direction - (5/5) - Great opener, it begins semi-light with a few strings but kicks in with a nice riff. The entire song is pretty energized and fast paced so I doubt it's something to get tired of.

02. Out Of Control - (4/5) - The first single from the album, I think it's a pretty good track though, like most singles, they get old really fast. If you've had enough of its airplay then just skip it and come back to it later, many of the other tracks could've surpassed this one as the first single.

03. What Happened To Us - (5/5) - One of my absolute favorites, it could be dubbed as the 'the typical soft rock song' but the chorus blows everything away. The strings on this track were pretty impressive as well. -- Should be the second single.

04. Escape - (4/5) - Okay there's always the song we tend to skip because the intro isn't catchy enough so we think it's a weak song, 'Escape' gets everything from the chorus, just like many other songs, the lyrics and bridges in between might seem a bit boring but in the end it's more than worth a listen, great vocals.

05. Just One - (5/5) - Another one of the favorites, if not the best track on the entire album. The best thing about this one is that you can wait forever for an instrumental/slow-down break that will never come. This song is extremely consistent and tight, everything, the drums, riffs, vocals, you name it.

06. Lucky - (3/5) - In my opnion the chorus tends to drag over and over, the vocals are amazing but come on, how many times can we hear "you" stretched out. This song could be compared with 'What Happened to Us', but the overall tone is more upbeat rather than 'poetic' if you will..

07. From The Heart - (3/5) - Rhythmically diverse, the beats go from moderate to high-paced to progressively slow. Not much else to say about this one, not a bad song, could've been better though.

08. The Reason - (4/5) - Your perfect "just broke up with girlfriend/boyfriend" dwelling period song. I was a bit suprised that this title track wasn't a heavy song, it really demonstrates what the album is about and more specifically what the title means.

09. Let It Out - (2/5) - Probably the worst song put on this album, I wasn't really catching what the slight guitar distortion was about. And once it got towards the end of the song and "woo's" over the instrumentation started I had more than enough.

10. Unaffected - (5/5) - Good thing this came after the worst song. Love the vocals, perfect for the car lip synchers. A great example of the toned-town-yet-effective side of Hoobastank.

11. Never There - (5/5) - The last 'pumped up' track of the album, I don't get why this was placed towards the end, it seemed like it would've been better somewhere in the middle of the songs but what stands out the most are the riffs before each chorus. They're almost like 'guitar slices' that add a nice effect to the song. Another favorite.

12. Dissapear - (3/5) - Good way to end the album, the sound itself lets you know that it's coming to a close, slower pace, building up to an appropriate fade out.

Hoobastank's second studio release is exactly what anyone expects from any band; an expansion of their sound, while still sounding like themselves. "Same Direction" opens the album very much the same way "Crawling in the Dark" did their last. The band steps into harder ground with "Out of Control" which features screaming vocals from lead singer Douglas Robb and guest background vocals from Lostprophets. "What Happened to Us?" asks that very question about a broken relationship. "Escape" opens with a catchy drum solo and doesn't slow down after that. Opening with a sustained note from the last track, "Just One" is a track with echoed verse lyrics of "I want to..."'s and "I need to..."'s that fans will love. The opening acoustics of "Lucky" show the track's supposed sound...until the chorus breaks out everything the band has. Rise-from-the-fall track "From The Heart" raises an assignment to rebuild lost dreams. Hit and title track "The Reason" is easily the softest side of the band seen to date, and is a touching track that will open the soft-loving side of even the band's harder fans. "Let It Out" kicks off with a scream from Doug and later launches a chorus that is instantly singable. "Unaffected" sends a message of almost-lost hope, asking what to do about the problems that are being faced. "Never There" hits on the problems of an apathetic love. When "Disappear" comes around, fans should know they're getting another hit. Lyrics that anyone can relate to and a pure, simple melody give this track power over any listener. Overall, a definite recommendation of mine!

I bought this CD after reading about H'stank in Q and NME and some other U.S. music Mag's. I've ben staying away from all the "dude" bands like Limp, Linkin", etc.

I was thinking this was just another offshoot of those bands. I WAS WRONG. The talent these guys have is just unbelievable. There is not a filler song on this CD. From the opening track, I was hooked and as each song progressed so did my ear. I love these songs. Totally melodic with an edge which is where I am in life.

"The Reason" speaks for itself. It's an instant clasic. Don't skip over any of the songs to get to this track. I do have a favorite track and that is, "What Happend To Us". I think everyone can relate to this one. I can't wait to see them live. Pick this one up - You will not regret the purchase. I'll let the songs speak for themselves.

As everyone knows, sophmore albums can be tricky for successful bands. Hoobastank seemingly reached fame overnight. Although playing the scene for years (under the name Hoobustank) they broke through with their first major label, self-titled, album in 2001. That album spawned three radio-hits ("Crawling In The Dark," "Running Away" and "Remember Me") and set the stage for this album. With "The Reason," Hoobastank completely obliterate their chance for sophmore jinx. Stepping out of the shadows of their mentors/peers in Incubus, this album completely expands on Hoobastank's sound. Everything that made the first album as good as it was is tripled on this effort. Energetic tracks like "Same Direction" and the first single "Out Of Control" (which features guest vocals courtesy of Lostprophets) are instant hits, while "What Happened To Us" and "Escape" benefit from the use of some sublte electronics. "Lucky" is a feel-good song that successfully blends acoustic guitars and keyboards. However, the true pinnacle of this album is the title track ("The Reason"). A soaring modern-rock ballad. I forsee this as being a major hit for them if it ever sees a release. Even if you don't like the rest of the album, this song will keep you coming back for more. Great lyrics and a stellar sound. It's the title track for a good reason because it is the best representation of Hoobastank's new sound. "The Reason," as an album, is definitely a massive step-up from the debut. Hopefully this album will be successful, because Island records is notorious for dropping bands that don't move enough units and I want Hoobastank to live on to make more wonderful music.

This CD tops their previous effort in my opinion. The songs may be a bit mellower than thier previous effort but there is is still plenty of rocking going on. What you get in exchange for a little bit more mellowness is a dramatic increase in musicianship. Can't wait to see these guys again with Linkin Park, POD and Story of the Year!

Track by Track breakdwon

1. Same Direction (7/10)- Gets the CD off to a nice fast paced start with a quick beat. Verses are a bit weak but hits hard into a great chorus.

2.Out of Control (9/10)- The single that you've probably heard
on the radio. This is another fast paced song with a great chorus. Lyrically about somone having a tough time dealing with the pressures placed on them by another.

3. What Happened To Us? (9/10)- Great melodic guitar intro and dynamic vocals on this slow ballad type song. Chorus is acutally the weak part of this song as the guitars sound too similar to other songs.

4.Escape (5/10) Verses and the overall song a little too repetetive. Chorus saves it a bit but one of my least favorites.

5.Just One (8/10) Great fast catchy intro guitars. One of the faster and better songs on the album. This song talks about getting that one chance.

6.Lucky (5/10) Starts off with a nice acoustic guitar. I just thikn the verse vocals on this are bland. Chorus is Ok but not great in comparison.

7.From the Heart (8/10) Verse guitars similar why are you running away. this is another mid tempo song that builds into a great chorus talking about unfifilled dreams. Great emotion in the vocals. You can really feel this song.

8. The Reason (10/10) If you don't like ballad type songs then avoid this one. But if you do then this one is great as this should blow up big on the radio. Very slow simple, beautiful guitar line with beautiful vocals. Like the title says its about a loved one being the reason to be a better person.

9. Let it Out (3/10) I just don't like this song. Sounds like the filler song. Sounds like there trying to be some other band on this song.

10. Unaffected (10/10)Luckily the worst track on the album is followed by the best track that probably won't be a single. Great quick distorted guitar picking over mellow paced vocals. In my opinion this has the best chorus on the entire album. Again you can really feel the chorus as he is talking about people prejudging you.

11 Never There( 4/10) The Album just seems to fall off for me
after song 10. This an uptempo song sort of similar to song number 9.

12 Dissapear (4/10) The one mellow song that doesn't seem to work.

Though there are a few duds the rest of the album definitely makes it worth picking up. My favorite tracks are

1. Unaffected
2. The Reason
3. Out Of Control
4. What Happened to Us?

1. Same Direction- 8.5/10
2. Out of Control- 10/10
3. What Happened to Us- 9.5/10
4. Escape- 9/10
5. Just One- 10/10
6. Lucky- 8.5/10
7. From the Heart- 10/10
8. The Reason- 10/10
9. Let It Out- 10/10
10. Unaffected- 9.5/10
11. Never There- 9.5/10
12. Disappear- 9.5/10

Hoobastank's self-titled album was good, and THIS album, The Reason, ain't bad either. It's no surprise why the title track became a monster hit -- and incidentally, that song is tied with "Disappear" as being the best song on the album. But because the band has a huge hit on their hands, it seems like some people just hate them for it (to know how I feel about that, refer to my "true meaning of 'sellout'" guide). But that's okay because the rest of us can see how great this album is.

As other reviewers have mentioned, this album is more low-key than their last album. But results are still impressive, as shown by songs like the romantic "Lucky". And when the songs aren't so positive, they can still work, as evidenced by "Never There", "What Happened to Us", and the aforementioned title track.

There are other good songs on here too, like "Escape" and "Same Direction". But there are a few missteps as well. I don't think I would have cried if "From the Heart" wasn't on here, and "Out of Control" is just that (sorry, I tried my best to like that song). But this is still a great album from Hoobastank. Like their first album, this album also gets four stars, so pick them both up if you're a fan.

Anthony Rupert

There is only one reason for writing this review. Generally I like to let people vent their likes or dislikes without getting in the middle. However, when it comes to Hoobastank, there is something which must be corrected.

They are a great live band.

Since this is supposed to be a review of The Reason, I guess I will mention what I like or dislike about it.

I saw Hoobastank live in Madrid in July 2002. I thought their music was ok. I thought they were great on stage. When The Reason came out, as everybody else, I fell in love with the title song, a heartwrenching ballad about regretting your mistakes and asking for a second chance.

The rest of the album, initially, sounded very similar. By the third or fourth listen, however, I was hooked. The hard edge and great melodic song that was only present in a few songs on their first album (I still skip between Crawling in the Dark, Running Away and Pieces) now permeates the 12 songs on The Reason. The songs are about love (both in the positive and the negative...we need a bit of both), as most songs are, but I feel that there is a maturity to the songwriting, and a depth which, for some (as myself), requires a few listens, and which for some invites repeated listening. With a bit of luck, Hoobastank can go as far as rock bands can go.

One warning sign, though. The Reason (the album) sometimes verges on pop or alternative rock. That's fine with me, as long as the line is never crossed. On The Reason, if you want the harder line: Out of Control, Let it Out (better than you think), Never There, Same Direction. For the softer (kind of): The Reason, What Happened to Us? (needs to be a single), Unaffected, Disappear (the best track on the album, hopefully foreshadowing future Hoobastank.)

I saw part of the MTV performance. As most, I was appalled. Horrid. I was mostly surprised, though. This wasn't the Hoobastank I saw in Madrid. And after seeing their Stockholm concert on Oct. 18, 2004, I was reassured. They are still a great live band, because it is not until you hear Out of Control or Pieces live that you will go absolutely nuts for them.

MTV was an exception. Do I need to say this again? You NEED to see Hoobastank live. Put it on your TO DO list. Above "Laundry" and "Tea with Aunt Carol"

For you out there still wanting to get a grip on what Hoobastank is, you won't miss much getting their album. You might miss out on a new breath of air for rock music if you don't. I guess I'd say that Hoobstank is for rock in the new millennium what Europe or Aerosmith was for 80's rock. And if you were around then, you'll agree, that it wasn't such a bad thing.

Now, what we really need is a live album and DVD.
Cheers