Customer Reviews

Sing the Sorrow

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD is one of the best I've heard in a long time, but don't buy this version, just buy the regular CD. This one cost ...more just for two bonus songs. Guess what? If you buy the regular CD and pop it into your computer, you get taken to a secret site where you can download both "bonus" songs. Pretty groovy, eh?

Sing the Sorrow is an album much debated amongsts the AFI so called "Fans" as a sellout cd. Well, this album isn't a sellout cd, it's just playable proof that a band can and will mature throughout their years, and attempt at making something thats down to earth and real, instead of kiddy and fun. Based off listening to this album, (I have the original Red and Black cover release, not the Black and White cover one) I have come to the conclusion that one, no, this is not their best cd, but two, this is not their worst either. Yet, I still gave it 5 stars, you wonder why that is? I gave it 5 stars because the subject mannor on this album, sound on this album, and all around improvement of the band clearly shows. They went from singing about Key Lime Pie and Cereal, to subjects that actually apply to the human race, that in itself, shows major improvement.
The cd itself is based (in my opinion) souly around melody, and synthesizers, but that's ok, they're trying something new. But, ofcourse, if youre anti-melody, or anti-morbid lyrics, you aren't going to like this.
I myself have never popped my cd into my computer and acceessed their secret site to download the bonus tracks, instead I just went on Kazaa and downloaded them manually and burnt them onto a duplicated Sing the Sorrow disc, along with the song "Reviers Music" which is another song scrapped from this album. And I will say..."Now the World" is definently worth the price of this cd, ten fold. The song is simply beautiful, and deserved to be on the original release, and in my opinion, it's their best new song on the album (and or not on the album) other than "Death of Seasons", and "The Great Dissappointment." Those 3 songs sum up (to me) the best of this cd, and neither of which are any of their singles.
Anyone who says AFI sold out with this cd needs to get their sh*t straight, because theirs a difference between selling out, and majorly maturing as a band. AFI could have easily sounded the same and re-done "Art of Drowning" with completely new songs, and the same sound. But why would I buy it? I don't listen to AFI praying that they'll always sound the same, infact as another reviewer had said, AFI have always used their morbid lyrics, it shows quite well in "Black Sails in the Sunset" and "Art of Drowning." Yet, fans want to start complaining NOW?! HAHA that's kind of stupid, fans wait 3 years to complain about something that's been aparently showing for the same 3 years.
If you're an openminded AFI fan like myself, you'll realize that they simply got better, and have improved if not musically, then lyrically. And infact that they didn't get softer, their fans just got harder. If a fan can't accept change and maturity in a band that the fan claims to be a "hardcore fan" of, then disband from the groups fan-scene, you don't deserve to be called a fan, because a band matures and gets better. So Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes, and Sing the Sorrow. Or, go listen to bands that never ever change like NOFX and hop on the waggons of "I can't stand change, so i'm gonna ride this because it's boring and never matures or changes it's sound."
All in all, true AFI fans will appreciate this album, despite its very aparent fact that Davey and crew, have matured, and decided to take a slightly different route, musically.

OK, if you clicked on this import version by accident, this is your lucky day, because this is the ULTIMATE version of "Sing The Sorrow". If you've already got the US version (like I did), then this is worth an additional purchase. First reason: you may have already spun the grooves off your first cd, especially if you enjoyed it as much as I did, so a replacement is in need. Second reason: oh, just a couple of OUTSTANDING bonus tracks as good or better that the rest of the cd!!
Now, I will tell you up front, that I do buy a lot of import cd's , and I'm disappointed 90% of the time with the "bonus" tracks, because they're usually throwaway songs that weren't good enough to make the final cut. Well....AFI must have sandbagged these 2 songs because they fit right in with the rest of the cd, and help make it one of the BEST ROCK CD'S OF ALL TIME..period. I would GET THIS NOW before it goes out of print. You won't regret it.

If you already have Sing the Sorrow, then you have your own opinions about the first 12 tracks, but if you've never heard Now the World of Synesthesia, then you should buy it.

Now the World is an OK song, it was featured on one of their lesser known vynils called 336, along with a song called Reiver's Music (great song). It features good drums and guitar/bass, though its not Davey's best vocals. I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

Synesthesia is, at the moment, my favourite AFI song. It has just this........beat to it. I can't describe it, but its perfect. The guitar is awesome, the drums set the tone for the song, the Bass blends it all together greatly. The vocals are possibley the best Afi has ever done. The entire band sings throughout this song and they are what sets this song apart from the rest.

this album is crucial to your AFI collection, or a great way of starting one.

I am a massive AFI fan. Had I more money, I would buy every CD and vinyl they've made, why, I'd buy the band itself! Anyway, I love a pretty mixed bunch of music, I like stuff from AFI to Weezer to Slipknot to The Cure to The Beatles to In Flames, etc. People accuse others of being posers for liking this CD, some are, but most aren't. AFI has gradually become darker, more melodic and slightly gothic. This was just the next step! This ties with Art Of Drowning for my favorite AFI CD, Sing The Sorrow is good for a gloomier mood (or in winter) and Art Of Drowning for a slightly angrier mood (or in Fall). YOu get your share of both. Morningstar is like a preview for Sing The Sorrow and Dancing Through Sunday is sort of a callback to The Art Of Drowning. If you're new to AFI, get both, since it gives you a pretty good feel of past and present, but it's best if you just get all of their CDs (vinyls if you can). Also, a little off topic, but everyone who likes metal and AFI should check out In Flames. I have Soundtrack To Your Escape, but Whoracle is great too. If AFI were metal, it would be In Flames. Overall, Sing The Sorrow is a great CD, highlights being ...But Home Is Nowhere, The Leaving Song Pt. 2, Dancing Through Sunday, Girl's Not Grey, This Celluloid Dream, Paper Airplanes, Death Of Seasons... actually, I was just gonna name the whole CD anyway, so... What does that tell you? As for the import, I intended to get the regular (but they accidentally gave me the import, lucky me), but if you want the two songs for cheap, get the vinyl 336 (for Now The World) and the CD The Leaving Song Pt. 2 EP (for Synesthesia). I haven't heard either (can't get the secret site to work) but I've heard they're awesome. If you're a completist, get this import, but get Art of Drowning, too.

Indeed, AFI has changed there style over the past years but i think for the better. From Black Sails to Sing the Sorrow have been their best albums. Their mix of hardcore/punk and goth has a great impact on many listeners. Some people criticize Davey Havok about his voice, but i think that he's got an extremely good voice. If you have only heard "Girl's Not Grey" on MTV or your local radio, and have decided that you do not like AFI, i say you should listen to there other songs; Girls not Grey is a bit different from AFI's other music.

This is a great listen for any person that can appreciate the talent and dedication put into writing good music. However, this CD is not perfect (which would warrant the 5 star rating), so i give it four stars because "Girl's Not Grey" was a little (not terribly) on the lame side. Other than that song, I have no problem listening to this CD over and over. Oh yeah, all you people that thought this was lame because Davey sounds a little whiney...OH COURSE HE IS! It's supposed to be. If you don't like whiney, don't buy the CD, and don't complain that you made a poor purchase. You knew what you were getting into before you bought it. AFI's music is all about the emotion, which is what all music should be based off of. If you can't appreciate that, you don't appreciate music. AFI, good solid effort. Well done boys!

This cd is amazing. It still integrates hardcore elements for those fans(which I am one of) and it also includes a taste of the direction the band is headed. AFI has been my favorite band for about 5 or 6 years and they will be for another 5 or 6. anyone who doesn't own this cd should own it now.

I confess, before the proliferation of "Girls Not Grey" on mainstream radio and MTV, I thought AFI was just an acronym for some American Film Institute, but after hearing the fatally catchy tune on my local stations a few times, I hungered to hear more from the band that had created such a unique and interesting song.

I promptly ordered Sing the Sorrow from my local library and waited a good 2 1/2 months for an available copy (I placed an order on July 14 2003 and received a copy on September 30 2003).
Upon first listening to the album, I was extremely impressed. From the ethereal, floating intro track, "Miseria Cantare" to the haunting bonus track "This Time Imperfect", Sing the Sorrow captivated and energized me. For about two months I listened to it compulsively at least three times a day. Unlike most music compilations subjected to a similar rigorous listening program, it actually seemed to get better with each listen, as the cryptic yet beautiful lyrics etched themselves into my subconscious and the insanely fantabulous, hooky melodies required constant fist-pumping and shouting along. Most punk and classic rock fans should like this album. It has both loud, crunching guitars and enough melodic beauty to please almost any open-minded listener.

Granted, some long-suffering "hardcore" AFI fans will dismiss STS as the band's "sell-out" effort, which, after hearing Black Sails in the Sunset and The Art of Drowning, I half-heartedly agree with. I prefer to see Sing the Sorrow as a natural progression from The Art of Drowning, an improvement of their technique, a polishing of their delivery. The emotion is still there, perhaps even more so, because the production and technique are so impressive. Tracks such as "Death of Seasons" and "Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)" contain all the screaming, angst-ridden glory of earlier material, just with more finesse. More depth of subtle emotion appears as well on tracks such as "Silver and Cold" (US single) and "The Great Disappointment". The intense emotional heft of this album really affected me, and I can understand the almost violent devotion the most hardcore AFI fans exhibit for their favorite musicians.

Here's my two cents on each song:

Miseria Cantare (The Beginning)- 2/5
One of the weakest tracks. Not much there. I know it's trying to set the tone for the rest of album, but it simply doesn't say much to me. I gave it 2 stars because it adds to the structure and serves as a formal "intro".

The Leaving Song Part II- 4/5
With churning guitars and screaming vocals, this one has become a classic in the AFI community already. A very fist-pumping and exhilarating punk anthem.

Bleed Black- 4/5
One of my very favorite STS songs when I first heard the album. It's catchy and hardcore but has very introspective and imagery-laden lyrics.

Silver and Cold- 4/5
Beautiful ballad/anthem. Perfect for alternately rocking out and grooving along. It opens with a nice piano sample and delves into heavy, heartfelt riffs and solid drumming. The lyrics are also amazing.

Dancing Through Sunday- 3/5
Perhaps a throwback to their earlier, punkier days, "Dancing Through Sunday" captures all the raw energy that made them so loved among teens the world over. It's real catchy, but has a slightly superficial or heavy-handed feel (We dance in misery etc...)


Girls Not Grey- 5/5
This song may have been overplayed on myriad Clear Channel subsidiaries, but I still love it to death. The complex, innovative guitar work by lead guitarist Jade Puget propels the listener into an aural paradise rarely visited on top 40s charts. With lighting fast drumming and delicious bass hooks to back the more gentle Havok vocals/lyrics, this confectionary leaves little to be desired. Very satisfying. The video for "Girls Not Grey" is also the only AFI music video I like, as it departs from their usual, rather boring performance video works.

Death of Seasons 5/5 How can you not like this song? It's blisteringly hardcore (at least to my pop-fed ears) and is just a great "I'm really angry" kind of song. Features a techno sample that kind of makes me laugh, but it also works as a serious artistic exploration.

The Great Disappointment- 2/5 Um, unfortunately, the title kind of describes the song. A slower, but not really compelling piece that merely depresses and fails to energize. It functions as a low-tempo break between the louder "Death of Seasons" and "Paper Airplanes", but doesn't sound good on its own.

Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)- 5/5 One of my favorites right along with Girls Not Grey. Loud and fast yet melodic, with quirky guitar riffs to spare and empowering lyrics (about what? who cares?!). Prepare to rock out.


This Celluloid Dream- 5/5 The high standard set by "Paper Airplanes" is well meet by track ten, "This Celluloid Dream". I'm running out of descriptions. It's just a great song. I like the chorus lyrics "You light as gently as the new snow (cinematic) /Onto the melting boy (and melt away)/ You light as gently you're so (cinematic)/ Bathed in your radiance I melt". Makes me happy and what not.

The Leaving Song- 4/5 An acoustic track, somewhat reminiscent of "God Called in Sick Today". Nice guitar work. No screaming this time.

But Home is Nowhere- 3/5 Angry song. Lots of screaming, not their best.

(spoken word poem)- 3/5 I was really captivated by this in the beginning, but it's just ok now. Interesting imagery, nice atmosphere created by the background instrumentation. (It's not really music, as there's no melody).

This Time Imperfect- 5/5 Haunting and heart-wrenchingly beautiful. Perfect closing track.

Be sure to pop the CD into your CD rom drive for the "secret site" and two excellent bonus tracks only available there. "Synesthesia" actually may be one of the best songs on the entire album, so don't miss out on it. My only complaint is that they didn't just included those two songs on the CD itself.

In closing, I recommend Sing the Sorrow. Now GO! listen to it. (Go! Go!)

The cd was correct but it has the red album artwork instead of the black which is pictured.