Customer Reviews

Songs of Sanity

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A quick listen of John 5's Songs for Sanity is bound to suggest that his previous collaborations with artists such as David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford, Rob Zombie, and John Wetton to name a few were certainly quite limiting given his talents presented on his solo albums. John Lowery goes under the name John 5 and Songs for Sanity is his second solo output after the critically acclaimed Vertigo.

This is an entirely instrumental release with the exception of some spoken parts in a song or two or a funny appearance of a singer who attemps to sing in a reggae style on "Gods and Monsters", one of the more atmospheric and laid-back tunes with electronic drum beats and synth work, fuzzy guitar sounds, and eventually a challenging lead solo that is rather impressive. The first half of the album is decidedly more shred-oriented; manic sweeps fill "Damaged", the album opener, together with heavy as hell rhythms and a bluesy guitar tone utilising Morse-like picking. Over-dubbed guitar lines duel with each other, leaving the non-Manson fan speechless when it comes to John 5's amazing skill in his instrument. Fast (and I mean really fast!) tapping licks open "Soul of a Robot", littered with killer vibrato work that is generated by an almost robotic proficiency. The song delves into classic rock territory but is carried out in a very Steve Vai-like playfulness, producing weird soundscapes. John 5 then explores some bluegrass meets country on "Gein with Envy", a bit similar to the stuff on String Cheese Incident's last album, and immediately launches into his first atmospheric track, the moody "Sin". Modern sounds emerge recalling his past with Manson and his recent stint with Rob Zombie. However, all of it is put aside with the arrival of an impossibly fast shred guitar that then is again replaced by an atmospheric break allowing the drums to shine. The whammy bar usage at the end is a bit excessive and overtly Steve Vai influenced, but I'm sure the average guitar fan will love it.

The "Blues Balls" title is self-explanatory, enriched with echoic organ sounds floating about in the background layered by classic rock guitar melodies. From here on, the album develops a more cinematic feel starting with "Fiddler's" which begins with a tongue-in-cheek commentary about the singer in HIM, and John says he prefers guitar shred and showcases his frenzied instrumental prowess. "2 Die 4" is the darkest cut, with sporadic acoustic guitars and weird sound effects that would make for a great horror movie soundtrack. "Death Valley" is another classic rock tune, except that it begins with a woman giving directions with car horns and heavy traffic heard in the background. Finally John 5 meets Steve Vai, undoubtedly one his main inspirations, on "Perineum", and the two guitarists shred each other out, exchanging solo spots and then doing unison solos. The song marries modern production with classic guitar virtuoso and never fails to borrow Vai's mystical guitar tones along the way. It ends with a long ambient section bleeding into "Denouement", another atmospheric piece that closes the album on a very frantic speed solo note. Once again the whammy bar at the end goes a bit excessive for my likes, but other than that this is quite possibly the most melody-friendly song on the album.

Give Songs for Sanity a listen and discover an amazingly talented guitar player. Granted his songwriting and guitar tone may not be everyone's taste, he is impeccably skilled when it comes to guitar playing and combining it with fun and energy.

Well, I'm going to get things straight. I hate Marilyn Manson. He doesn't have anything on Alice Cooper despite what the uneducated youth may say (I listened to all of Marilyn Manson's CDs and Alice Cooper's CDs too). I have a friend who is a big fan of Marilyn Manson however. Though, nothing on his albums really stood out to me. So, when my friend finally bought John 5's solo CD and was flipping out after hearing it...I just figured it was more hype. I was wrong to judge before hearing the CD. I listened to the CD and found myself enjoying song after song. I'm now a fan of John 5's solo CDs and hope he releases more. Marilyn Manson really held back this talented guitarist.

This album is such an awesome piece of work. The guitar playing is just amazing. The styles John-5 plays are just so varied, from heavy metal, "Damaged" to more of a rock feel loaded with effects "Soul of A Robot" to all out bluegrass type country "Gein With Envy". The solos on every song just make you want to pick up your guitar. Also unlike most guitar instrumental albums, this is very enjoyable to listen to and has some very catchy songs. Also the drums aren't the usual snare only nightmare that are on other guitar albums. There is some pretty good double bass drum action in some songs. Also check out "Death Valley" John-5 got Albert Lee to play on it. Also the amazing Steve Vai makes an appearance on "Perineum", the song is great, you hear John-5 and Steve Vai trade off on solos, that's enough incentive for me to buy a CD!

I have to admit, first of all, that I wasn't planning on buying this album. I figured it was just going to be a throw away. Even though I loved the first one, I thought that this one would be boring, more of the same. How wrong I was. The only bad thing I can say about this album is that it seems to go by way too fast. John 5 has now completely set himself apart from anything he's done before, and proves that he is one of the worlds most talented and original guitarists.

I got Vertigo first when it came out. Its a good record with a nice mix between metal/bluegrass throughout. But Songs For Sanity takes the cake. This album has the most variety and an overall cohesive niche it likes to be in. The album is much darker than its predecessor, but still has acoustic and bluegrassy country ditties scattered through the album. On his second solo album, John Lowry blends atmospheric synths with heavy drumming and the screaming, searing guitars that move in at your ear at warp speed! The solo's on this record are more epic too and the songwriting has increased with great results on this album. Without a vocalist, the music has to standout and be something unique and I think Songs For Sanity does that. Totally recommended to people with eclectic tastes in music. Standout tracks? All of them

In the last five years or so, John 5 has found the time to release three solo records with numerous notable guest appearances ins addition to his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. Songs for Sanity is John 5 's sophomore solo album released in 2005. Even if you're not a huge fan of Manson or Zombie, you should check out John 5s solo material. Although the influences of both can be heard and seen on this album, this album offers quite a lot more. Songs for Sanity is original and interesting sounding material. John 5 himself has a death metal look about him with white face makeup, bleached blonde hair and a Black Dahlia inspired smile, but don't be put off by it. When he picks up his custom Fender Telecaster, he makes it wail. You should know that I do like some of Marilyn Mansons music, and I also like a lot of Rob Zombies songs. However, I do not recommend John 5 because of this. I recommend John 5, because I love good instrumental guitar music. and this is good guitar music.

John 5, the current guitarist for ROB ZOMBIE and former guitarist for MARILYN MANSON, LOOSER, and TWO showcases a variety of different guitar styles on this amazing instrumental rock album. Some of the album sounds Industrial and Metal wich is to be expected from J5, but there is also some Blues and twang and some Experimental riffs thrown into the jumble. All in all....Amazing! What talent!!! This is a rockin Cd.

I bought this album based on reading an interview with John5 on [...]. I'd never heard anything by him before and am not really into Manson, so my purchase was strictly based on what I'd read. All I need to say is, what a great guitarist and album. All the songs are well written, expertly played, and surprising in their variety and depth. Just buy it. You won't be disappointed, and if you're not familiar with John5, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I am so dissapointed that John 5 no longer plays guitar for Marilyn Manson. Now he plays for Rob Zombie. This album truly rocks!

John Lowery (stage name: John 5) returns with his sophomore, and last, release under Shrapnel Records. With most artists, each album following the debut is usually not as impressive or as original, but Songs for Sanity is just the opposite. Formerly involved in Marilyn Manson, John was held back musically, and his guitar skills are let out of the bag in his debut, Vertigo. While it seemed tricks and licks were wildly integrated because it was the first opportunity John received to display his solo talent, Songs for Sanity is refined and sharp.

John handles all guitars, but there are two noteworthy guest appearances. Steve Vai contributes lead guitar on the second half of each of the two main solos on "Perineum," and Albert Lee contributes lead guitar on the first solo on "Death Valley." John also handles all bass, except on "Fiddler's" by Larry Klein and Josh Jones. As John has drawn comparisons to the likes of Steve Vai, it seems fitting to have both Vai and Lee contribute. He is quickly making a name for himself in the guitar world.

Songs for Sanity is just as original as the debut, but is slightly more impressive. Like Vertigo, this track listing is both metal and bluegrass/country. Here, however, the songs sound like they are performed with more feeling and maturity, which makes for a better album. With one solo effort under John's belt, he has had the experience, and it appears evident he has made some technique adjustments.