Customer Reviews

Spoken

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

 

 

The fact that this is a self-titled album may cause you to believe that Spoken is a new band. In fact, they have been going strong for a solid ten years in the Christian hardcore/metal scene, and this is their latest effort.

I received this CD for free via a local radio station promotion, and it was my first introduction to Spoken. Having heard before of their style, and not being a big fan of hardcore/screamo music, my expectations were quite low. As it turns out, this CD gave me a pleasant surprise.

The album starts out strong with "History Erased", probably the hardest hitting song on the album. Even more than that, though, "History Erased" highlights my favorite aspect of this band: lead singer Matt Baird can and does sing quite often, and never lets himself get bogged down in never-ending screaming.

This concept is repeated throughout the album, with varying success. The high point of Spoken is without doubt the fourth track, "Trading in this Troubled Heart". Baird's voice perfectly fits the driving tune and then climbs to an energy-filled climax as he literally shrieks out the final lines.

Among the other songs, one quickly notices "You're the One", a slow, heartfelt ballad, and "Start the Revolution", a rather ethereal instrumental. That said, no other single track stands out in the way that "History Erased" and "TITTH" do, but the entire effort is overall quite solid, and with the possible exception of "Not Soon Forgotten" and "Brought to Life", no song is noticeably weak.

With a few high moments and many more enjoyable tracks, all in all Spoken is a great CD for fans of hardcore music and even those who aren't may, like myself, find something to love in Spoken.

I was introduced to Spoken by a friend who invited me to a small venue concert. From the moment Matt Baird stepped onto the stage until their set ended, I was HOOKED! The music in person vibrated through everyone in attendance, and even though there was only about 75 people at the show, they played like there were many times that number in attendance. I immediately had to buy all three cds and have not lost any of that feeling to this date. The vocals are awsome on "A Moment of Imperfect Clarity" and on "Last Chance to Breath". My final cd to arrive, "Spoken", has not arrived yet but from these reviews of this cd I am highly anticipating it. I can not even begin to describe how excellent they were in person, but if anyone has heard these albums and liked them, I promise you will be blown away by seeing them in concert! Also, be on the look-out for a new cd to be comming out sometime in the future; Matt Baird made mention they were in the studio working on a new album at that concert. I hope this was helpful for anyone looking to buy any Spoken cds.

i really like this band and he can scream but the problem is the screaming drops way off on the latter half of the cd thus im only giving it four stars instead of five..a lil more screaming and this would be an easy five stars..but its good for what it is

This is the CD that got me into Spoken. I heard "When Hope Is All You Have" on a radio show and it took a couple listens but I was eventually hooked. So I bought the CD and the same sort of process played out, the first listen I was not impressed, but it definitely grew on me. The vocalist is unique and is the most dynamic factor of Spoken, although his voice was an acquired taste for me. He hits screams so high that I would cringe at first, but I've come to appreciate and love those high end screams.

To old Spoken fans: This CD rocks harder than previous ones by Spoken. Matt Baird busts out the screams on this disc and mixes in his beautifully melodic voice amidst it all. The guitars are more driving and crunchy as well.

Talented band, talented vocalist. Give it a few spins, it will grow on you!

Like loud hard music spoken is for you. Man the bass is loud on here. and so guitair sounds and a good voice for emo or punk whatever you what to call it. Send out a great message here on these songs hard to understand sometimes but a good cd anyway. history erased i like most on this cd. It is a great cd by spoken.

One has but to listen to "History Erased" to fall in love with "Spoken's" brand of screamo. Growling doesn't make an appearance on this album, instead the screaming is high end, which makes it easier to listen to for the less hardcore audience. Also, the lead singer's voice is smooth as silk and can hit amazing tenor notes.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

When I first heard Spoken, I picked up their "A Moment of Imperfect Clarity" album at a CD Warehouse closing for $6. I was blown away. Matt's vocals had me mesmerized.

As with "Last Chance To Breathe" I had high hopes for this album, and was only slightly let down. Well, it's not so much being let down, it's the fact that nothing could come close to "A Moment of Imperfect Clarity". The songs are way heavier and the screaming is found in much abundance, and I love that. However, there's a few more songs on this album that simply don't make the cut.

The songs that are great, aren't simply great, they're incredible. The melodies and passion that goes into the music is astounding.

This is an excellent album, very worthy of 4 stars.