Customer Reviews

Start Something

5 star:		(120)
4 star:		(38)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Style: Lostprophets have always been a genre-defying group, which is definitely a plus for me. They, on this album, pretty successfully incorporate heavy rock, anthemic (but not cheesy) pop-punk style melodies, hardcore, and digital sampling.

Creativity: (5)
LostProphets have such a unique and refreshing sound that I can easily give them a 5. For proof, notice the difference in styles between track 9 and track 12.

Energy: (5)
This CD is a crazy bipolar ride that starts off fast, mellows out, reaches climax, and ends peacefully throughout the course of the tracks. Singer Ian Watkins has the unique ability to almost with clarity. His vocal stylings, full of integrity, give a certain intensity to even the more bland moments of the album. The dual guitar work and blazing drums of the album give the album great energy.

Musicianship: (4)
While this cd is lacking in guitar solos, it makes up for it in beautifully textured lines, good use of electronic sampling, and great vocal work.

Comparison to other work: (4):
This is a great CD, but "The Fake Sound of Progress" which is far more experimental and memorable, is a far better listen. I can only think of about four tracks which I could place next to "TFSOP" (1,2,9,10).

Moment of Truth: "Start Something"
This track is pure energy and it's hardcore touches and dynamics (while maintaining catchiness) makes it the album's prime track.

Buy if you Like _____: Incubus, Hoobastank, Linkin Park

Worth Buying?: Yes, Without a Doubt.

I first heard about this band through the single: Last train Home. That was before I discovered the UK hardcore scene. It was a few months later that I discovered the following behind this band. Lost Prophets is responsible for what is probably the biggest underground movement since UK punk. A growing craze is moving to the states these days. The genre of post-hardcore has arrived with lost prophets. Although they fall on the softer side of it. The ushering in of great bands like FFAF and When Reason sleeps. I know, those bands are much different than Lost Prophets but they grew from what this group started with TFSOP album.

"Start Something" is a far cry from the underground Post-hardcore sound of England. The band has become much more media friendly with this release. While at the same time keeping the post-harcore sound at the roots of the album. Take into consideration the techno influences here. Almost reminescent of "when reason sleeps". Another rising UK outfit. The Keyboardist does a great job in that honor. The guitar is obviously where the hardcore sound shines, and shows the great musiscianship showcased on the CD. The vocals are obviously british. Almost sounding like an EMOtype matt davies. He whines and pleads with his words. While on the other side he screams like Curt Cobain. it's weird but practical. All this aside, it's safe to say the entire album treats genres like touchstones. Skipping around them at free will. Not to say that's always agood thing though. It'd be hard for someone to like every song on this album as much as the next. From the hard and heavy hitting "a million miles", to the slow ballad-like "goodbye tonite"; the constant style change can be easilly hatable.

There's still alot to be said about the new sound of Lost Prophets. "highly instrumental and atmospheric" might be one of the terms to use. There's a constant format here that sudgests a 15 second intro in front of every song is needed. Although this isn't a bad idea, it gets too repitive by song 5 or 6. Maybe they're trying too hard to be stylish, or just aren't feeling very original with this one. Either way it's a flaw that shows.

Lyrically this CD is a bit immature. Given, the aren't being childish (blink 182, ramones) but it's not the most serious approach. The topics range from young adult half-angst/half-regret problems to more mature political type things. Overall though, the feel is much less than poetic. So points off from that one LP...

One thing that these guys should be praised for is the clean cut image they present. They always dress nicely at shows and have a very sharp detail about their album's artwork. It's clear that they care about image. This is both good and bad, but mostly good. Since they sound nice.

Production is another place where the disc shines. It's very produced yes, but in a good way. The only complaint as far as that goes though, is that it occasionally sounds watery. I don't like that.

Overall these guys deserve a lot of credit for what they've done. Personally I would have given this 3 stars but considering the work put into it, I'd give this a 4 anyday.

I, like most other people, picked up this CD after hearing "Last Train Home." And, after forgetting about it for awhile, I heard "Make a Move" on the radio and decided I'd fish it off the shelf and listen to it. And boy, was I angry that I had let it sit for so long. What we have here is a great CD with plenty of catchy tunes complemented by some very good instrumentals.

1. We Still Kill The Old Way- A good way to start off the CD, the chorus is probably the worst part, but still well done. 9/10

2. To Hell We Ride- Not a bad song, per se, but the screaming does get on my nerves after awhile. Featured on the "Need for Speed" game. 8.5/10

3. Last Train Home- It's why I got the CD, and the chorus is so catchy it makes you wanna sing along with the rest of the band members. It also has the best transition effect between songs. 10/10

4. Make a Move- Even better than "Last Train Home," with an even catchier chorus. How do those Welsh boys do it? 10/10

5. Burn, Burn- Do we have an even catchier song? This one will jump out at you upon first listen, with the call-and-response chorus and a screaming bridge that makes this one good tune. 10/10

6. I Don't Know- To cap off the quadruple 10 rating song, we have this one. I Don't Know (ha, ha) what exactly I like about it, but the way it all comes together just sounds right. Oh, and the solo at the end is good, too. 10/10

7. Hello Again- This song just steadily builds up, and as it hits the chorus, you get smacked in the face from the energy. Slower, but well done. 9.25/10

8. Goodbye Tonight- A little repetitive towards the end, but that doesn't detract from this. Good use of opposite titles in these two tracks. 9.25/10

9. Start Something- The hardest and shortest song on the album, starts off with hard hitting strings, then mellows out for just a second before laying on the power and keeping it up until the transition into the next song. 8.5/10

10. A Million Miles- Somewhat of a poppier song, could probably have done well as a single, but that's not saying it's bad. The transition is weird but kinda funny. 8.75/10

11. Last Summer- Like Burn, Burn, this is only a UK single (to the best of my knowledge), and that's a shame, because this is a great song and the video is pretty cool, too. The lyrics may be sappy but they're true. 10/10

12. We Are Godzilla, You Are Japan- While I don't have this song on my CD, I have heard it, and, like Start Something, it's one of those that just hits you hard all the way through. The intro is solid, too. 8.75/10

13. Sway- A new type of sound for the Lostprophets, but definitely an interesting song, sung mostly in falsetto. The bridge is probably the best part, but it's all good. After the song ends, though, the rest of the track is kind of iffy. 9.5/10

Overall, if you liked Last Train Home and Make a Move, you'd better make room in your collection for this CD, because it's definitely worth checking out. The transitions between songs are nice too, and you'll find yourself humming these songs in between listens.

you might label them punk or punk-pop, but i wouldn't. lostprophets are one of the few "punk" bands that don't sound annoying or have annoying nasal vocals. they sing with their voice not their nose (i.e. New Found Glory). this band is amazing, gorgeous, and simply very talented. i'm a lyrics guy, so looking at the lyrics, the lead singer (or whoever wrote the songs) is amazing, very gifted writer. vocally, they are on top of their game, every note is sung perfectly, bringing life into every word. musically, they are awesome, you'll find some trends that after 5 listens you'll realize is a little lostprophets music tendency. (a break or slowing down right before they hit a hard chorus). "sway" and "hello again" are my favorite songs. beautifully put and perfectly written. nothing is wrong with this cd. all the songs are lovable and enjoyable. another thing i like about lostprophets, unlike their peers, their songs are not annoying love songs that say the same thing over and over. they speak of different aspects of life in general, which you could probably translate into a love song? but i wrote them off as different aspects of life. they aren't some goo-goo-gaa-gaa song writing crap-sters. these guys actually have something to say, and i heard them. lostprophets, VERY good. buy it!!!

The lostprophets' first full album, "Start Something", was quite a treat. It's one of the few albums I own that I like most of the tracks on. Vocalist Ian Watkins' soaring voice is excellent throughout the album, and trust me, you'll never notice he's a Brit (a Welshman at that!). So now for the track-by-track breakdown:

We Still Kill The Old Way - (6/10): Decent song, sweeping chords and vocals, but for some odd reason it feels a little out of place on the album. The lyrics and the tone of the music also don't seem to match in the chorus.

To Hell We Ride - (8/10) A strong effort, featured on the soundtrack of the PC game Need For Speed Underground as "Ride". In fact, that's how I found out about the band. This song is probably the hardest track on the album, with a definite slant towards heavy metal - We even hear another band member screaming in the background in parts.

Last Train Home - (8/10) - Archetypally emo/punk song. Although tending towards the sappy side, the lyrics are still a couple levels above many punk bands, and the song seems to pour emotion over the listener. The chorus quite literally has a chorus, as the entire band responds to Watkins' calls of "and we sing..." . A unique and catchy punk effort.

Make A Move - (10/10) - In my humble opinion, the strongest track on this album. The lead in (physically located on the previous track) is a creepy sequence of synth chords with a heartbeat in the background; this segues into an electric guitar playing the same melody as the CD moves onto the next track, and **BAM** a snare drum hit leads us into the full complement of guitar riffs. Watkins' vocals are the strongest on this track (in addition to Last Train Home). The calls of "Wake up, wake up, wake up" heard on this track serve as a beacon to the younger generation, I suppose. Don't blame me if you start chronically singing along to it; I do that too! =)

Burn, Burn - (8/10) - The catchiest track on the album. Frequent alternating of vocals between the lead singer and the rest of the band in a call-and-response fashion truly gel this song into a rallying cry for society.

I Don't Know - (6/10) - A lot of people seem to like this song, but I don't see the big deal behind it. It's decent, with more hip-hop influence than any other track.

Hello Again - (9/10) - A well-done, albeit softer track that alternates very well between the soft verses and the harder, emotional emotional chorus. Better-than-average lyrics, as well.

Goodbye Tonight - (5/10) - It's not terrible, I suppose, but it's really repetitive. Definitely not a highlight of the album.

Start Something - (7/10) - Orchestra hits start this song, making you feel like you're in a cheesy action/drama movie. The hits end abruptly, and the actual meat of the song begins. The attitude here is definitely hardcore punk and emo; there are similarities to Story of the Year. The screaming voice we heard on "To Hell We Ride" returns, mirroring the lead singer's vocals in many parts.

A Million Miles - (7/10) - Again, not the most impressive song, but what sets this one apart is the use of a live Welsh string ensemble. The strings blend in unusually well with the punk flavor of the song.

Last Summer - (5/10) - Much like "Goodbye Tonight", this track seems sort of repetitive. It's also a bit sappy for my tastes... or maybe I'm just bitter ;-)

Sway - (7/10) - How should I describe this track... unique? It's a major departure from lostprophet's usual riffs and crooning; Ian actually sounds like he's singing in falsetto throughout this track. Major similarities with fellow British bands such as Coldplay and Radiohead. It serve as a cool-down track for what's really a hot album. After about 4 minutes, the track fades into an abstract techno instrumental that, had I not known better, I would have mistaken for Radiohead

Overall... great album. Not perfect, but really, who is???

Energetic. Powerful Melodies. Completely amazing vocals. Touching lyrics. These are some of the best traits of this album by LP. You may be getting confused right now and wondering why there is a Linkin Park review on 'Start Something' reviews. Although all of these things do apply to the world famous Linkin Park, they also can be used interchangeably with the new LP, Lostprophets. 'Start Something' is a wonderful CD combining many styles. I have rated the tracks below.

1. We Still Kill the Old Way- (9/10) A great opening track that sets the tone for the rest of this CD. It is very powerful, with screams and a heavy feel. Also a chorus that takes control over you.

2. To Hell We Ride- (5/10) My least favorite track on the CD, no real chorus mold. The screams of 'Ride, Ride' are hardly fitting.

3. Last Train Home- (10/10) What is there to say about this song, one of my truly favorite songs. And probably like you, the reason I decided to check out this CD. The chorus is one of the best I have ever heard, and i immediately fell in love with it.

4. Make a Move- (8/10) Another very good song. Very catchy chorus, a fun song. Although somewhat repetitive and lacking that 'fantastic song' quality.

5. Burn, Burn- (7/10) Not a bad song, overall. The vocalist experiments with screaming, it doesnt go great, sounds something like he tried it while grunting on the john. But the chorus, is one of my favorites on the album.

6. I Don't Know- (9/10) A great song, fairly hard. I love the way it uses the suspension before going into the chorus. At first i was unsure about this track, but after two or three listens, it grew on me.

7. Hello Again- (12/10) Wow. What else can i say about this. If you buy this CD for no other reason, buy it to hear this song. The chorus is so amazing, obviously written with great feeling. Wow.

8. Hello Again- (8/10) One of my least favorite tracks. Slow, and somewhat cluttered verses. If not for the ending the song is no where near an 8.

9. Start Something- (10/10) Another truly amazing song, by far the 'heaviest' on the CD. One that i listen to over and over again. When i want to get pumped up, i only have to punch in 9 on the player. 1 or 2 listens and you will be swept away in this overwhelming track.

10. A Million Miles- (9/10) One of the most creative songs on the CD and one of my favorites. This song single-handedly made me believe that Lostprophets has the greatest vocalist of any rock band i have heard. The song has a 'punky' feel, but the vocalist sweeps you away in fury of astounding music.

11. Last Summer- (8/10) A song with so much potential that just falls short. You might be thinking how can it have a rating of 8 and be a dissapointment. The answer is that there is so many perfect and amazing vocals with a great beat, although trashed by amazingly shallow lyrics, just thrown together to rhyme. My biggest dissappointment of the CD although still a very good song.

12. Sway- (10/10) Another song that completely blew my mind. Yes, it is an experimental track, but one that leaves you wanting more like it. The sound reminds me alot of Savage Garden with a somewhat new twist. It has a great feel and the lyrics are amazing and have astounding feeling that leave you thinking and feeling the sadness of it all. A wonderful, slow ballad that comes a close second with 'Hello Again' for the best song on this album. The Lostprophets mave have found their niche in 'Sway'.

I first heard Lostprophets on the Need for Speed Underground soundtrack, where their song "Ride" pretty much took over the entire soundtrack for me, along with "And the Hero Will Drown" by Story of the Year (also a good band). After I listened to Start Something a couple of times, I was hooked, the Lostprophets uses an incredible balance of vocal harmony and minor key tonality mixed with their punk/alternative rock roots to produce this phenomenal album.

I guess the biggest thing that sets the Lostprophets apart from other bands is that their lyrics are actually moving, not whiny or depressing like most similar bands.

This is definitely the best album of 3 they have released. By a landslide. It's great music to drive or exercise to as well, as long as you're moving quickly ;-)

All of the songs on this album are good, but my favorite ones are: Last Train, Last Summer, and Hello Again. Make a Move and Start Something are also very good if you want to listen to something a bit heavier.

I only bought this CD because I loved the track "To Hell We Ride" from a PS2 Game. I didn't expect that after I listened to this CD a few times, To Hell We Ride would be one of my least favorite tracks! This CD blew me away. Usually you buy an album and about 4 or 5 tracks are good, on this CD all of the tracks are great!

We Still Kill The Old Way-7/10: Not a bad way to open up the CD, but I didn't really like the lyrics a whole lot, but its still a decent track.
To Hell We Ride-8/10: A great Song, don't get me wrong, but there was a little too much screaming and yelling for my taste.
Last Train Home-10/10: The Lostprophets' Big Hit, this is a wonderful song. The vocals rock, the lyrics are on, the beat is powerful.
Make a Move-8/10: A decent song, but as with We Still kill the Old Way, i didn't really like the lyrics.
Burn, Burn-8/10: A very upbeat track, perfect for parties
I Don't Know-9/10: Excellent Song, this one is quality, its also the band's current hit as of december 04.
Hello Again-9/10: Great Beat, Great Vocals, Great Song. It makes you think of what the lyrics are about.
Goodbye Tonight-9/10: The softest song on the album, but still a great listen.
Start Something-7/10: A little too "intense" for me
A Million Miles-12/10: My absolute Favorite Song of All Time, it takes a few times to fully appreciate this wonderful song. Lyrics, Beat, Guitars, and Vocals are right on, this will be HUGE. Superb!
Last Summer-9/10: A calm track, but I loved it, AWESOME VOCALS
Sway-7/10: Good stuff, but it is like 10 minutes long and there is too much instrumental time for me.

The Best 3 Songs, In my opinion, are "A Million Miles" "Last Train Home" and "Last Summer"

I can't stress enough how much you should get this CD. Dude, it is the best CD I have ever got, you will NOT be disapointed! ROCK ON LOSTPROPHETS! May Your next album be as great as this one!

If your thinking of getting this album,I would fully recommend it. I heard of Lostprophets becuase of thier song Last Train Home and Burn Burn, both songs i enjoyed becuase of thier high energy guiters and voice.
The lead singers voice blew me away becuase he has a very good distinct sound when hes singing, screaming or even whispering. Unlike what you might have heard in Last Train Home most of the songs have a harder edge to it. If you like the lighter sound like Last Train Home, theres also Goodbye Tonight, Last Summer, and Sway.
Overal the guiter is catchy and you'll hear multiple riffs per song. Besides the guiter i personally like the voice, and as an instrument it has a good tone, energy, and feel to it. I recommend this buy if you'll looking for solid rock.

Let it be known that I absolutely HATED this cd at first. I despised it and nearly broke it in half after I bought it. Where were my Lostprophets of old? Where was my Kobrakai? My Five Is A Four Letter Word?

I was extremely dissapointed and pissed off. I cried "Sell-out" up and down the blocks of my neighborhood nearly.

Well. I finally gave it another try. And I haven't taken it out of my CD player yet. The band has completely evolved. Now, some MAY still say "Sell-out". I say just too talented for their own good. They have always been visionaries. Just look at the musical progression.

Even after two cd's, you can tell they are one of the most talented bands in America (or Wales for that matter) today. Just downright incredibally talented.

Now, I was met with a much softer record than I had originally expected. The single, Last Train Home, is an absolutely gorgeous song, however. The lyrics are incredible and the music behind the track is just very well produced (but not overly, thank goodness).

The transition into Make A Move was fantastic. I like the short little musical interlude going on after Last Train Home and into Make A Move. Very good continuation. Make A Move is definately the 2nd best track here after Last Train Home.

After that, the cd continues on until you hit Last Summer and Sway. Last Summer is just freaking amazing.

Now, with Sway, you get a song around 12 minutes long that is basically a lot of electronica and spacey vocals. Not something you'd regularly expect from a band like Lostprophets. Needless to say, it is a treat to listen to that last track all the way through.

The entire cd is just fantastic all the way through. There really are no bad tracks (except I don't like having We Still Kill The Old Way as the first track... I think it should be switched with Burn, Burn).

Buy it and eat it up, kiddos.