Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Regardless of what some people say, this is an awesome CD..., December 6, 2003
A lot of people don't like this CD because it's softer than their other ones. While I don't have "Speakeasy" (yet) I do have "Friction" and I like this one ten times more than "Friction" (even tho I'd still give that one a high score too). Mark's voice is amazing and he makes the band. His lyrics are awesome too... deep and thought provoking. While I do admit musically this CD is a little more simplistic than "Friction" (not much, though), it works for the songs. "Blind Hope", "World To Wait" and "Yes" are lump-in-the-throat worthy. The only track on here that isn't as good as the rest is "Night Town"... not their best. Other than that, it's a solid, powerful hard rock album. It may not be "hardcore" or "metal" or whatever, and it may be different sounding then their other stuff, but maybe they WANTED it that way, artistically. I'm sure they don't care whether or not we like their "new sound", it's what they wanted to do.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed, January 7, 2003
I had high hopes for this self-titled album, but honestly, I'm disappointed. I'll begin by telling you what you will and what you won't get. What you won't get: A completely new album. Three of the eleven songs appear on other albums. That amounts to an disc with only 70% new material. What you will get: A softer, less edgy sound. This is the result of changes within the band and its production team.
It has also been noted by others that the change was an intentional move to highlight Stavesacre's move into the mainstream. While the writing and vocal work by Mark Salomon remains strong, the subtle loss of sonic force is disappointing. Compare this album's version of Nighttown to the one on Collective and the difference will be immediately obvious. The crisp, piercing assult has been replaced with more bouncy vocals and timid production. The question you must ask is whether you mind or not. For new fans unfamiliar with the band's previous work, it probably won't make a bit of difference. But if you've come to rely on Stavesacre for original, groundbreaking rock, you'll probably be disappointed. This is a solid effort by one of the best bands in rock today. As it stands, however, there isn't much here to distinquish them from the hundreds of other acts clamoring for a slot on the charts. One can only hope that their next move into the mainstream will be accompanied by the confidence and aggression they've shown on previous albums. Three out of five stars.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best so far, October 3, 2002
This self-titled offering on Nitro continues the band's transition from the Tool-esque sound of "Absolutes" to the more accessible melodic (if not quite pop) sound of "Speakeasy". There's melody and emotion, and the guitars absolutely roar! Standouts include Blind Hope, which absolutely rocks, the confessional Why Good People Suffer, the quiet Yes and the exhilirating World to Wait. This is easily Stavesacre's best record!
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by Stavesacre 
