Customer Reviews

Sunburn

5 star:		(156)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

When I first put "Sunburn", by Fuel, into my CD player, I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't usually buy CD's on which only one song has been released. I normally wait for two or three good songs. However, I like the song "Shimmer" A LOT, so I took a leap of faith. I wasn't disappointed. There was a little bit of everything. The first track, which is untitled, is a nice hard rock song. I began to expect an overly abrasive band with one "ballad", but that's not what I got. The range of this band is very entertaining and uplifting. Also, it is an enhanced CD, and there are scenes from a small-town concert that are a perfect fit. All in all, this CD has everything the well-rounded music fan could want; not too hard, not too soft, a great variety of nicely written, nicely performed songs.

Sunburn is evidence that the late 90's alternate-metal crowd had something that rocks and equally, had something emotional to offer. Carl Bell's songwriting displays an appropriate lyrical diversity which makes the album surprisingly artistic. Brett Scallions has a distinct voice which compliments the lyrics nicely too. Fuel knows their influence which is rooted in the late 70's classic metal. The band has a sound that ripples with a menacing stength and proves to be more than a flash in the pan.

Fuel's first album, titled Sunburn, speaks for itself as to why it has sold so well. Every song on the album has a special sound that makes each a unique experience. It has done so well since was released in 1998 that it has spawned a remade version that includes two bonus tracks. If you are questioning whether or not to purchase this cd, please read my review before you decide to pass up on this great sounding band that is in its prime.

The second and third songs on the album, "Bittersweet" and "Shimmer" are songs most people have heard, but probably don't know who even plays them. They've been played numerous times on the radio and still get airtime because each one has such a catchy beat with incomparable vocals. Their fourth song, "Jesus or a Gun" is a heavier song with well thought-out vocals that is also engaging once you hear it. That's the case with almost every tune in this twelve song collection. Each one is attractive to the ear in its own way. The fifth song, "Sunburn", is far and away the best song on the cd and is one of my favorite songs I have ever listened to. It flows from a slow beat with smooth vocals to a heavier one that will capture your interest instantly. You won't have to worry about getting too much of this song either; the words and the tone of it stay with you and beg your senses to hear it over and over again.

Those four songs are a good enough reason to purchase this album. But remember there are still eight other songs to listen to! If you're a fan of modern-day rock, you owe it to yourself to give Fuel's debut cd a shot. I waited a long time to buy it for myself, and being stubborn paid off because I purchased the remade version with better quality sound and the two bonus tracks. They aren't going to remake it again, so now's the time to get your hands on this surprisingly superb album. Your ears will thank you.

Thanks largely to the sheer popularity of the single, "Shimmer", Fuel is no longer a band that no one knows about but rather a band that continues to grow in terms of fan base due to word of mouth and their exciting, energetic live shows. But beyond their powerful live performances, there is some real magic to be found on the studio album as well. In truth, this album has something for everyone from deep, brooding ballads like "Shimmer", "Hideaway", and "Sunburn" to full-on, all-out intense rockers like "Ozone", "New Thing", "Jesus or a Gun", and "Mary Pretends". It is important to note that this album is not flawless and as expected, some of the songs do not always glitter with originality. None could be more true an example than the aforementioned rocker "Mary Pretends". Its main guitar riff, its weak, repitive lyrics all sound eerily close to the tune "Stage" by Live, from their masterpiece album Throwing Copper. Still, this is a debut album and therefore a band that is just finding its sound may be prone to stealing riifs or even song structures from other bands. Still, that being said, much like Live, the album itself connects on many levels most notably in terms of its energy, honesty and real emotions. Brett Scallions, the band's lead singer has a very impressive vocal range. It is not uncommon that he will murmur some beautiful words one instant and erupt with rage and raw emotion the next. Still, their sound is not to be confused with Nirvana's soft loud soft/verse chorus verse leanings nor really any other modern rock act. The guitars do roar, the vocals do resonate and captivate but the real trump card are the band's lyrics, which are penned by Carl Bell, and for the record are more coherent and cohesive than anything Nirvana ever wrote. A song like "Song For You" for example is an excellent song both lyrically and musically. The guitar riff is rather catchy and the lyrics only help to catapult the song past the usual standard lamenting song of lost love. The itself is about a relationship that fell short on both ends, but despite the hurt that has followed, the general sentiment is that it is all "for the best", and that regardless what happened, he just wants the woman to enjoy all that is good, even if it is not with him. Certainly not the typical bitter love song, and Fuel is not your typical love-torn, angst laden rock band. What merit is found on a tune such as "Song For You" can be found numerous other places on the album as well. The word "filler" does not exist here. Every song is solid and carries some serious weight. Even more impressive is that this is a debut album. Some bands might strain their entire careers to put forth something this solid, and Fuel has done it on their first try. In terms of landmark major label debuts, this album is on par with Pearl Jam's "Ten", Nirvana's "Nevermind", Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?", Rage Against the Machine's self titled debut and Green Day's "Dookie". An aptly named band who is full of energy whose prowess and talent are no longer a secret, Fuel's engine is revved up and their tank is full and they are ready to leave their skidmarks on the rest of the field.

"Shimmer" received an incredible amount of radioplay, and that was far from an accident; it was poppy, it was fun to sing along to, the guitars were quite supportive (even if sounding a bit optimistic for lyrics of a relatively depressing nature), and of course, the production... well, the production was just what a late 90s alternative song SHOULD sound like, and the entire album had it.

It's songs like "Bittersweet", "Jesus or a Gun", and "Mary Pretends" that represent the album at the top of its game; hard rockers with a bit of angst, but not enough to keep the listener from headbangs and smiles. However, "Sunburn", despite its mellowness and beauty, is just so solid and honest that tons of hardrockers or metalheads could stop and listen/sing along to the lyrics.

Sunburn is a solid, solid album... perhaps too solid. None of the songs are anything original or never-before expressed... the topics, instruments, lyrics, and vocals (however smooth they may all be) are pretty much the same 90s rock we've all gotten used to and enjoy. Of course, the album's still good, if not great... great enough to purchase, and great enough to rock out to for the many years to come.

Often it's believed by the most "knowledgable" Rock fans that if a band is in the public eye, it's no good. Many times that proves to be true, not the case with Fuel, who are truley a Rock band with a throwback that hints towards 70s Arena Rock. Fuel's debut album "Sunburn" is a strong one, each song different from the next, the album flows rather nicely and proves it self to be very listener worthy. It's not amazing nor groundbreaking, but it's good, and in my book that makes it worth every penny

I got this Cd a couple years ago when I got twelve free Cds for joining my club. I got some good Cds from those original twelve, but this one was the best pick of them all. The first four songs are great. Just those four can be listened to over and over. "Untitled" and "Bittersweet" are the first two. You may have heard them, but maybe not. They are both somewhat-hard alternative. The next song, "Shimmer", is much easier. It is probably the best song on the Cd, though. It is a big hit, and you have probably heard of it. The whole Cd is worth buying just for "Shimmer". The next song you may have heard of also. It is called "Jesus or a Gun". It is a little harder than "Shimmer", but I consider it a little easier than the first two tracks. It is a great song also, though. The other song that I think is worth mentioning is "Mary Pretends". It is a great song. About as hard as "Untitled". It is track 9. This whole Cd is great. They change the tempo and that completes the Cd. If you have heard any of their songs and like them, buy the Cd, though, cause the style stays relatively close. It is a great Cd.

This CD is, in a word, fantastic. It is definitely one of my favorite CDs ever. As a band that doesn't receive the media attention it should and also one that not many people have heard of, Fuel presents a great CD with a mixture of pure rock tracks and meaningful, emotional rock tracks. The best tracks on this CD are "Bittersweet", "Song for you", "shimmer", "ozone", and "Jesus or a gun". Every song is worth listening to. Get it now!!

Every day, I find myself drifting further and further away from this type of rock music. Ive found that way too many of the rock bands coming out today have no soul or emotion, and are simply going through the motions. Luckily, Fuel arent one of these bands.

Now when Im drifting away from mainstream rock, my main genre of interest is metal. Lamb Of God, In Flames and Pantera are 3 of my favorite bands, but I still really enjoy this CD just because of the emotion. No; it doesnt have frantic drumming, blazing guitar solos and harsh growling vocals. Nor does it have weak whining and screaming over distorted guitars. All it is is 4 guys, playing music and believing in what they are doing, and that is why I have been able to hang on to this CD.

The first thing that stands out when you listen to Fuel are the vocals. Brett Scallions has a somewhat raspy style of singing that makes him somewhat distinct. Granted the musicianship is nothing amazing, but for this type of music it doesnt have to be, and in fact there actually is a guitar solo in "Sunburn" (whens the last time you heard Nickelback play a guitar solo?). The lyrics are good as well. Theyre simple and emotional, and I think most people can relate to the songs.

Overall, this is a very solid CD that any fans of rock should like. But, if youre getting tired of the stuff thats being played on the radio and are seeking something a little bit different, I would give Fuel a try.

The Incredible and Awe-Inspiring Legacy of the FUEL of Life, Vol. 1: 'Sunburn'.

It strikes me as quite unusual that there are almost no track-by-track reviews for this album, since I usually can?t scroll three inches without seeing one. So I've decided to give you all my track-by-track analysis of FUEL?s debut record, 'Sunburn'. Buckle up:

1 - 'Untitled' - With the first ripping chord of this hard rocker, the less than perfect production becomes quite obvious. It used to bug me a lot more... but hey, there's nothing I can do about it! The track opens with a blazing guitar riff and excellent drum work, with Brett Scallion's throaty vocals pouring out over all the chaos. This, more than any other FUEL track, shows Scallions' nasal-like vocals go a little too nasal, and it tends to make the song annoying. But the sudden drop of volume into the guitar solo on the bridge gives the song an extra vibe, kinda like making two songs in one. It's a strong and powerful opening track, even given it's weak points. 4/5

2 - 'Bittersweet' - I've always liked the intro to this song. It?s interesting and fun, in a serious kind of way. The guitar during the verses is much less mind-blowing, but the vocals are obviously the strong point here. Very strong vocal performance, and the melody helps to give the song more of an edge. That and some cool guitar effects at different points help me not feel so 'bittersweet' about this album. 4.5/5

3 - 'Shimmer' - Well, there's not much I can say that hasn?t already been said about this song. There could've been no better choice for a lead single; with it's great melodic song structure and sound, this is the poppiest song on the record and definitely an album highlight, though not as good as some make it out to be. 5/5

4 - 'Jesus or a Gun' - The transition from 'Shimmer' to this hard rocker isn't easy to get used to. I mean, we have that pretty song about a lovely love, and right after that comes Brett's loud and raw performance on this loud song. It's kinda crazy. The track shoots off with loud feedback, quickly pummeling into the fast and supercharged main riff. I swear, every time I hear this song I feel like I'm going a hundred miles an hour! The lyrics seem to be questioning religion, though it could be interpreted as a pro-Christian song. 4/5

5 - 'Sunburn' - If there's one thing FUEL does well, it's in the writing of their ballad-type songs. The intro and main guitar lick of the "Sunburn" title track is nice and catchy, as well as Brett's voice throughout the song. The solo on the bridge is really fun to hum along to, and the whole song is just so melodic and pretty, yet still retaining that rock edginess to it. To me, this is one of the songs that epitomize FUEL's music. It's a fun, good quality song, and one of my favorites in the FUEL discography. 5/5

6 - 'New Thing' - This song is probably the album's weakest point. The opening power chords seem void of organization and direction and... bleh. The vocals are strong, which makes the song listenable, but that's just about it. You might call it 'filler', but that's a little harsh for FUEL. 3/5

7 - 'It?s Come to This' - The guitar on this track sounds a lot different than what FUEL normally does, and the vocals are a lot different as well, being spoken rather than sung during the verses. It's not like rapping, but it's not too far off. The bass on this song is really intricate and sounds great, and I love the bridge when everything calms down and it sounds so pretty... ugh, this is a great song. I love Brett's voice, especially as he sings 'held my eyes closed for too long...' It's gorgeously calm. 4/5

8 - 'Song for You' - This is one of those half calm/half hard rocker songs. The guitars are loud all the way through, but the vocal melody seems like the whole song should be a softer ballad track. It's really fun to sing along with, as are all FUEL songs, and it used to be one of my favorite tracks. 4/5

9 - 'Mary Pretends' - This song is insane. Like, LITERALLY. The menacing riff is so erratic that it's creepy, and Brett frikin SOUNDS like he's lost it. Which is good, because that's what the song's about: 'Mary pretends she's so insane, so insane, so insane... falling down from her mind gives her everything she wanted from the world... she wants to know what if feels like to die, goodbye!' The music and vocals are amazingly punishing and harsh, making this the heaviest song and a standout track on the album. 4/5

10 - 'Ozone' - This is probably one of FUEL?s most underrated songs EVER. It's one of the album's heavier moments, and it's structured much like a NIRVANA track, though the style is obviously different. Brett's singing is pure adrenaline and the vocal melody is so AWESOME. There's not much I?d rather do than bang my head incessantly to this song, yelling and singing along with the mindlessly brilliant lyrics. THAT my friends, is pure, unrepentant, untainted FUN. And as a side note, this is one of FUEL's favorite songs to play live. 5/5

11 - 'Hideaway' - THIS TRACK IS AWESOME. This is another ballad-like song, starting out much like 'Sunburn' with some finger-picking riff action. The song moves slowly and rhythmically, and the music is simply gorgeous! The vocals are so simple, but so *gawll-dang* beautiful, and the solo at the end of the song is PERFECT. The best song on the album, by the best band in MY world. 6/5

So that's "Sunburn" for ya. In relation to the other albums, this one seems like FUEL had a lot more fun during recording, and the really seriously achingly emotional themes seem to have been left to latter works. It's a great record, but it takes some getting used to. I mean, when I first got it I HATED it, but give it time, and it'll fall magnificently into place amongst the other albums of FUEL. BUY IT NOW!!!!