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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
No more grey skies!, July 25, 2000
I have to start this off by saying that I bought Finger Elevens previous album "Tip" only a few months ago and I am still listening to that album on a daily basis as it is very solid and has some great songs. HOWEVER, this is a new day and a new album and boy! have finger eleven done us rock fans proud.The artists themselves have said on their website that they are very excited about the new album, and rightly so. It is still Finger Elevens sound but it is heavier,bolder,more melodic and simply awesome. I don't really want to comment on every single song and any highlights as every song is a highlight, but if you had to twisy my arm then I would say that "for the oceans", "stay and drown", "drag you down" and "my carosel" are my instant favourites but like I say there are no filler songs. Finger Eleven have also shown there appreciation of other bands by including a cover of depeche modes "walking in my shoes" seeing it take on an altogether heavier and bolder approach. In short, buy this album you won't be dissapointed.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic album, February 10, 2001
Without a doubt, Finger Eleven is one of my current two favorite bands (Incubus being the other). I have rooted for both bands during their "moment of obscurity" whereas Incubus has broken into the mainstream and is now enjoying enormous record sales. Finger Eleven still has not. This band is fantastic, and this album is also fantastic. I will venture to say with the exception of Incubus and Staind, you are not going to find melody and aggression mix so seamlessly together. However, unlike most other entries into the nu-metal scene this album contains NO profanity, or phrases that might be deemed as offensive to women. That takes skill to pour your heart out and not give in to weak, frustrated shouts of aggression. But, what makes this album so great is that it's not a sophomore slump at all...instead it in ways improves upon their first album. The production is better and Scott Anderson's vocal harmonies became more complex...as well as James Black's and Rick Jackett's guitar work. Finger Eleven can make a heavy song without being totally devoid of melody. Actually, it seems like a rule with this band is that you can't have a song without melody...and that is a tool of good songwriting. This entire CD can be listened to from beginning to end without having to fast forward past any of the songs. This entire album is great but there are a few songs that I'm partial to. "First Time" is a great opener...it sets the tone for the entire album. I will mention 3 others that are worthy to note. "Broken Words" is an absolutely beautiful song...how such a haunting melody and crunching guitars can be blended together is not easy and I challenge any so-called musician to reproduce Finger Eleven's sound as effortlessly. Perhaps, my favorite on this album is "Famous." How anyone cannot like this song is beyond me. If you don't like this song, you either hate rock music or do not like rock music with harmony and melody. And finally the perfect closer: "Stay and Drown." Again, an excellent song and the perfect way to end such a great album. So, after this glowing report why only 4 stars? I would give it 4 1/2 if I could, but I'm not going to give it 5 stars like every fan would do for one reason: "Drag You Down." Unfortunately, this song has the potential to drag the album down. I feel as if this song was made to attract the nu-metal crowd. It is totally uncharacteristic of Finger Eleven's other music. While it does have great guitar riffs, there is very little melody, and the lyrics are in a word: mindless. Very monotonous, very simplistic and Scott barely even sings. I did like this song at first...but as I start to grow out of my nu-metal phase I see this song for what it really is. I can't blame them for trying to appeal to this crowd. They are far better than most bands out there and when their label spends all their marketing money on the sickening, posturing Alice-In-Chains clone that shall remain nameless...anyone would be desperate for a little self promotion. Here's hoping people will have their "arms wide open" to some REAL, original, honest music. So without further adieu, go out and support this great band.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Consistency, July 26, 2000
From the opening chord of "the greyest of blue skies," one knows that finger eleven has crossed the threshold which they built with their first album, "tip." The vocals are tight, the guitars are even tighter, and the overall feeling is of an outstanding modern rock album. The main thing that puts such a rift between this sophomore effort and "tip" is consistency. Scott Anderson's vocals have gained diversity. He now can belt out a smooth vocal reminiscent of "quicksand" from "tip" as well as the Our lady Peace-esque vocal. The edge is noticable. At times, Anderson approaches Jonathan Davis' sound, especially on the track "Drag you Down." "First Time" opens up the album with a confidence and a modern rock sensibility that is rare these days. "Drag You Down" is an explosive hard rocker. "Sick of it All" is as superb as they come. The range of Anderson's vocals are on showcase here. The songs only get better from here. "For the Ocean" is another nearly flawless cut. "Broken Words" again showcases the range and the tightness of the band. "Walking in my shoes" simply rocks. The album closes strong with "Stay and Drown," a slow burning finale. The main word here is consistency. F11's new album has consistency written all over it since almost every song is a modern rock dream. From beginning to end, I filled my ears with the sound. The inconsistency of "Tip" is all but forgiven. Surely the best modern rock album of the summer.
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