Emotion Is Dead

The Juliana Theory

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 29, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Tooth & Nail Records
• ASIN: B00004WJAO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,982 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They've done it again, August 29, 2000

By	"rsg424" (Leawood, KS United States) - See all my reviews

It's been a year and a half since Juliana Theory's first full length came out, but the way they've matured you would think its been years. The sound of their new album, Emotion Is Dead, is much more diverse then Understand This is a Dream. The songs range from hard rock ( To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children)to soft ballads (You Always Say Goodnight, Goodnight) to pop (Top of the World). There is absolutely no way to get bored with this cd, there's so much heartfelt emotion mixed with guitar hooks and melodies you can't pass it up. Bret's voice is hypnotizing and fits perfectly with the rest of the band. This is one of those cd's where you put it in the cd player and before you know it the cd is over or near the end, every song flows so well into the next one. It's definately one of those sit-in-the-dark-and-think-about-life cd's, and a must have for anyone who is looking for simply good music.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD deserves more than 5 stars. Phenomenal., February 1, 2001

By	Anthony Boyd (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD is just miles beyond their previous CD. Talk about growth. Whatever shred of potential the music industry saw on Juliana Theory's first recordings, paid off big time here. I don't know how well the CD can sell, being stuck on a small Christian label, but it certainly would sell well if marketed to MTV. The overall sound, for those new to Juliana Theory, is something like a mix of Oasis, Green Day, and early 77s, but with some more complex layers. The music is deep, if that is possible.

Lyrically, the band has seen huge improvements from the cliches they tossed around on the previous CD. Consider the song, "To The Tune Of 5,000 Screaming Children" -- which appears to be a response to some overly critical (anti) fans: "We're not misinformed or misdirected. We'll make our own insurrection. You're a paper fist, a faceless attack. We're not about to break like you do." I must admit, I've never heard of a "paper fist" before, and it certainly conveys a whole lot in two words. That takes talent and original thinking.

Musically, the group has moved well beyond garage band recordings. It sounds like they actually spent some time in the studio. The guitars, singing, and drums have moved to a new level, with strings, piano, backing vocals, effects, and other additions fleshing out the sound.

For instance, the song, "Is Patience Still Waiting" -- which sounds like what you'd get if the bands Lit and Filter merged -- has some well-placed background vocals that make the song rich and interesting. The first song, "Into The Dark", starts with a synthesizer-like pipe organ sound, but quickly overwhelms it with crashing guitars, harmonized choruses, and what seems like a good number of instruments playing on top of each other, but working together quite well.

"Understand The Dream Is Over" is a great rock song. "This Is Your Life" with its soaring chorus, is probably going to keep them at the top of the EMO movement (even though the CD is titled, "Emotion Is Dead"). Finally, the song "Don't Push Love Away" is challenging to listen to, but very rewarding. The song has kind of a whiney chorus, and when the guitars chime in for the chorus, it's in a slightly off key -- maybe it's flat, I don't know (I'm no musician). But the thing is, the song really works. They totally pulled it off, and the sound was obviously deliberate. And I love when the drummer hits the cymbals over and over again during the bridge ("she's crying, she's crying"). And the (female?) backing vocals at the end sound great. It feels like these guys are really learning how to craft a compelling sound. Totally worth the price.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Emo and Various Styles, December 7, 2001

By	Brendan Berkley "Seek truth at ZAMagazine.org" (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought The Juliana Theory's "Emotion is Dead" on a whim, mainly because the band came from my area, and I was interested in the emo sound. After buying it, and after having it grow on me, I will say without a doubt that it is one of the best CDs in my music collection.

As I said, the varying styles are one of the factors that make this CD good. "To the Tune of 5,000 Screaming Children" and "If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?" are a heavier style, "Understand the Dream Is Over" takes more of a punk style, and songs like "You Always Say Goodnight, Goodnight", which is 9 min 30 sec long, are just a pure emo song that are very stirring. Two interludes, "Emotion Is Dead Part I and II" add to the style.

Brett Detar, the lead singer, has a tremendous voice. He has an amazing range to his voice that allows him to emote very well. He sounds powerful when he sings high, and dark when he sings low. There are catchy melodies and quality harmonies.

The Juliana Theory brings a good message to their CDs ("Is Patience Still Waiting?" "Don't Push Love Away"). They are under Tooth and Nail Records, and that is why their CDs are sold in Christian stores, but they are not a Christian band. Not all of their members are Christian, and Jesus is never explicitly stated. However, their good messages and lack of swearing and other things make their lyrics good to sing along to.

This is a stirring CD from a wonderful band, and I would definately recommend it to anyone would talk to me about it. So buy this CD!