Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better Than Expected., January 13, 2006
I'll admit, when I first heard Theory Of A Deadman, back in 2002, I instantly wrote them off as a Nickelback clone. Afterall, they kind of have that sound, and their first album was even produced by Nickelback's own Chad Kroeger. However, as I have learned many times before, passing judgment so quickly on a band is hardly ever a good idea. If it wasn't for the fact that I'll be seeing these guys open for Staind in a few weeks, I probably wouldn't have checked out this album. However, I gave Theory Of A Deadman (or T.O.A.D.) a second chance and recently picked up their sophmore album, "Gasoline." I have to say, I was quite surprised by what was inside...
While it is true that T.O.A.D. may not re-invent the genre or bring anything entirely new to the table, what they do offer is a solid, healthy dosage of modern rock. Their sound is one that you are used to if you are familiar with radio-rock, but that's not a bad thing, as these guys do this style better than a lot of bigger bands out there (not naming names). Not only does vocalist/guitarist Tyler Connelly have a smooth, strong and disctinctive voice, but the guitar playing between him and co-guitarist David Brenner is a notch above what is usually heard in this type of music. As for the songs, Connelly pretty much writes the perfect breaking-up/being dumped songs. The first single, "No Surprise" is a perfect middle-finger to those that like to tease, while semi-acoustic tracks like "Hello Lonely (Walk Away From This)" and "Since You've Been Gone" could easily be the next big hits, despite their tendency to get a bit predictable. However, to counteract the few cheesy songs ("Hell Just Ain't The Same," ""Me And My Girl"), T.O.A.D. delivers some damn fine hard rock material in "Hating Hollywood," "Save The Best For Last" and "Better Off."
"Gasoline" is, overall, a solid listen. It's a good album to take with you on a long drive, as just about every song has something memorable going for it. If you like, or can even tolerate modern-rock, you should really give these guys a chance. They definitely deserve the fame that lesser groups have gained, as they seem quite accomplished in both musicianship and songwriting. No, on the surface, they may not seem special, but I think any rock fan can find something to appreciate with "Gasoline," or even their self-titled debut.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
$13 very well spent, April 1, 2005
I have bought 2 CDs in my life (quite an accomplishment for a starving university kid), and both CDs are by Theory of a Deadman. I bought this CD as soon as it came out, and I was a bit disappointed. Not to say this isn't good, it is a rocking and extremely awesome CD, but the first one was just too damn good.
In contrast to the last CD, this one feels more personal. TOAD has broadened their music style and the music is definitely heavier than the last CD. The guitar is also better on this record.
Here is a review of all the tracks, and I don't give out 10s, because I think nothing is perfect (maybe a bit cynical for a 18 year old). So 9.5 is the "perfect" score.
1. Hating Hollywood: A good start to the album and great rock riffs. The opening riff is addictive. 8.5/10
2. No Way Out: A hard rocking song and has a fast pace. The song gets better as it goes along. 8/10
3. No Surprises: The first single from the CD. When I first heard it, it was a pleasant surprise. It is a good song and gets even better after listening to it more. This is a song written before TOAD became famous (I remember hearing this on the CFOX), so it is nice to get a glimpse of the style before they got famous. Good lyrics too. 9/10
4. Quiver: A good rock song. Not much to say about it other than it is fast and some strong lyrics for TOAD. 8/10
5. Santa Monica: A change of pace from the previous songs. The only song to contain the name of the album "gasoline". Very good chorus. Reminds me of "Make up Your Mind", with a melancholy tone that is prevalent through out the album. 9/10
6. Better Off: Faster than the previous track. Reminds me of a mix of "Leg to Stand On" and "What You Deserve" from the last CD.
7. Say Goodbye: Excellent. Feels like a mix of "The Last Song" and "Say I'm Sorry", but it's a totally different song. Wonderful acoustic guitar at first and awesome lyrics. 9.5/10
8. Hello Lonely: Not sure if it's a coincidence, but the best tracks in both TOAD albums are songs 7 and 8. A soft acoustic start to the song, and a smooth transition through out the song. The pre-chorus is the best part of this song. I also love the lyrics. The lyrics in the last and this song epitomizes the tone throughout the album. Another "perfect" score. 9.5/10
9. Me and My Girl: Another awesome song. This one is faster than the last two songs. There is a nice twist in the lyrics. I also like the background guitar riffs, and the banjo-sounding part is great. 9.5/10
10. Since You've Been Gone: A mellow song, and has a popish feel to it. An easy song to play in that it is mostly chord strumming. 8.5/10
11. Hell just Ain't the Same: The only song written by Tyler Connolly. Not a song in that it is only about a minute long. Has a southern feel to it. 8/10
12. Save the Best for Last: Judging the title, it should be the last song of the album (same thing for "The Last Song"). A fast song and a lot of riffs. 8/10
13. In the Middle: A soft and slower song with an acoustic start, similar to "Since You've Been Gone". 8.5/10
There you go, my first review of any sort. I haven't wrote this much since the last English 112 essay. Give yourself a hand for reading this much. Overall it is an awesome album, and that "disappointed" thing at the beginning of this review is just my initial personal view. I give "Gasoline" an outstanding 9/10, and it is an album definitely worth picking (plus it's cheaper than others).
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Juno Award 2006 Nominee, March 21, 2006
This is the second album from Theory of a Deadman, a Canadian rock band with a large following that includes video game and wrestling fans as well as rock music lovers everywhere. Their popularity has led to two nominations for Juno Awards in April 2006, for "Group of the Year" and "Rock Album of the Year".
There are several buzz-worthy tracks on this album, my favorite being "Santa Monica", which is the track chosen for the Juno Awards 2006 CD. Others are first single "No Surprise"; "Hello Lonely (Walk Away From This)"; "Better Off" and "Say Goodbye". The other tracks are mostly your standard rock fare with lots of guitars and drums, but good listening of you're in the mood to rock.
Amanda Richards, March 21, 2006
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