Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best in Years, May 10, 2008
I rarely review albums, but I really feel I must on this one. I have been a Pennywise fan for years, and think Unknown Road and Straight Ahead are two of the most fundamental punk albums of all time. Like some other fans, I have been underwhelmed by PWs more recent album. But this one is different. Yes, it is a little more like Bad Religion, with deeper bass and more heavy drums. But it is also just plain different -- darker, harder, more hardcore, and just plain great. Just listen to "One Reason" twice, and you will see what I mean. This is not just Pennywise, it is Pennywise with a serious attitude. I'm not sure what happened, but I like it a lot. If you were not happy with "The Fuse," buy this quickly. You will not be disappointed.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Immediately awesome, April 3, 2008
Pennywise has been around for almost 2 decades, and like any band that has been around for awhile, there are bound to be nay sayers. Those that only like "their old stuff" or back when they were "hardcore" or before they "sold out".
I stick to listening to the music. Straight Ahead & Land of the Free were awesome, and I am baffled as to how anyone could dismiss it as "not as good as their old stuff".
Both albums The Fuse and From the Ashes were good, but not immediately accessible. The guitars had a more muted sound, so I can understand people not likely them. I didn't care for them much at first, but they grew on me.
Reason to Believe rocks. They have some really rockin' tracks, As Long as We Can, and One Reason. Everything just sounds fresh and immediately likeable.
I honestly don't know why any Pennywise fan would not like this album. At may not be their favorite, but they should still like it. Buy it now!
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Right where you want them..., March 25, 2008
More than 2 ½ years and countless breakup rumors have come and gone since `The Fuse' hit stores and Pennywise is finally back at it with `Reason To Believe', rewarding the patience of its fans with an album that proves there's no ceiling to the potential of these California punkers. Despite many raving reviews of their previous two albums, publicity outside their home state has eluded these legends of punk since the powerful `F*** Authority' demanded the attention of rock enthusiasts on `Land of the Free?' However, people that aren't familiar with these boys should really take a chokehold on the music, because I guarantee you it'll be next to impossible finding a band that's been more consistent over nine albums and nearly two decades.
This all goes without mentioning that this band and album is the first ever on a semi-major record label (Epitaph, myspace Records) to be given away for free. It'll be available to download by following directions posted on Pennywise's myspace page (you have to add Textango as a myspace friend).
The one thing that really jumped out at me about this album is the striking resemblance to `Land of the Free.' Fletcher's blazing guitar work is back with a vengeance (even borderline metal on occasion) and Jim's fantastic range has peaked once again after an album characterized by an astounding display of low notes. The political influence and catchy writing has always been a trademark of Pennywise and `Reason To Believe' is no exception.
I was a little skeptical of this disc when I found out it was being released on myspace Records, especially being that big name labels have been notoriously known to sell out bands that don't need to change. However, my verdict is in...
I can say with confidence that this may be the best effort by Pennywise, yet. See what patience and scrutiny can do? It makes greatness, and Pennywise has given itself every reason to stand next to the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Bad Religion and Social Distortion as one of the great punk bands of all-time. The thing that makes this band as good as they are is that they actually care about the music they write. They aren't in it for the fame, for the money, for the girls or any of the other propaganda talent can buy into. They're in it because they love making music, and if you need the proof, download it free of charge.
Noteworthy Tracks:
"(Intro) As Long As We Can"
"One Reason"
"Something To Live For"
"The Western World"
"Nothing To Lose"
"It's Not Enough To Believe"
"Affliction"
The first single, "The Western World", is about as vintage as you'll get with Pennywise and `Reason To Believe' is an array of melodic punk riffs and poetic lyrics that have become the essence of the band's popularity. I truly hope this album will not only suffice the core Pennywise fan base but attract many new fans looking for some quality punk.
The amazing thing about this band is that there really isn't a single album fans can point to and agree on as their weakest effort (or their strongest, at that). Since the late 80's, Pennywise has established a trend of quality and consistency as other bands in the punk genre have come and gone, flown under the radar and disappeared without a trace. These boys have thrived in spite of themselves, the loss of bass player Jason Matthew Thirsk and the stress of making music that constantly has to top itself. In my opinion, they never disappoint.
If you like `Reason To Believe', you'd probably also be a fan of `Straight Ahead' and `Land of the Free?' ...
Very highly recommended album.
Grade: A
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