Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rise Against - Appeal to Reason 8/10, October 7, 2008
Pop-punk has always been a fairly trivial, disrespected genre; even the combination of such wildly divergent descriptors as "pop" and "punk" was more than a little odd. On one hand of the spectrum you had bands like Good Charlotte and Simple Plan, bands that took the rapid-fire, up-tempo rhythms and power-chord angst of their predecessors and paired them with bratty, candy-coated pop song structures and high-pitched sentiments. On the other hand, you had bands that retained the melodic integrity of punk and their poppier brethren but took inspiration from the furious, challenging, and socially conscious hardcore bands of the `80s, such as Fugazi and Bad Religion. As anyone who has listened to Rise Against's previous albums, they fall much more squarely in the latter department, yet with Appeal to Reason, their 5th record, they lean even more into the poppier realm without leaving behind the politically-charged lyrics of their previous releases.
The addition of new guitarist Zach Blair has done nothing to dull their obvious musical fire; opener "Collapse (Post Amerika)" announces itself with a squall of feedback before erupting into a blistering solo and an unrelenting drumbeat as singer Tim McIlrath's vicious yet controlled roar snarls "this is not a test / this is cardiac arrest." One of the most immediately apparent improves on Appeal to Reason is McIlrath's delivery, as the talented vocalist now stays away from the tuneless screaming that often characterized their peers and continues to focus on leading the melody.
Songs like lead single "Re-Education (Through Labor)" and the astounding "The Dirt Whispered" showcase McIlrath's versatility and his ability to overcome the cacophonous storm of the instruments below him. Unfortunately, when he is confronted with songs that never interest musically and the band tinkers too much with the production ("From Heads Unworthy," "The Strength To Go On"), his vocals tend to remind one of a slightly more punkish Nickelback, a comparison that should definitely not be taken as a compliment.
Rise Against have also not forgotten that this is an election year, and the majority of the album reflects their stance that, uh, President Bush sucks. The aforementioned "Collapse" hopes that "this is a chance to set things straight," while the undeniably angry McIlrath rages on "Entertainment" that "all we are is entertainment / caught up in our own derangement / tell us what to say and what to do." And perhaps the most touching song on the record, if not the best, is the mostly acoustic "Hero of War," a song about a soldier, is patriotic and critical at the same time, as all great protest anthems try to be.
And so what Rise Against have produced with Appeal to Reason is at once your typical punk protest record, one that at times blurs together with repetitive bursts of guitar and propulsive, standard hardcore beats, but for the most part stands on its own plateau of McIlrath's righteous indignation, melodies that don't quit, and a sense of energy that is far more tangible and real than that of their mall-punk neighbors. Rise Against are on a streak for a fickle genre of even more fickle fans, and Appeal to Reason is another strong effort by a band on the way to the top of their game.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best albums of 2008, October 7, 2008
Rise Against have nailed it yet again with their third major label album. With powerful vocals and a strong political message, Rise Against have created another masterpiece. They definitely aren't afraid to stray a little from their hardcore style and into a slower, more melodic genre, but they also aren't afraid to express their feelings, and express them well.
I give this album 4.5 stars(can't pick it, but 4 is not enough) because RA have only improved from their last release, and improvement is the greatest virtue in a band's music career. However, the only advice I'd have for the band is to not stray too far from their fast hardcore roots. Mid-tempo songs are good, but I have every confidence that RA will speed up their tempos a little on their next release. However, for now, I commend the band because they've still stayed, for the most part, true to their hardcore/punk roots, while also getting great popular reception with Appeal to Reason.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Album - Welcome to a Matured Rise Against, October 17, 2008
I've been listening to Rise Against since The Unraveling. I was fortunate enough to have purchased a comp cd which featured Everchanging. I have also been fortunate enough to see the progression of Rise Against from them playing hole in the wall venues, to being featured on Mtv2 & AoL sessions.
Before I review I'd just like to say this is truly one of the greatest underground bands you'll ever have the pleasure of supporting.
Now for the review. When I heard that RA was coming out with a new album I was excited as many people were. When I first heard Re-education, I definitely liked it, but it made me think that the whole album was just going to be Sufferer again which I wasn't too thrilled about. I love that album, but I actually don't like when bands use the same forumula over and over, just to keep a general fanbase.
This album introduces new and exciting aspects to RA. Things like more complicated guitar riffs and mixes, lots of speed and intesity changes, excellent interludes, and some great vocals done by Tim. I will agree, that I wish his trademark scream was featured a bit more, which will always give you chills, however I don't think that it would have been fitting for this album. If you're looking for 2 minute screamer tracks to the same punk beats used by everyone, you will probably not enjoy this as much as their previous cd's.
This isn't an album full of anger, this is an album of hope and change which you can see by simply reading the lyrics. It is a cry for help to save this world.
If you truly listen to the lyrics, and absorb yourself within the catchy fist pumping chorus' and feel the passion that was put into the album, I think you'll really enjoy it.
To be fair, if you're the type of person that only likes fast, and angry humanitarian/environmental/polical music, you probably will think this album is for softies, and RA themselves have gone soft. In all honesty I thought "entertainment" was a bit cheesy, but as usual made a good point. But if you're open to change, and understand the band changes, I think you will really come to love this album.
RA has sold a half million records and they still will just chill with people at their shows, which says a lot about them in terms of people who are crying sell outs. I highly suggest listening to the record youself and make your decision about whether to purchase it. Everyone's opinion is their own. Enjoy.
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