Singles 03.08.06: Issue #46

Posted by Michael Horvath on 03.08.2006

Finally we have something new from Godsmack, but was it worth the wait? Also, second singles from Story of the Year and Death Cab For Cutie.

It's almost spring and that means that the music scene is about to pick up its game. More importantly we are going to see some new tracks very soon from Thursday, Deftones, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the list will go on and on. What a perfect time of year, the snow will begin to melt and we will have some excellent tunes to jive to on the radio dial, or download or whatever is your personal taste. And where can you find the latest info on all of your favorite artists? Right here at 411mania.com of course and where can you find out how the latest rock singles stack up, why right here in this very column!

Godsmack – Speak

This is what rock radio has been missing now for years. Do you even remember the last time Godsmack released a brand new record? It was way back in April of 2003, oh my, that was so long ago. Yes, I do realize that in 2004 Godsmack released an all acoustic CD, but that doesn't count. Godsmack has a list of classic hits on their resume and it looks like they haven't lost an ounce over the years. Finally they have returned with their lead single Speak from their newest album Four, which is schedule for release in April of this year. You can bet your bottom dollars that this record will debut at #1 on every chart in North America. All you have to do is look at how well received Speak is becoming. The song debuted inside the Billboard rock charts and in its third week of radio release it is already at the #4 position. It's only a matter of time before the track finds itself at the #1 spot and it will surely stay there for over a month. Right from the first note you know that this song sounds like nothing on the rock radio dial today. Has Godsmack changed its sound? Not one bit, it sounds like classic Godsmack of the early parts of this millennium. Today's radio trend it to play garbage like The Bravery and The Arctic Monkeys and ignore great bands like Godsmack. Well, thankfully Godsmack won't let themselves simply fade away because they are back with vengeance. The mix between dirty guitars and lead singer Sully Ema's dark, emphatic lyrics really standout. It is great to see a band like Godsmack return to the top of their game and I am sure that their millions of fans are happy to have them back, I know I am. 4/5

Story of the Year – Take Me Back

It seems that every week I bring up the dreaded sophomore jinx, but I just can't help it. It's not my fault that it happens to tons and tons of bands. I really don't know who to blame, but in Story of the Year's case, they have no one to blame but themselves. Back in 2003 the band was a major success story as their major label debut album Page Avenue flew onto the scene. The band literally came out of nowhere and had massive success with their hit songs Until The Day I Die and Anthem Of Our Dying Day. Those were some very catchy punk rock tunes that also mixed in some hard rock elements to it. Back on October 11, 2005 the band released their sophomore album In The Wake Of Determination that was led by the single We Don't Care Anymore and that title couldn't have been more accurate. The song sounded like the band didn't care anymore as it was a total different sound which was way more hard rock than punk rock. Now a band has all the right in the world to do what they want, but that choice did not translate into major sales. In The Wake Of Determination hasn't even come close to selling 500 000 copies while Page Avenue sold over one million. The second single is Take Me Back and it will get Story of the Year back on the right track. It has more of the punk-hard rock elements that made them a hit back in 2003. The problem here is that the song is kind of boring and the guitar solo near the end is way out of place. This may please the 2003 version of Story of the Year fans, but it really isn't going to help create any new fans. The song is only being played sparingly on rock radio right now, and that is sure just going to dwindle as time goes on. 2/5

Death Cab For Cutie – Crooked Teeth

On August 30th Death Cab For Cutie made their major label debut with "Plans" and yup, you guessed it, the second single is Crooked Teeth. I have been a major Death Cab For Cutie even before I heard a sound of their music. I was drawn to the band because of their name as I think that Death Cab For Cutie is one of the best band names out there. The band really made it big with their second indie release called Transatlanticism that sold over 300 000 copies. Then lead singer Ben Gibbard went to work on his side project The Postal Service and their debut album sold over 500 000 copies, certifying them gold. With the success of The Postal Service, the hype for the new Death Cab album has skyrocketed. Well, despite my feelings about the lead single Soul Meets Body, which was rather plain and unexciting. The album has become a overwhelming success as it is well on its way to going platinum. Crooked Teeth is classic Death Cab for Cutie that must really please all fans of the band. It is soft and gentle just like a Death Cab for Cutie song should be. After the beginning of the song you can't help but feel yourself moving along to the music and maybe even singing along to the lyrics. It is easy to do as the chorus does repeat itself several times. A song like this may be better suited for the summer as it has that cool and relaxing summer vibe to it. Nevertheless Crooked Teeth is a song that you can jam too, relax too and smile about. 3/5

And I'm gone…

I will leave you with my personal top 5 songs of the moment:

1. Evan's Blue – Cold (I'm Still Here) – An absolute must listen! Another 5/5!!!! If you are a fan of Three Days Grace, Cold, Thrice, Thursday or music in general, this is a band that you need to hear, they are going to be a major breakout in 2006)
2. Neverending White Lights – The Grace (an amazing song from a Canadian artist, nice and soft and mellow featuring vocals from Alexisonfire singer Dallas Green, I highly recommend, an easy 5/5!!!!)
3. Staind – Everything Changes
4. Nine Inch Nails – Every Day Is Exactly The Same
5. Nickelback - Animals