1. Run Away-Sounds almost punk at the intro, then a high pitched lead riff hits, then it goes nu-metal. Musically, this is a good song, but Aaron Lewis's vocal work and horrible lyrics kill it. The chorus consists of background vocals going "Run Away" and Aaron sings "Run Away so i can hide, I've mastered feeling nothing"-Rating:3
2. Right Here-First single. Very good song, well put together. Beginning consists of Mike Mushok's great harmonic work, and Aaron's acoustic guitar, than two very nice bass slides that breaks into the verse. The verse guitar is very catchy, bass and drums very present. Great chorus, followed by a second verse with added acoustic guitar. The chorus, then a harder post-chorus, which breaks into a quiet acoustic verse and wood block drums. Good song. Rating-4.5
3. Paper Jesus- Awesome song. Very heavy and different from other song structures. Heavy verse with vocal effects. Great chorus, i think this song might actually be political. Light and very good instrumental bridge, followed by a moment of very heaviness, then back to the catchy chorus, one of my favorites. Rating-5
4. Schizophrenic Conversations-One of the best on the cd, its not acoustic but it is relaxing, like a song you would listen to on a road trip. Very melodic guitar riff throughout. Includes some of the best lyric writing of Aaron's career. Small guitar solo after first chorus.
Then in i guess what would be the bridge, Aaron finally admits he has Schizophrenic Conversations with himself and needs help.Rating-5
5. Falling- Second single. Starts off just drums, like that one song Yesterday from that horrible preceding record. Heavy main riff, good verse that has great drumwork and a neat guitar riff.The pre-chorus is cool, singing "Don't Blame Me, You Did'nt Get It" then it goes into a not so great chorus about how falling is easy but its getting back up that becomes the problem, which is very fitting to their situation after making the last record. Odd bridge with a lead guitar riff being the most audible. The song kind of wears itself out after the bridge. Rating-3.5
6. Cross To Bear-Starts off with a very high,slow,and annoying lead guitar riff. Very quiet verse with great drumwork and guitar work, almost whispering vocals, which then goes into a depressed pre-chorus and chorus. Sounds kind of like filler, except for the drumwork and some of the guitar. Not much of a bridge. Rating-3
7. Medium paced quiet song, but a dark one. Rim taps instead of snare hits for the verse, adding a cool vibe. Slow chorus singing "I swear im not the devil, though you think i am, and she said, i swear im not the devil, though you think i am. That part becomes very repetitive throughout the song. Second verse is better than the first, with some escaladed vocals.Pretty much same stuff the entire song, is more of a vocal song, concentrated on the lyrics. Rating-4
8. Please-Starts off with a very fast guitar riff, put into very fitting drums and bass, i like the cymbal work. The verse chord change only changes a half step, which i dont like. The chorus is very emotional though, and sounds good after the verse. The bridge is a lot like the chorus, emotional. Rating-4
9. Everything Changes-An acoustic song, like So Far Away, something you might only listen to on a long road trip. Probably about having kids. Either you like it or you dont. Rating-3.5
10. Take This-Starts out with low bass, and neat guitar that sounds like its underwater. Then drums kick in, using toms for that nature-like vibe. Quiet verse which leads into a crescending chorus that i like, im not sure if its the actual chorus though. Changes later on to sound a lot like the previous song.Rating-3.5
11. King Of All Excuses- Remember For You off of BTC? This song has the exact same format, except this song is more kickass and,well, just better. My favorite song, having a very heavy bridge with cool vocals and vocal effects. Definitely a listen.Rating-5
12. Reply-A great way to end the album. Sounds boring at first, but the verse is great, i like the guitar riffs. Straight forward drums and bass. Slower chorus, kind of sad, singing "thank you for all the letters you thought you wrote in vain, thank you for the times you chose to stand out in the rain, and wait for me" The bridge is a great climax to the song, including the first full on solo from Mike Mushok. It then guiets down to just fading guitar and bass, with quiet singing, then back to the chorus a couple times. Rating-5
This cd is a good comeback album in my opinion from 14 shades of grey. A great advance is that Mike Mushok plays solos on it, with better guitar riffing. Drums and bass are also better. Give it a listen.
