Review Summary: Korn releases an album that, while not necessarily poor, is about as interesting and creative as its title.
For many, nu-metal was a gateway genre of sorts. Yes the popular musical style garnered a fare share of fans in its time and introduced many them to a whole new world of aggressive rock. And with releases such as their 1994 self-titled debut and Follow the Leader, Korn has enjoyed a very successful career, in which they've lead the genre through its greatest highs and lows. Then again, perhaps I'm not the best to tell you this because I've never actually listened to a Korn studio album before their eighth attempt. Nor have I really paid any attention to nu-metal, as I had only seriously began following music as it was on its way out. Yet despite this, the stigma that follows both Korn and its music, painting both as throwaway corporate rock/metal, still stuck and I wasn't exactly expecting big things from their latest album (which the band hasn't bothered to title). After giving the Untitled album a few listens, it's pretty safe to say that the record isn't quite as weak as I thought it would be. But it isn't all that strong either.
There are a couple of different reasons why Untitled essentially fails. The most important of these problems, however, revolves around the simple fact that the album is a very bland, boring album. Aside from the album's highlights (Kiss, Hold On) and a couple of catchy choruses in the likes of Bitch, We Got a Problem (great grammar from Jonathon Davis!) the album just doesn't really standout at all. Guitarist Munky's down-tuned riffs provide an adequate rhythm for the rest of the band, yet at the same time sound hollow and lifeless. Korn's actual performance (save for Davis' singing, but more on that later) is quite similar to that of the riffs in that lacks energy, even in some of the stronger songs. Basically, Untitled is a rather uninspiring effort from the nu-metal pioneers, and it's rather difficult to make it through a majority of the songs. Another negative aspect surrounding the record is the poor song writing. Save for, again, Kiss, Hold On, and perhaps Starting Over, the album does not flow very well at all, and as it wears on it sometimes feels as though Korn repeats themselves over and over. Songs such as I Will Protect You, Love and Luxury, and Ever Be are perfect examples of such meagre, unsatisfactory efforts, as each of the tracks do not accomplish anything either especially extraordinary or hasn't already been done on prior tracks.
However, as I mentioned earlier Korn's eighth studio album is not as poor as one would expect, and this is due to the band's capitalization on a couple of elements. The most important of these are the electronic effects which the band has stressed throughout several of the tracks. Now, said effects do not grab hold and take control of the music in a way that Davis' vocal efforts do, but they do play an important role in the songs. Instead, the electronic influences, produced by the keyboards of studio musician Zac Baird produce a more atmospheric sound, one which works out exceptionally well in songs such as opener Starting Over or Love is Luxury. The keys provide the music with an interesting texture that surprisingly compliments the guitars rather well. Another important aspect in Korn's musical arsenal on Untitled is Davis' vocal efforts. Sure, the man isn't the greatest of singers – hell, he isn't a very good singer at all – but he has a pretty good showing all the same. In fact, though his vocals enjoy a different (i.e. a more prominent) role in the music, its value to, well, the music is quite similar. Jonathon's mid range, angst-ridden vocal drawl fits the music extremely well and perhaps the most memorable aspect of the band's delivery. In fact, in some of the weaker songs such as Killing and Evolution Jonathon's efforts are the only elements actually worth listening to, as his voice is were the track draws most of its hooks from. How's that for a surprising twist, huh?
Overall, Untitled was a rather surprising offering from the oft-criticized nu-metal pioneers. With their eighth studio release Korn releases an album that as that bad as one would think, but then again isn't all that good either. The forty-eight minute record features a greater emphasis on electronic elements and influences which help provide a more atmospheric touch to the group's otherwise stale song-writing and frontman Jonathon Davis' singing livens up a rather unexciting performance from the rest of the band. I suppose Untitled is worth a listening to at least once if you're already a fan of the band or have some extra time on your hands, but I wouldn't let your expectations get to high or you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Fairly average ablum.
Yeah I know, originally I had Life is Peachy there and I changed it to Follow the Leader but forgot to take out sophomore effort. :p I'll go fix it now.
They suck live, I heard them the whole day. They were so boring live and slow, atleast they played killing in the name of. Mind you, I was at an amusement park so I unintentionally was listening to them.
I was in fourth grade during the boyband explosion. Yep, I was that little boy dancing to "Bye, Bye, Bye". Anywho, I decided to check this out. I don't think they even try anymore. The could release an album of sounds of them being constipated trying to take a shit and 14 yo angst-ridden teens would still find a way to call it "emotional".
Great review, and I enjoy your different opinion on the album; but Love and Luxury is my favorite Korn song of all time and one of my favorites of all time.
as for the album, i don't know how to rate it cause i'm mainly a fan of the old and up to Issues.
i agree with some of your points. it seems like the album never really gets going. i'm convinced it would have been more of an impact if Munky would have done a second guitar track (like him and Head did it) in some of the songs. an example is the post-riff in Hushabye, which is quite refreshing to hear. it needs some back-up. the drums' production sounds weak too - too much in the background.
'think it's closer to 2.5 than 4.5. This Message Edited On 07.30.07
