Review Summary: Rated B for boring.
The Red of old added a cinematic vibrancy to their mainstream nu-metal and alt metal sound, and it was a hit. Red would then release three solid albums, and afterwards would often struggle to give fans what they loved about Red. Release the Panic was the sorest spot for many, where the band barely sounded like themselves. Rated R continues that trend, with the band showing a faded face.
Once again, we have an album that is good, but not exceptional, or very memorable. Their symphonic sound is largely downplayed to make room for oversized choruses, and poppy verses. Transitioning between light, poppy parts and scorching nu-metal riffs doesn’t work so well. The album, overall, feels like flat butt rock that does not display Red’s unique qualities. In terms of aggression, this may be one of their weakest albums. Safe and squeaky clean, the album is radio ready, and sanitized of most of the dirt that makes Red’s sound so compelling. Pop is in, angst is out.
Rated R quickly molds itself into a blur of choruses. Red can still write great guitar riffs, and a couple breakdowns are straight out of their old chapter (especially Still Bleeding’s breakdown). An overarching problem turns its head: the riffs and growls often feel like obligations rather than actually heart felt. Likewise, symphonic elements are added as extra bluster to attempt to intensify tracks, but they’re generally too quiet and simply played. There’s also a noticeable absence of piano playing. In short, the album pales in comparison to the emotive End of Silence.
In this album, Red do the bare minimum, and give exactly what’s expected of them. In Staind’s latest album it at least sounds like the singer cares about the lyrics offered. Rated R, however, sounds too much like an artificially created reproduction. The album indicates a slowing down band dry of ideas. It seems their previous album, Declaration, has drained them of their battery. Neither the singing or choruses sound like the fiery band we love. Let’s hope they can charge back up, and that this isn’t their last chapter.
