"Rebel, Sweetheart," The Wallflowers
The Wallflowers have broken back into the music scene with an all too familiar sound - trying to get back to their glory days of 1996's "Bringing Down the Horse."
The CD is similar to their other releases, but there is one key difference - the lyrics are clearly written and allow the listeners to sympathize with the band. The issues that The Wallflowers deal with are much more personal than in past albums.
The second track, "The Passenger," has a catchy beat that keeps feet tapping throughout the track. The guitar carries the melody right to the listener's head. The song's lyrics are an added bonus, presenting feelings of many people today - it's changing so much, and they're struggling to find their place.
Track six, "God Says Nothing Back," again suggests that society is moving away from old American values of the '50s that suggested everyone was perfect and portrayed an unreal image. This song's soft beat and slow tempo allows the listener to absorb its meaningful message.
The musical aspects of "Rebel, Sweetheart" resemble the sound of their other CDs. The music and lyrics aren't unique enough to make this release any different or better than other albums, other than "Bringing Down the Horse."
The band should take the sound of their 1996 album - they had catchy songs but now have let the music and lyrics go in this latest release.
The talent of this band is not lacking. Once they rediscover the fresh sound that they had in the early years, getting back to the top of the business will come naturally.
The CD is appealing but was disappointing, as The Wallflowers will probably be back with another album soon. "Rebel, Sweetheart's" production was good enough to keep people satisfied and wondering when the next CD will be released.
"Out of Exile," Audioslave
Audioslave is back again with an album that moves from one side of the rock spectrum to another.
This CD is a mix of hard rock and classic rock 'n' roll that keeps the listener going as each track moves into the next one. The songs are in a nonsensical order, so listeners are thrust between the harder sound and more of a lighter rock feel.
Track three, "Be Yourself," pushes the idea of staying true to yourself. This track is apart from the rest because its melody doesn't let the listener down. It is a song whose musical components will have people hitting the repeat button on their CD player.
Track 11 is the most abstract on this album. With the name "#1 Zero", it's about how, no matter how bad someone is treated in a relationship, they'll always go back to the person and be there for them. This song is remarkable because the drums fundamentally drive the track, a different aspect than the other songs driven by the guitar or lyrics.
Overall, this production is appealing but not any better than other bands of the same genre. Audioslave must do more to distinguish themselves.
For a first-time listener, this CD is a pleasant surprise, but if Audioslave is a favorite band, "Out of Exile" might be a disappointment. They should be respected for staying with the sound that they like, but this could also mean they'll not get the following they desire.
