Tag Archives: Shinedown

Amaryllis by Shinedown – Album Review

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Two months ago I previewed the release of Shinedown’s first studio album since their 2008 release of The Sound of Madness. More than three years after its release, Amaryllis is here and while some of their oldest fans may be disappointed in the band’s evolution, I welcome it. Below is song-by-song breakdown and an overall score for the album. Enjoy, and please leave your thoughts.

Amaryllis offers some interesting album art. If you'll notice, the border of the circle is made of clasping arms, alluding to one of the album's tracks, "Unity."

1. “Adrenaline” starts with a fast stop-and-go guitar riff. With prominent drum work, a fast pace, and heavy guitar work, Shinedown could have made this the lead single if they wanted to entice their core fans. 6/10

2. “Bully” was the track the first single from the new album. The lyrics are pretty self-explicated, obviously condemning childhood bullying. Towards the end of the song a collection of children’s voices backup Brent Smith in his final run through the chorus. Overall, a good song, a good single, but not mind-blowing.  7/10

3. The title track, “Amaryllis,” opens with a clean sound and generally lacks the metal/hard rock style that is was Shinedown’s hallmark. While this may not satisfy purist headbangers that long for the raw sound of Shinedown’s early work, I was impressed with this track, as it reminds me of the band’s biggest hit, “Second Chance.” 8/10

4. “Unity” starts with a great piano intro that moves flawlessly into the electric guitar. The chorus is catchy, despite using the cliché line “put your hands in the air” a little too often. According to Songfacts.com, lead singer Brent Smith explained that “It’s about loving your brothers and sisters. We’re all in this together and we should be building each other up instead of tearing each other down!”  It was one of the album’s pre-release singles. 8/10

5. After Amaryllis and Unity, “Enemies” picks up the pace with a fast guitar riff and loud vocals. Much of the guitar work coincides with the vocal delivery which makes for nice synergy, but overall the song doesn’t standout and could come from any band in the genre. 6.5/10

6. Like some of the other tracks, “I’m Not Alright” starts with a soft intro, but sounds that is wildly unlike other Shinedown songs. With a Irish folk flavor, this track has a poppy chorus and very interesting string sounds. While this isn’t what I’m looking for when I turn on Shinedown, I can’t deny that it was an enjoyable song. 8/10

7. “Nowhere Kids” is one of the more forgettable tracks on the album. It is very upbeat, but that only makes it blend in more. They develop a somewhat catchy hook in the chorus with Brent Smith’s delivery of the lyrics “No one needs you after all,” but even so it doesn’t have any particular element that is especially enjoyable. Overall, a very average track. 5/10

8. “Miracle” gives Brent Smith a great opportunity to showcase his talent. The vocals take center stage in this song, and with a vocalist like Brent Smith that is a positive.  7.5/10

9. “I’ll Follow You” breaks any and all expectations for a Shinedown song. Shinedown included a touching piano track on their last album with “Call Me,” but this track goes for a louder, more rousing, f0lksy, and intense sound while still keeping it slow and piano based. It certainly makes for an interesting song, even if not as strong as their last “Call Me” from The Sound of Madness. 6.5/10

10. “For My Sake” opens with great guitar work leading into Brent Smith vocals, building to a great chorus. 7/10

11. “My Name (Wearing Me Out)” is one of the weaker tracks on the album. Forced cursing, a lack of novelty, and lyrics that don’t resonate bring this track down. The biggest problem is it sounds like every other song in the mish-mash of Three Days Grace, Three Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd, etc. 5.5/10

12. “Through the Ghost” There’s nothing wrong with this track, it’s just a little boring. There are some cool bell sounds in the background and the acoustic guitar is spot on, but it doesn’t do anything special for me. 5.5/10

Amaryllis was not what I was expecting, but because I prefer alternative rock to heavy metal/rock, I was pleased with the evolution of the band and direction of this album. The title track, “Unity,” and “I’m Not Alright” were standouts. This album surpassed my expectations, but will probably disappoint fans of Shinedown’s earlier work who prefer a heavier more metal type sound. In all, I grade the album: 7/10

For a dissenting opinion, check out this negative Nancy’s blog.

Rating are subject to change…if I change my mind. As always, please subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Follow” button at the top of the right sidebar. If you don’t have a WordPress account, you’ll have to enter your email address. You can share your opinions in the comment section below or by tweeting to @Ryan_Kantor. Thanks for reading! 

Shinedown Set To Release New Rock Album, Amaryllis

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

“Shinedown has announced the upcoming release of their much anticipated new album. Entitled ‘Amaryllis,’ the record will arrive in stores and at all digital retailers on March 27.”

Music snobs often lump Shinedown in with the mash of other similar bands like Three Doors Down and Puddle of Mud. With their new album Shinedown plans to break through the clutter and demonstrate their continued growth. Brent Smith explains:

“I’ve always seen Shinedown as its own entity – this living thing that’s been growing and developing and evolving over the past 10 years. During the recording, the vision of what Shinedown is and where it’s going became completely clear. ‘Amaryllis’ is the manifestation of that vision, the centerpiece of what Shinedown is. It reflects on everything we’ve done and where we’re heading.”

The band has released the album’s first single, “Bully.” Below is the video–one of the very best lyric videos I’ve ever seen. The song itself though may leave fans of Shinedown’s early more unrefined, raw sound concerned about what the new album may hold. I expect a continued evolution of their sound, and I think that’s good as it shows artistic growth. “Amaryllis” is set to be released in about two months, and it’s one I’m looking forward to.

As always, please subscribe to this blog by clicking the “Follow” button at the top of the right sidebar. If you don’t have a WordPress account, you’ll have to enter your email address. You can share your opinions in the comment section below or by tweeting to @Ryan_Kantor. Thanks for reading! 

Album Art Ain’t Dead Yet

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Music itself is often art, so it only makes sense to couple it with beautiful visual art on the album covers. Digital music is great because it has filled out computer libraries with many more songs than we’ve ever had before, but as digital music has grown and cut into physical album sales, the prominence of album art has faded…but it ain’t dead yet.

Here are 30 beautiful album covers, and below are some of my favorites that you won’t find at the link provided.

While everyone likes to make fun of Creed, their 1999 album Human Clay, used some interesting imagery with a human made from clay bursting from the ground, likely symbolizing how we are molded like clay, and possibly alluding to Adam of Adam and Eve who was formed from the "dust of the earth."

Rooney's self-produced 2010 album, Eureka, with it's bold colors and Californian imagery, is one of my favorite albums,

Shinedown's Sound of Madness album cover captures the "dark" nature of their music. What makes this cover so memorable is that the crows form a face, with the top two crows making the eyes.

Do you have any favorites? Please share in the comments below.

To subscribe to this blog please click the “Follow” button at the top of the right sidebar. If you don’t have a WordPress account, you’ll have to enter your email address. Thanks for reading!

A Wave of Great New Music Is On The Way

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

Incubus just released a new single, “Adolescents.” I just gave it a first listen tonight, and I liked what I heard. It certainly has a great smooth sound with awesome guitar work. After just one listen the song seems to be about feeling overwhelmed, but I don’t want it to be that simple. Lyrics are at the bottom of the post for you to overanalyze. Incubus will release the full album, entitled If Not Now, When? on July 12.

Incubus isn’t the only band doing work, there is a wave of great music on the way.

  • The Red Hot Chili Peppers will release a new album this summer. They’ve already recording the songs, so the bulk of the work is done, and I’m expecting it in June although I’ve heard May. I would guess it will be their final full length album and I expect nothing short of Stadium Arcadium which I consider one of the greatest albums in the last 30 years.

  • I caught word (via 96.1fm in Atlanta) that about a month ago Shinedown was in LA working on a new album. I have to think that a release date will come this summer.
  • On my ride home today 96.1 played the new Beastie Boys single. I listened to it on the radio and just gave it another listen for good measure. I shouldn’t have wasted my time, but you can waste yours. Here it is… Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise”
  • Tommy’s last band of the week Veer Union is currently working on a new album entitled Divide the Blackened Sky. For more on Veer Union see Tommy’s post,

I’m sure I’m forgetting a lot…but the lyrics to Incubus’s new single are below so read, share your thoughts, and tell me about any upcoming albums I forgot.

I’m feeling out of bounds, out of bounds
I’m running out of time, out of time
I know there’s no such thing as either of them
But its doesn’t make me feel any better

Out of sight, out of mind
Out of sight, out of mind
We’re out of time
We’re out of mind
Out of mind
Out of mind
Yeah, yeah

I’m feeling overwhelmed, overwhelmed
It’s getting out of line, line, line
I know I’m not alone
Just adolescents, you and I
It doesn’t make me feel any better

Out of sight, out of mind
Out of sight, out of mind
We’re out of time
We’re out of mind
Out of mind
Out of mind
Yeah, yeah
Out of sight, out of mind
Out of sight, out of mind
We’re out of time
We’re out of mind
Out of mind
Out of mind
We’re out of mind
Yeah

Emotionally Packed Songs – List & Discussion

Posted on by Ryan Kantor

It’s time to revisit our list of emotionally packed songs. If you haven’t read this post already, give it a read and listen to some of our music picks. If you’ve already read it, we need some new suggestions. What songs do you listen to that really hit you emotionally (please don’t say Lady Gaga or I’ll really think something is wrong with you).

One of my favorite bands, Black Gold, was asked the question “how does a person [aspiring musician] get to that next level?” Black Gold’s drummer, Than Luu, said this, “…Write from the heart. You know, if you’re writing songs or you’re performing do it from the heart. You know, because people can tell, I certainly can, when you’re on stage or you’ve recorded something that’s truly kinda BS. It’s not really…you’re doing it for the wrong reasons.”

I’ve asked Tommy, and I’m asking anyone reading this to please send your song suggestions either via comment at the bottom of the article or via twitter (@Ryan_Kantor). I’ll try to add as many good suggestions as I can to the article (I will be updating it as people give songs). So here are some songs that were written from the heart, a they’re linked to YouTube videos so you can hear them for yourself.

“Blackbird” by Alter Bridge: I don’t even feel like I’m exaggerating when I say this is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. It is truly is flawless, both musically and lyrically. It is about a friend of singer Myles Kennedy who was ill and eventually passed away, and about how it was Kennedy’s hope that his friend would find peace.

With the haunting opening guitar pattern, the soaring and incredibly emotional vocals of Kennedy (evident throughout, but when you hear the chorus, you can’t help but appreciate the emotion and drama), and the interlude that evolves into a two-phase guitar solo (the first part is done by Kennedy, the second by Mark Tremonti) that is powerful and dramatic enough to send chills down your spine, this song is an absolute masterpiece.
–Tommy Dianora

“Shine” by Black Gold: The dramatic soft intro, the vocal interlude (2:41), the delivery, it all comes together in a great sounding, dynamic, emotional tune. You absolutely must watch the video to understand what the song is about and have a true appreciation for it. Please share you’re interpretation in the comments!
–Ryan Kantor

“Never Again” by Disturbed: If you’re going to sing about the Holocaust you better do it justice and create a musical masterpiece. Jewish-American singer David Draiman pours his soul out in “Never Again,” aptly named after the Jewish post-Holocaust rallying cry.

This emotional song takes you from sadness to anger to pride and then does it all over again. It even takes a subtle shot at Iranian President and Holocaust denier (AKA idiot), Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ”Never Again” is one of Disturbed’s deepest tracks and hits an emotional chord with any listener, especially those that feel a connection to the Jewish community (me).
–Ryan Kantor

“A Man Needs a Maid” by Neil Young: A soft yet extremely powerful song. It has a somber tone throughout, and Young’s emotional vocal delivery, as well as his elegant piano work and the epic orchestration, make it a truly great song. The meaning is somewhat open for interpretation; clearly it has something to do with Young’s personal life–perhaps about him falling out of love but still being dependent on a woman.
–Tommy Dianora

“Venice Queen” by Red Hot Chili Peppers: Even though the Chili Peppers have had numerous huge hits, two of their best and most emotional songs didn’t get the attention they deserved. One would be “Wet Sand” from their Stadium Arcadium album, which I’ve heard on the radio, but was overlooked in favor of Dani California. The other is “Venice Queen”  from their By The Way album.

Venice Queen is a tribute to the drug counselor (named Gloria) that helped lead singer Anthony Keidis overcome his addictions. The lyrics:
“I know you said you don’t believe
In god do you still disagree
Now that it’s time for you to leave
G.L.O.R.I.A
Is love my friend”
are some of the best written.
–Ryan Kantor

“45″ by Shinedown: This incredibly emotional song has an apparently blatant meaning about suicide, but vocalist Brent Smith says that it is more symbolic than it seems. He describes the 45 as a metaphor for “what [the world] hands you every day of your life.” The main theme of the song, according to Smith, is about moving on and becoming comfortable in your own skin. Regardless, it is one of the most emotional hard rock songs I have ever heard, and it is this powerful delivery that helped it become one of the songs that launched Shinedown’s career.
–Tommy Dianora

“Konstantine” by Something Corporate: Epically long and packed with symbolism, Konstantine certainly fits the bill as a song written from the heart.

It’s about the singer’s ex-girlfriend who he loved, but due to his constant touring and dreams of a successful music career they were unable to make their relationship work. Open to interpretation, this ballad may be especially emotional for high school sweethearts  going to different colleges or college aged couples trying to figure out what they’ll do when they graduate.

Here’s a live version that captures the epicness (is that a word?) of the song. This is my personal #1.
–Ryan Kantor

“The Runaway” by Something Corporate: While maybe not as emotional as “Konstantine” this song is another one written from the heart.

This song is about a girl (“the runaway”) who Andrew McMahon is in love with but unfortunately the love isn’t mutual. In fact the love may not be healthy, which I take from the lyrics “I find myself in you” and even more so from the lines “I know what you really need, what you need, or I need, but either way this is where you should be, here with me.”

The inflection in McMahon’s voice and the accompanying guitars, drums, etc make this tune stand out.
–Ryan Kantor

Missing the Cut:

“Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence Suite” by Dream Theater: “This is the band’s longest song to date, at an insane 41:58. Broken up into movements (classical music buffs know what I mean here), the song focuses on six different mental illnesses, and six different characters, each afflicted with one of the aforementioned illnesses.”
Submitted via comment by Chris Dianora

“I Would Be Sad” by The Avett Brothers: Submitted via Twitter by @TrobTiger: While the song was probably written with some genuine emotion, it doesn’t make the cut because it isn’t delivered with emotion and simply doesn’t sound good…at all.

“Keepsake” by State Radio: Submitted via Twitter by @uublog: This song doesn’t make the cut because the music behind the lyrics is weak and unappealing.