Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.

Nickleback haven't made it this far by throwing their audience difficult curveballs, and All The Right Reasons--the Canadian quartet's fourth full-length--continues their run of uncomplicated, testosterone-soaked hard-rock albums without a wobble. Frontman Chad Kroeger still approaches the act of songcraft like he's chopping wood, grunting and sweating under the weight of gritted-teeth rock-outs like "Fight For All The Wrong Reasons" and "Someone That You're With". Critics have it in for Nickleback for many of the same reasons they have it in for Stereophonics--these songs promise emotional weight and hard-won truths, but have a tendency to mistake joylessness for passion. However, you can spot the hits a mile off. "Side Of A Bullet" is dedicated to deceased ex-Pantera man Dimebag Darrell, and even features an overdubbed axe solo from said guitarist, while "Photograph" sees Kroeger getting misty-eyed--almost whimsical--over an old school photo. Ultimately, though, it's more of the same. Which should suit the Nickleback faithful just fine. --Louis Pattison

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!

Kid Rock maintains a remarkable propensity for wearing his contradictions on his sleeve, and more than anything he's previously released, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus finds fuel in unresolved opposites. Is he a hard-core chauvinist ("Half Your Age") or a would-be gentleman ("When U Love Someone")? Is he a God-fearing everyman ("Blue Jeans and a Rosary") or a bohemian hero ("So Hott")? These questions are nothing new, even if the album at hand takes them to freshly delirious extremes. Ever since he first began shedding his rap/rock posture to be the next Ted Nugent, Kid Rock has constructed his public persona out of full-frontal ambivalence: race, class, sex, religion, money, whatever it takes. This album's bookends--the title song and "bonus" track, "Lowlife (Living the Highlife)"--demonstrate all this irreconcilable nonsense in no uncertain terms, but all his polar wobbling is at least stabilised by a firm commitment to southern-styled rock, tinged at times with gospel, blues, a lingering need to rap ("Sugar"), and a rare, soul-fed instrumental jambalaya ("New Orleans"). In the end, Kid Rock may be a remarkable self-promoter, but a musical Messiah he is not. --Jason Kirk

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!


Soul Music for the Soulless, 28 Aug 2008
Kid Rock seems to belong to the growing number of 'artists' who have taken at least some of their inspiration from the blues and soul stars of the sixties, seventies, and earlier decades, only to miss the point. Is there some intended irony in the choice of title? Modern rhythm and blues grew out of the churches and church choirs of the South. Kid Rock seems to have as much moral or physical depth, as much connection with the blues, as a plate of cold chips.

This album is a mixture of misogyny, misanthropy, narcissism, and self-loathing, with no common thread other than Kid Rock's belief he has a talent that deserves to be heard and a need to get paid. Its not even as if the rock tracks rock that hard.

White soul music has been done better before. Save your money - if you really want to hear a white man sing the blues mixed with hip-hop and rock buy Whitey ford Sings the Blues by Everlast instead.

In the wrong category but not sure which one would suit, 16 Aug 2008
Please, you have got to be kidding about buying this. A new form of shock-rock where the 'artist' in this case can be accused of unwarranted butchery particularly to the original 'werewolves of london' and 'sweet home alabama' that died and have had their very souls crushed in the head-on collision that is 'all summer long'. If you love rock don't buy it. If this is up your street I won't ever want your music collection.

Return to form!, 10 Aug 2008
I was a kind of fan of Kid Rock from Cowboy and Bawitdaba, sucked in by American Badass, and a convert by Cocky. Thought his last album was a touch weaker, but more grown up. Rock N Roll Jesus however is outstanding. I have to say, I think So Hott is one of the weaker efforts despite being the most like the American Badass era. Standout tracks, and evidence of his musical maturation, are All Summer Long, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus and Lowlife. Not a bad track on there! Buy it, hear it, love it!

Can we ban this in the UK? We aren't stupid enough surely?, 03 Aug 2008
Had the misfortune to listen to this album after a friend who doesn't have the internet asked me to buy it for them. I have a broad range of tastes from indie to hip hop, jazz, soul and some classical and this is easily the worst record I will have had the misfortune to hear in the last three years (the last time I had to listen to a Bon Jovi album)

At first me and my girlfriend were in howls of laughter at the lyrics which are truly embarassing. This would be OK if he had something musical to offer, but oh my god this is dire.

PEOPLE OF THE UK - you are not meant to be dumb burger chomping brain dead wrestling fans who like this tripe. We have no hillbillies here and don't need them. Do yourself a favour and avoid this utter S+++ in a basket



Fantastic, but a warning!, 28 Jul 2008
This album is great, Kid Rock has been a favourite for years, and this new album does not disappoint.
Be warned if you are new to Kid Rock and are considering this on the back of 'All Summer long' playing on the radio at the moment then please be warned, this album contains some VERY strong graphic language in the lyrics of a number of songs, especially track 5!

What once seemed Queen's greatest liabilities--a preening flamboyance and pompous, overwrought theatricality--have ironically become their most enduring charms in a grey, postmodern pop-music landscape. While it eschews the glammy, pre-punk hard rock of live faves such as "Stone Cold Crazy" and "Tie Your Mother Down" for the band's more quirky club-beat string of latter-day hits , this 51-track triple-CD anthology goes a long way toward documenting the true dimensions of the band's music and fame. It even includes some solo work by Brian May and Freddie Mercury, whose duet on "Barcelona" with diva Montserrat Caballé transcends boundaries of both time and genre. A previously unreleased live performance of "The Show Must Go On" featuring Elton John on vocals is also included. --Jerry McCulley

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!


Soul Music for the Soulless, 28 Aug 2008
Kid Rock seems to belong to the growing number of 'artists' who have taken at least some of their inspiration from the blues and soul stars of the sixties, seventies, and earlier decades, only to miss the point. Is there some intended irony in the choice of title? Modern rhythm and blues grew out of the churches and church choirs of the South. Kid Rock seems to have as much moral or physical depth, as much connection with the blues, as a plate of cold chips.

This album is a mixture of misogyny, misanthropy, narcissism, and self-loathing, with no common thread other than Kid Rock's belief he has a talent that deserves to be heard and a need to get paid. Its not even as if the rock tracks rock that hard.

White soul music has been done better before. Save your money - if you really want to hear a white man sing the blues mixed with hip-hop and rock buy Whitey ford Sings the Blues by Everlast instead.

In the wrong category but not sure which one would suit, 16 Aug 2008
Please, you have got to be kidding about buying this. A new form of shock-rock where the 'artist' in this case can be accused of unwarranted butchery particularly to the original 'werewolves of london' and 'sweet home alabama' that died and have had their very souls crushed in the head-on collision that is 'all summer long'. If you love rock don't buy it. If this is up your street I won't ever want your music collection.

Return to form!, 10 Aug 2008
I was a kind of fan of Kid Rock from Cowboy and Bawitdaba, sucked in by American Badass, and a convert by Cocky. Thought his last album was a touch weaker, but more grown up. Rock N Roll Jesus however is outstanding. I have to say, I think So Hott is one of the weaker efforts despite being the most like the American Badass era. Standout tracks, and evidence of his musical maturation, are All Summer Long, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus and Lowlife. Not a bad track on there! Buy it, hear it, love it!

Can we ban this in the UK? We aren't stupid enough surely?, 03 Aug 2008
Had the misfortune to listen to this album after a friend who doesn't have the internet asked me to buy it for them. I have a broad range of tastes from indie to hip hop, jazz, soul and some classical and this is easily the worst record I will have had the misfortune to hear in the last three years (the last time I had to listen to a Bon Jovi album)

At first me and my girlfriend were in howls of laughter at the lyrics which are truly embarassing. This would be OK if he had something musical to offer, but oh my god this is dire.

PEOPLE OF THE UK - you are not meant to be dumb burger chomping brain dead wrestling fans who like this tripe. We have no hillbillies here and don't need them. Do yourself a favour and avoid this utter S+++ in a basket



Fantastic, but a warning!, 28 Jul 2008
This album is great, Kid Rock has been a favourite for years, and this new album does not disappoint.
Be warned if you are new to Kid Rock and are considering this on the back of 'All Summer long' playing on the radio at the moment then please be warned, this album contains some VERY strong graphic language in the lyrics of a number of songs, especially track 5!

Ageless music, 14 Jul 2008
I have just got the box set recently, and have been enjoying it greatly. Not just that, my three daughters aged 9, 6 and 2 are great fans, and want to listen to it all the time in the car. And the two-year-old even says 'Rock' once she hears the first few bars of 'We will rock you'. Just goes on to show that Queen truly made ageless music, which still scores far above most contemporary music.

A triumph!, 29 Jun 2008
Every song is great and "Don't Stop me now" and "Save me" are especially good.Even my 14 year old son loves this set. I recommend this to any Queen Fan!

fabulous, 08 May 2008
i love every track in this box set! it's brilliant and a complete bargain. would definitely recommend it to people wanting to get some classics in their collection

One of the best, 03 Apr 2008
If this collection doesn't represent 5-star standard then nothing does, i understand that music is a personal experience but queen's music really does span all tastes and i've yet to meet anyone who's spoken a bad word against them. Freddie Mercury has been described by many and the best frontman of all time and there really is no arguement, his vocals are strong througout every song here and brian may's excellent guitar work is an added blessing. Not only is this collection full of great songs but it's also extremely good value. Music rarely gets better than this and maybe never will again.

Bow down to Rock Royalty!!, 27 Mar 2008
The best, most flamboyant, most spectacular, most amazing rock group ever!! Queen are just brilliant. In Freddie Mercury, they had a frontman who had it all. He could command the stage like no one else, had a voice that was so incredible, a style that was so unique, and a talent that can never be dimmed. Brian May is a guitar genius, able to make the instrument speak, and being a good vocalist in his own right. John Deacon is brilliant on bass, and Roger Taylor a diva on the drums, each member stamping his own individuality on the band. Their music is so intense, so haunting, so fantastic, so QUEEN!! This band are THE Royalty of Rock, and as such, deserve all the homage that is offerred to them. They rock,their music rocks, they certainly rock my world, and I'm sure that everyone who listens to them will find their own world rocked too. God Save Queen!!

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!


Soul Music for the Soulless, 28 Aug 2008
Kid Rock seems to belong to the growing number of 'artists' who have taken at least some of their inspiration from the blues and soul stars of the sixties, seventies, and earlier decades, only to miss the point. Is there some intended irony in the choice of title? Modern rhythm and blues grew out of the churches and church choirs of the South. Kid Rock seems to have as much moral or physical depth, as much connection with the blues, as a plate of cold chips.

This album is a mixture of misogyny, misanthropy, narcissism, and self-loathing, with no common thread other than Kid Rock's belief he has a talent that deserves to be heard and a need to get paid. Its not even as if the rock tracks rock that hard.

White soul music has been done better before. Save your money - if you really want to hear a white man sing the blues mixed with hip-hop and rock buy Whitey ford Sings the Blues by Everlast instead.

In the wrong category but not sure which one would suit, 16 Aug 2008
Please, you have got to be kidding about buying this. A new form of shock-rock where the 'artist' in this case can be accused of unwarranted butchery particularly to the original 'werewolves of london' and 'sweet home alabama' that died and have had their very souls crushed in the head-on collision that is 'all summer long'. If you love rock don't buy it. If this is up your street I won't ever want your music collection.

Return to form!, 10 Aug 2008
I was a kind of fan of Kid Rock from Cowboy and Bawitdaba, sucked in by American Badass, and a convert by Cocky. Thought his last album was a touch weaker, but more grown up. Rock N Roll Jesus however is outstanding. I have to say, I think So Hott is one of the weaker efforts despite being the most like the American Badass era. Standout tracks, and evidence of his musical maturation, are All Summer Long, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus and Lowlife. Not a bad track on there! Buy it, hear it, love it!

Can we ban this in the UK? We aren't stupid enough surely?, 03 Aug 2008
Had the misfortune to listen to this album after a friend who doesn't have the internet asked me to buy it for them. I have a broad range of tastes from indie to hip hop, jazz, soul and some classical and this is easily the worst record I will have had the misfortune to hear in the last three years (the last time I had to listen to a Bon Jovi album)

At first me and my girlfriend were in howls of laughter at the lyrics which are truly embarassing. This would be OK if he had something musical to offer, but oh my god this is dire.

PEOPLE OF THE UK - you are not meant to be dumb burger chomping brain dead wrestling fans who like this tripe. We have no hillbillies here and don't need them. Do yourself a favour and avoid this utter S+++ in a basket



Fantastic, but a warning!, 28 Jul 2008
This album is great, Kid Rock has been a favourite for years, and this new album does not disappoint.
Be warned if you are new to Kid Rock and are considering this on the back of 'All Summer long' playing on the radio at the moment then please be warned, this album contains some VERY strong graphic language in the lyrics of a number of songs, especially track 5!

Ageless music, 14 Jul 2008
I have just got the box set recently, and have been enjoying it greatly. Not just that, my three daughters aged 9, 6 and 2 are great fans, and want to listen to it all the time in the car. And the two-year-old even says 'Rock' once she hears the first few bars of 'We will rock you'. Just goes on to show that Queen truly made ageless music, which still scores far above most contemporary music.

A triumph!, 29 Jun 2008
Every song is great and "Don't Stop me now" and "Save me" are especially good.Even my 14 year old son loves this set. I recommend this to any Queen Fan!

fabulous, 08 May 2008
i love every track in this box set! it's brilliant and a complete bargain. would definitely recommend it to people wanting to get some classics in their collection

One of the best, 03 Apr 2008
If this collection doesn't represent 5-star standard then nothing does, i understand that music is a personal experience but queen's music really does span all tastes and i've yet to meet anyone who's spoken a bad word against them. Freddie Mercury has been described by many and the best frontman of all time and there really is no arguement, his vocals are strong througout every song here and brian may's excellent guitar work is an added blessing. Not only is this collection full of great songs but it's also extremely good value. Music rarely gets better than this and maybe never will again.

Bow down to Rock Royalty!!, 27 Mar 2008
The best, most flamboyant, most spectacular, most amazing rock group ever!! Queen are just brilliant. In Freddie Mercury, they had a frontman who had it all. He could command the stage like no one else, had a voice that was so incredible, a style that was so unique, and a talent that can never be dimmed. Brian May is a guitar genius, able to make the instrument speak, and being a good vocalist in his own right. John Deacon is brilliant on bass, and Roger Taylor a diva on the drums, each member stamping his own individuality on the band. Their music is so intense, so haunting, so fantastic, so QUEEN!! This band are THE Royalty of Rock, and as such, deserve all the homage that is offerred to them. They rock,their music rocks, they certainly rock my world, and I'm sure that everyone who listens to them will find their own world rocked too. God Save Queen!!

Stone Knot, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot are back, and they have, again, re-defined themselves. This time, they are more old school metal than ever, the "nu" prefix now eternally banished to the bowels of the 90s where it belongs. The album is stylistically a cross between the death metal influenced Iowa, the clean vocal hard rock of Stone Sour and the more experimental meets classic metal stylings of Vol III, oh, with a HELL of a lot more soloing from Mick & Jim!

Those who say this isn't the same as the angry Slipknot that recorded the debut Slipknot album are right, but miss the point; this band is 10 years older, to expect the band to have not matured in that time is naive and unrealistic. Mostly, the change is for the better - there is, and always has been, a LOT more to the band than just sheer anger, the quality of musicianship alone puts them above that. The whole 90s "No solos" mantra that Slipknot once espoused is as dated as the solos were that it rebelled against, so the decision to have solos is the correct one, whether SO MANY is debatable, though.

While the turntables and experimentalism are there, they are muted, and very much a second fiddle to the guitars and drums; while that is as it should be, considering the sheer quality of guitar playing and drumming, it does mean Slipknot lose some of their identity in the process. Sure, it could be argued that they have become "just another metal band", but they have become an EXCEEDINGLY GOOD metal band, something that there is absolutely no shame in being. Some of the material is a bit Stone Knot, with Corey singing much more clean vocal than previous Slipknot records, however Joey's awesome drumming keeps the adrenaline levels well above those of Stone Sour throughout proceedings.

Score-wise, this does fall slightly short of being a five star album, but I don't give 5 stars easily. The solos do become overbearing after a while, Mick and Jim really shine as clearly superb guitarists, but about halfway through the album, Malmsteenitis-fatigue sets in, some of the later solos don't really feel like add anything to the songs. The fatigue (to be fair, it's not just the solos, but general metal overdose, inevitable in albums so long as this) is dispelled near the end when the onslaught of pummelling metal makes way for mellower material, particularly the additional material on the special edition.

All in all, this is a very worthy addition to the Slipknot catalogue, several future Slipknot classics revealing themselves after a few listens; 4 stars well earned, the fifth elusively just out of grasp, but only just. A near essential metal purchase.

Where's my copy?, 28 Aug 2008
Are Amazon getting any more stock? I ordered this on Monday and still haven't had my copy. Want to make sure i definitely get one - so anyone know how limited it is?

Victim of their own success, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot's fourth album which is in places good, but Slipknot have seemed to lose their way and as consequence have not released anything that is in the same league as 'Wait and Bleed'. The whole aura of Slipknot was the masks, who are they? blah blah now they have been unmasked so all this mystery has gone hence the many side projects Murder Dolls and Stone Sour which have influenced Slipknots sound for the worse. Don't get me wrong Stone sour are great but lets keep the two separate. I think they are victims of their own success we all liked them because of the mystique and the different hard and frantic sound they were making now they are commercial and sellable and have suffered lets have another 'Wait and Bleed' guys!

A Slip-Up For Slipknot, 27 Aug 2008
Picture this.

At the southern edge of The Home Forest is a vast field of corn
stretching away to an uncertain horizon.

A dirt track winds its' way from who-knows-where to a small circle
of silver birch trees, marooned like an island, among the waves of
an undulating yellow sea.

At the centre of this stark enclave stands an old wooden barn.
Its' broken and bruised weather-bleached boards a testimony to
years of neglect.

The woodland creatures instinctively know this to be a bad place.
Badger, Fieldmouse, Raven, Bat or Wolf. None will go near it.

Sometimes at dusk we have seen shadows move fleetingly within and
around its' walls. Uncertain shapes. Half-heard gutteral whispers.

Slipknot's devotees have an innate empathic connection with The Dark Side.

It's good to be scared. It's fun to peer into the Heart Of Darkness
and see ourselves reflected there.

Slipknot have until now been good companions on this occasional journey.

I say "until now" because 'All Hope Is Gone' is a great disappointment.

The tried and tested formula (for formula, however worthy, is what it is)
is beginning to sound a bit tired.
The blisteringly fast machine-gun percussion; the twin-lead guitar volleys;
the shoutey-growley vocals.
We've heard it before and we've heard it done more convincingly.

'Vol.3 - The Submiminal Verses' delivered the goods in spades.

'Iowa' remains their tortured, twisted masterpiece.

There are, to be fair, some redeeming moments.
'Sulfur'; 'Butcher's Hook'; 'This Cold Black' and 'All Hope Is Gone'
all demonstrate Slipknot's continuing ability to throw out some
good dark energy....but it's slim pickings.

Mr Taylor seems to be experimenting at times with his sensitive side.
On the pitiful evidence of 'Snuff' and "bonus" track 'Child Of
Burning Time' he really should leave well alone.

More decline than development. More comfort-zone than risk-taking.
'All Hope Is Gone' bears witness to an erstwhile great band's
growing complacency, lack of focus and loss of vision.

Let us hope that execrable strains of 'Psychosocial' will not be their final legacy.










All hope is definitely gone , 26 Aug 2008
I love slipknot's first two albums pure energy and everything that made them unique, but this is just a sellout album and turning their backs on the old fans this is no heavier than madina lake or fall out boy. I find myself asking is this really slipknot? whilst i had my first full listen of the album they have just become any old band and lost all there unique brutal energy.

All hope is gone RIP Slipknot

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!


Soul Music for the Soulless, 28 Aug 2008
Kid Rock seems to belong to the growing number of 'artists' who have taken at least some of their inspiration from the blues and soul stars of the sixties, seventies, and earlier decades, only to miss the point. Is there some intended irony in the choice of title? Modern rhythm and blues grew out of the churches and church choirs of the South. Kid Rock seems to have as much moral or physical depth, as much connection with the blues, as a plate of cold chips.

This album is a mixture of misogyny, misanthropy, narcissism, and self-loathing, with no common thread other than Kid Rock's belief he has a talent that deserves to be heard and a need to get paid. Its not even as if the rock tracks rock that hard.

White soul music has been done better before. Save your money - if you really want to hear a white man sing the blues mixed with hip-hop and rock buy Whitey ford Sings the Blues by Everlast instead.

In the wrong category but not sure which one would suit, 16 Aug 2008
Please, you have got to be kidding about buying this. A new form of shock-rock where the 'artist' in this case can be accused of unwarranted butchery particularly to the original 'werewolves of london' and 'sweet home alabama' that died and have had their very souls crushed in the head-on collision that is 'all summer long'. If you love rock don't buy it. If this is up your street I won't ever want your music collection.

Return to form!, 10 Aug 2008
I was a kind of fan of Kid Rock from Cowboy and Bawitdaba, sucked in by American Badass, and a convert by Cocky. Thought his last album was a touch weaker, but more grown up. Rock N Roll Jesus however is outstanding. I have to say, I think So Hott is one of the weaker efforts despite being the most like the American Badass era. Standout tracks, and evidence of his musical maturation, are All Summer Long, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus and Lowlife. Not a bad track on there! Buy it, hear it, love it!

Can we ban this in the UK? We aren't stupid enough surely?, 03 Aug 2008
Had the misfortune to listen to this album after a friend who doesn't have the internet asked me to buy it for them. I have a broad range of tastes from indie to hip hop, jazz, soul and some classical and this is easily the worst record I will have had the misfortune to hear in the last three years (the last time I had to listen to a Bon Jovi album)

At first me and my girlfriend were in howls of laughter at the lyrics which are truly embarassing. This would be OK if he had something musical to offer, but oh my god this is dire.

PEOPLE OF THE UK - you are not meant to be dumb burger chomping brain dead wrestling fans who like this tripe. We have no hillbillies here and don't need them. Do yourself a favour and avoid this utter S+++ in a basket



Fantastic, but a warning!, 28 Jul 2008
This album is great, Kid Rock has been a favourite for years, and this new album does not disappoint.
Be warned if you are new to Kid Rock and are considering this on the back of 'All Summer long' playing on the radio at the moment then please be warned, this album contains some VERY strong graphic language in the lyrics of a number of songs, especially track 5!

Ageless music, 14 Jul 2008
I have just got the box set recently, and have been enjoying it greatly. Not just that, my three daughters aged 9, 6 and 2 are great fans, and want to listen to it all the time in the car. And the two-year-old even says 'Rock' once she hears the first few bars of 'We will rock you'. Just goes on to show that Queen truly made ageless music, which still scores far above most contemporary music.

A triumph!, 29 Jun 2008
Every song is great and "Don't Stop me now" and "Save me" are especially good.Even my 14 year old son loves this set. I recommend this to any Queen Fan!

fabulous, 08 May 2008
i love every track in this box set! it's brilliant and a complete bargain. would definitely recommend it to people wanting to get some classics in their collection

One of the best, 03 Apr 2008
If this collection doesn't represent 5-star standard then nothing does, i understand that music is a personal experience but queen's music really does span all tastes and i've yet to meet anyone who's spoken a bad word against them. Freddie Mercury has been described by many and the best frontman of all time and there really is no arguement, his vocals are strong througout every song here and brian may's excellent guitar work is an added blessing. Not only is this collection full of great songs but it's also extremely good value. Music rarely gets better than this and maybe never will again.

Bow down to Rock Royalty!!, 27 Mar 2008
The best, most flamboyant, most spectacular, most amazing rock group ever!! Queen are just brilliant. In Freddie Mercury, they had a frontman who had it all. He could command the stage like no one else, had a voice that was so incredible, a style that was so unique, and a talent that can never be dimmed. Brian May is a guitar genius, able to make the instrument speak, and being a good vocalist in his own right. John Deacon is brilliant on bass, and Roger Taylor a diva on the drums, each member stamping his own individuality on the band. Their music is so intense, so haunting, so fantastic, so QUEEN!! This band are THE Royalty of Rock, and as such, deserve all the homage that is offerred to them. They rock,their music rocks, they certainly rock my world, and I'm sure that everyone who listens to them will find their own world rocked too. God Save Queen!!

Stone Knot, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot are back, and they have, again, re-defined themselves. This time, they are more old school metal than ever, the "nu" prefix now eternally banished to the bowels of the 90s where it belongs. The album is stylistically a cross between the death metal influenced Iowa, the clean vocal hard rock of Stone Sour and the more experimental meets classic metal stylings of Vol III, oh, with a HELL of a lot more soloing from Mick & Jim!

Those who say this isn't the same as the angry Slipknot that recorded the debut Slipknot album are right, but miss the point; this band is 10 years older, to expect the band to have not matured in that time is naive and unrealistic. Mostly, the change is for the better - there is, and always has been, a LOT more to the band than just sheer anger, the quality of musicianship alone puts them above that. The whole 90s "No solos" mantra that Slipknot once espoused is as dated as the solos were that it rebelled against, so the decision to have solos is the correct one, whether SO MANY is debatable, though.

While the turntables and experimentalism are there, they are muted, and very much a second fiddle to the guitars and drums; while that is as it should be, considering the sheer quality of guitar playing and drumming, it does mean Slipknot lose some of their identity in the process. Sure, it could be argued that they have become "just another metal band", but they have become an EXCEEDINGLY GOOD metal band, something that there is absolutely no shame in being. Some of the material is a bit Stone Knot, with Corey singing much more clean vocal than previous Slipknot records, however Joey's awesome drumming keeps the adrenaline levels well above those of Stone Sour throughout proceedings.

Score-wise, this does fall slightly short of being a five star album, but I don't give 5 stars easily. The solos do become overbearing after a while, Mick and Jim really shine as clearly superb guitarists, but about halfway through the album, Malmsteenitis-fatigue sets in, some of the later solos don't really feel like add anything to the songs. The fatigue (to be fair, it's not just the solos, but general metal overdose, inevitable in albums so long as this) is dispelled near the end when the onslaught of pummelling metal makes way for mellower material, particularly the additional material on the special edition.

All in all, this is a very worthy addition to the Slipknot catalogue, several future Slipknot classics revealing themselves after a few listens; 4 stars well earned, the fifth elusively just out of grasp, but only just. A near essential metal purchase.

Where's my copy?, 28 Aug 2008
Are Amazon getting any more stock? I ordered this on Monday and still haven't had my copy. Want to make sure i definitely get one - so anyone know how limited it is?

Victim of their own success, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot's fourth album which is in places good, but Slipknot have seemed to lose their way and as consequence have not released anything that is in the same league as 'Wait and Bleed'. The whole aura of Slipknot was the masks, who are they? blah blah now they have been unmasked so all this mystery has gone hence the many side projects Murder Dolls and Stone Sour which have influenced Slipknots sound for the worse. Don't get me wrong Stone sour are great but lets keep the two separate. I think they are victims of their own success we all liked them because of the mystique and the different hard and frantic sound they were making now they are commercial and sellable and have suffered lets have another 'Wait and Bleed' guys!

A Slip-Up For Slipknot, 27 Aug 2008
Picture this.

At the southern edge of The Home Forest is a vast field of corn
stretching away to an uncertain horizon.

A dirt track winds its' way from who-knows-where to a small circle
of silver birch trees, marooned like an island, among the waves of
an undulating yellow sea.

At the centre of this stark enclave stands an old wooden barn.
Its' broken and bruised weather-bleached boards a testimony to
years of neglect.

The woodland creatures instinctively know this to be a bad place.
Badger, Fieldmouse, Raven, Bat or Wolf. None will go near it.

Sometimes at dusk we have seen shadows move fleetingly within and
around its' walls. Uncertain shapes. Half-heard gutteral whispers.

Slipknot's devotees have an innate empathic connection with The Dark Side.

It's good to be scared. It's fun to peer into the Heart Of Darkness
and see ourselves reflected there.

Slipknot have until now been good companions on this occasional journey.

I say "until now" because 'All Hope Is Gone' is a great disappointment.

The tried and tested formula (for formula, however worthy, is what it is)
is beginning to sound a bit tired.
The blisteringly fast machine-gun percussion; the twin-lead guitar volleys;
the shoutey-growley vocals.
We've heard it before and we've heard it done more convincingly.

'Vol.3 - The Submiminal Verses' delivered the goods in spades.

'Iowa' remains their tortured, twisted masterpiece.

There are, to be fair, some redeeming moments.
'Sulfur'; 'Butcher's Hook'; 'This Cold Black' and 'All Hope Is Gone'
all demonstrate Slipknot's continuing ability to throw out some
good dark energy....but it's slim pickings.

Mr Taylor seems to be experimenting at times with his sensitive side.
On the pitiful evidence of 'Snuff' and "bonus" track 'Child Of
Burning Time' he really should leave well alone.

More decline than development. More comfort-zone than risk-taking.
'All Hope Is Gone' bears witness to an erstwhile great band's
growing complacency, lack of focus and loss of vision.

Let us hope that execrable strains of 'Psychosocial' will not be their final legacy.










All hope is definitely gone , 26 Aug 2008
I love slipknot's first two albums pure energy and everything that made them unique, but this is just a sellout album and turning their backs on the old fans this is no heavier than madina lake or fall out boy. I find myself asking is this really slipknot? whilst i had my first full listen of the album they have just become any old band and lost all there unique brutal energy.

All hope is gone RIP Slipknot

HORNS UP 4 METALLICA.. ROLL ON SEPT 12TH!!, 23 Aug 2008
Okay 'Death Magnetic' the latest offering from Metal masters Metallica isn't out until Sept 12th BUT the two tracks released so far as previews are both staggeringly awesome efforts.

The two tracks, 'Cyanide' and 'The Day That Never Comes' currently available as online audio streams exclusively through the official Metallica website (See. Metallica.com & myspace.com/metallica) combine the best of the thrash metal sound that the more educated Metallica fans love and miss, with Metallica's equally popular and arguably more accessible brand of mid ninties post grunge rock and roll. While I cannot comment on the rest of the album until release, from what I have heard both tracks are a good blend of old and new, solos are back in being noticably absent from 2003's 'St Anger', the lyrics and vocals are of the usual high standard and the song structures are once again engaging featuring new and often surprising arrangements that will make you want to listen and listen some more:)

Produced with Rick Rubin (eg. Slayer, Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash) this is the first full length Metallica album recorded with new bassist Rob Trujllio and the first Metallica album in over a decade to be recorded without the input of producer Bob Rock, further this is the first full record to be recorded after Metallica frontman James Hetfield's dramatised rebirth from rehab as documented in the Metallica movie 'Some Kind of Monster'. The overall result is a over archingly fresh sounding Metallica.

While I will say the overall vibe does lean heavily towards the sound of their thrash metal glory days, the inclusion of elements from recent albums gives a real sense that there something to be enjoyed by fans of both eras while still being accessible enough to recruit new listeners.

But hey don't rely on my review. Go check the tracks out for yourself!!

See Metallica.com for the 'Day That Never Comes'and www.myspace.com/metallica for a live performance of Cyanide. Or alternatively you can just look the tracks up on Youtube;)

Possible extra content for the 'Limited Digipack Edition of Metallica's Death Magnetic' is as yet unconfirmed. What you can expect is a high quality audio cd with card based sleave and booklet. Extra content is confirmed for the online only 'Special Edition Death Magnetic Coffin Box Set'.

ROLL ON SEPTEMBER 12TH!!

See also: And Justice For All
Load

Called "the Black Album" by many (due to its monochrome cover), Metallica marks the group's entrance into the mainstream, with shorter songs, simpler song structures and slower tempos overall. That said, this is an excellent album, featuring some of the best songwriting Metallica has ever done. "Enter Sandman", "Wherever I May Roam" and "God That Failed", despite being slower and more groove-oriented than the band's earlier work, feature the same heavy riffs and heavier rhythms that have always been a feature of Metallica's music. The band goes introspective with "Unforgiven" and proves that they can write a ballad with "Nothing Else Matters", which succeeds better than one might expect. Overall, this is a high-energy album despite its laid-back approach and is in many ways superior to the previous ... And Justice for All, which was weakened by overly complicated song structures and mediocre production. --Genevieve Williams

Will it live up to it?, 28 Aug 2008
I don't see how the Black album is worth comparing anything to. It was the downfall of these dudes, go back further and you will find a much deeper band with a far more intense song structure. If this does sound like the Black album, I won't be buying it. I threw that cd out my car window after about 20mins, weakness indeed.

METAL MESSIAH'S, 28 Aug 2008
After the indifferent response to St Anger, Metallica return with an album which may become their strongest effort since 'The Black Album'.

If lead tracks 'The Day That Never Comes' and 'My Apocalypse' are anything to go by, this album will knock yer socks off.

The 5 stars are for the anticipation factor.

Will review in full next month.





Zero stars should be a special 'Nickelback option', 16 Aug 2008
Chad Kroeger is a song writing genious. Not, of course, for ANY of the right reasons, but because he has a truly remarkable ability to churn out some of the most pathetic songs ever recorded and still sell millions of records. For this he deserves credit - in the same way Hitler deserves credit for tricking Europe into allowing him to rise to power.

It is not an exxaggeration in any way to describe Nickelback as the worst band ever. Chad Kroeger is the most listener-insultingly abysmal lyricist that I have ever heard. Before you pre-pubescent fans jump to his defence, I have evidence, in the form of some lines from the album:

"She'd be pissed if she could see the parts of you that I've been kissing"

"It's just a little hard to leave/When you're going down on me"

Now, anyone Nickelback fans with any decency (ridiculous idea, I know) will be too embarrased to disagree with this. Don't worry though, kids - by your 12th birthday you'll have got over this band. It's easy, really. Just listen to more music. Because the reality is this: Nickelback are the perfect band for people who don't like music.

Absolutely Brilliant!, 07 Aug 2008
What a album!!! Ignore any bad reviews and believe what the majority of reviewers have said, this CD is truely a hard rock masterpiece and with every track a gem, you'll find yourself paying it over and over again.
"All the Right Reasons" is without a doubt one of Nickelback's best albums so far and worth a five star raiting for just "Rockstar" and "Photograph" alone. My other favourite songs here are "Next Contestant", "Side Of A Bullet", "If Everyone Cared" and "Far Away" but there isn't a track on here that I dislike, it's perfect!
Highly recommened!!

Rock Lives .... and is thriving., 14 Jul 2008
For those who, like me, grew up with the likes of Queen, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, it is indescribably good to hear rock that stands up with the best there has been and is able to look it square in the eye.

I could pontificate on the sheer raw energy of 'All the Wrong Reasons' and 'Next Contender', the deservedly popular 'Rockstar' or the subtle harmonies and just damn good music in 'Photograph', but really, you should just listen to it yourself. Not only is this great old-fashioned rock with good vocals in harmonic depth, it is beautifully balanced as an album between anthems, thrashy head-bangers and non-slushy ballads. To quote an oft-used phrase, it is all killer and no filler, any one of the tracks could be nailed into the Top-Ten.

I like this album ... a lot ... it's definitely one of the favourites and considering the company it keeps in my CD collection next to the affore-mentioned bands that is no mean achievement. This is the first Nickelback album I have heard, it most certainly won't be the last.

Soooooooo Bad, 12 Jul 2008
I cant believe how bad these guys are. I have NO respect for anyone who listens to this utter crap. It is soooooooooo bad. Listen to real music people. Nickelback have no talent, no writing skills, no redeeming features. THESE GUYS ARE SIMPLY TERRIBLE. THE MODERN EQUIVALENT TO THE OSMANS, ONLY NICKELBACK ARE PRETENDING TO BE A REAL BAND. THEY MAKE CRINGE. HORRIBLE. CRIME AGAINST MUSIC.

MMmmmmmm.....Cheesy!, 10 Jul 2008
Oh dear oh dear oh dear. This is just simply awful. Nickelback have absolutley no redeeming features whatsoever. ALL of their songs have always sounded the same, and there is no change here. This is just painfully dull. A few years back I myself fell into the Nickelback trap and bought 'Silver Side Up' on the back of 'How You Remind Me'. I was quite clearly deranged!!! 'All The Right Reasons' is somehow even worse than that nonsense! This is rock by numbers with the worst lyrics you will ever hear. Surely people can't take this bile seriously. The album ends up sounding like one very very very very long continuous plod. The same chords, the same sound, the same everything. The album goes nowhere and does nothing. It gives the listener nothing but a migraine and a feeling of nausea. Special mention for the awful 'Rockstar' which makes me cringe, and if I never hear it again it will be far too soon. Also 'Photograph' is just plain hilarious with it's mind numbing lyrics, "Look at this photograph, Everytime I do it makes me laugh, How did our eyes get so red, And what the hell is on Joey's head". Eh??????? It's hardly inspired is it. By the time you get to 'If Everyone Cared' you realise that you really don't! Nickelback are just embarrassing. Thankfully I didn't buy this tripe, I just had the misfortune to hear it. If you like music and have just one ounce of taste then avoid this at all costs!!!!


Soul Music for the Soulless, 28 Aug 2008
Kid Rock seems to belong to the growing number of 'artists' who have taken at least some of their inspiration from the blues and soul stars of the sixties, seventies, and earlier decades, only to miss the point. Is there some intended irony in the choice of title? Modern rhythm and blues grew out of the churches and church choirs of the South. Kid Rock seems to have as much moral or physical depth, as much connection with the blues, as a plate of cold chips.

This album is a mixture of misogyny, misanthropy, narcissism, and self-loathing, with no common thread other than Kid Rock's belief he has a talent that deserves to be heard and a need to get paid. Its not even as if the rock tracks rock that hard.

White soul music has been done better before. Save your money - if you really want to hear a white man sing the blues mixed with hip-hop and rock buy Whitey ford Sings the Blues by Everlast instead.

In the wrong category but not sure which one would suit, 16 Aug 2008
Please, you have got to be kidding about buying this. A new form of shock-rock where the 'artist' in this case can be accused of unwarranted butchery particularly to the original 'werewolves of london' and 'sweet home alabama' that died and have had their very souls crushed in the head-on collision that is 'all summer long'. If you love rock don't buy it. If this is up your street I won't ever want your music collection.

Return to form!, 10 Aug 2008
I was a kind of fan of Kid Rock from Cowboy and Bawitdaba, sucked in by American Badass, and a convert by Cocky. Thought his last album was a touch weaker, but more grown up. Rock N Roll Jesus however is outstanding. I have to say, I think So Hott is one of the weaker efforts despite being the most like the American Badass era. Standout tracks, and evidence of his musical maturation, are All Summer Long, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus and Lowlife. Not a bad track on there! Buy it, hear it, love it!

Can we ban this in the UK? We aren't stupid enough surely?, 03 Aug 2008
Had the misfortune to listen to this album after a friend who doesn't have the internet asked me to buy it for them. I have a broad range of tastes from indie to hip hop, jazz, soul and some classical and this is easily the worst record I will have had the misfortune to hear in the last three years (the last time I had to listen to a Bon Jovi album)

At first me and my girlfriend were in howls of laughter at the lyrics which are truly embarassing. This would be OK if he had something musical to offer, but oh my god this is dire.

PEOPLE OF THE UK - you are not meant to be dumb burger chomping brain dead wrestling fans who like this tripe. We have no hillbillies here and don't need them. Do yourself a favour and avoid this utter S+++ in a basket



Fantastic, but a warning!, 28 Jul 2008
This album is great, Kid Rock has been a favourite for years, and this new album does not disappoint.
Be warned if you are new to Kid Rock and are considering this on the back of 'All Summer long' playing on the radio at the moment then please be warned, this album contains some VERY strong graphic language in the lyrics of a number of songs, especially track 5!

Ageless music, 14 Jul 2008
I have just got the box set recently, and have been enjoying it greatly. Not just that, my three daughters aged 9, 6 and 2 are great fans, and want to listen to it all the time in the car. And the two-year-old even says 'Rock' once she hears the first few bars of 'We will rock you'. Just goes on to show that Queen truly made ageless music, which still scores far above most contemporary music.

A triumph!, 29 Jun 2008
Every song is great and "Don't Stop me now" and "Save me" are especially good.Even my 14 year old son loves this set. I recommend this to any Queen Fan!

fabulous, 08 May 2008
i love every track in this box set! it's brilliant and a complete bargain. would definitely recommend it to people wanting to get some classics in their collection

One of the best, 03 Apr 2008
If this collection doesn't represent 5-star standard then nothing does, i understand that music is a personal experience but queen's music really does span all tastes and i've yet to meet anyone who's spoken a bad word against them. Freddie Mercury has been described by many and the best frontman of all time and there really is no arguement, his vocals are strong througout every song here and brian may's excellent guitar work is an added blessing. Not only is this collection full of great songs but it's also extremely good value. Music rarely gets better than this and maybe never will again.

Bow down to Rock Royalty!!, 27 Mar 2008
The best, most flamboyant, most spectacular, most amazing rock group ever!! Queen are just brilliant. In Freddie Mercury, they had a frontman who had it all. He could command the stage like no one else, had a voice that was so incredible, a style that was so unique, and a talent that can never be dimmed. Brian May is a guitar genius, able to make the instrument speak, and being a good vocalist in his own right. John Deacon is brilliant on bass, and Roger Taylor a diva on the drums, each member stamping his own individuality on the band. Their music is so intense, so haunting, so fantastic, so QUEEN!! This band are THE Royalty of Rock, and as such, deserve all the homage that is offerred to them. They rock,their music rocks, they certainly rock my world, and I'm sure that everyone who listens to them will find their own world rocked too. God Save Queen!!

Stone Knot, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot are back, and they have, again, re-defined themselves. This time, they are more old school metal than ever, the "nu" prefix now eternally banished to the bowels of the 90s where it belongs. The album is stylistically a cross between the death metal influenced Iowa, the clean vocal hard rock of Stone Sour and the more experimental meets classic metal stylings of Vol III, oh, with a HELL of a lot more soloing from Mick & Jim!

Those who say this isn't the same as the angry Slipknot that recorded the debut Slipknot album are right, but miss the point; this band is 10 years older, to expect the band to have not matured in that time is naive and unrealistic. Mostly, the change is for the better - there is, and always has been, a LOT more to the band than just sheer anger, the quality of musicianship alone puts them above that. The whole 90s "No solos" mantra that Slipknot once espoused is as dated as the solos were that it rebelled against, so the decision to have solos is the correct one, whether SO MANY is debatable, though.

While the turntables and experimentalism are there, they are muted, and very much a second fiddle to the guitars and drums; while that is as it should be, considering the sheer quality of guitar playing and drumming, it does mean Slipknot lose some of their identity in the process. Sure, it could be argued that they have become "just another metal band", but they have become an EXCEEDINGLY GOOD metal band, something that there is absolutely no shame in being. Some of the material is a bit Stone Knot, with Corey singing much more clean vocal than previous Slipknot records, however Joey's awesome drumming keeps the adrenaline levels well above those of Stone Sour throughout proceedings.

Score-wise, this does fall slightly short of being a five star album, but I don't give 5 stars easily. The solos do become overbearing after a while, Mick and Jim really shine as clearly superb guitarists, but about halfway through the album, Malmsteenitis-fatigue sets in, some of the later solos don't really feel like add anything to the songs. The fatigue (to be fair, it's not just the solos, but general metal overdose, inevitable in albums so long as this) is dispelled near the end when the onslaught of pummelling metal makes way for mellower material, particularly the additional material on the special edition.

All in all, this is a very worthy addition to the Slipknot catalogue, several future Slipknot classics revealing themselves after a few listens; 4 stars well earned, the fifth elusively just out of grasp, but only just. A near essential metal purchase.

Where's my copy?, 28 Aug 2008
Are Amazon getting any more stock? I ordered this on Monday and still haven't had my copy. Want to make sure i definitely get one - so anyone know how limited it is?

Victim of their own success, 28 Aug 2008
Slipknot's fourth album which is in places good, but Slipknot have seemed to lose their way and as consequence have not released anything that is in the same league as 'Wait and Bleed'. The whole aura of Slipknot was the masks, who are they? blah blah now they have been unmasked so all this mystery has gone hence the many side projects Murder Dolls and Stone Sour which have influenced Slipknots sound for the worse. Don't get me wrong Stone sour are great but lets keep the two separate. I think they are victims of their own success we all liked them because of the mystique and the different hard and frantic sound they were making now they are commercial and sellable and have suffered lets have another 'Wait and Bleed' guys!

A Slip-Up For Slipknot, 27 Aug 2008
Picture this.

At the southern edge of The Home Forest is a vast field of corn
stretching away to an uncertain horizon.

A dirt track winds its' way from who-knows-where to a small circle
of silver birch trees, marooned like an island, among the waves of
an undulating yellow sea.

At the centre of this stark enclave stands an old wooden barn.
Its' broken and bruised weather-bleached boards a testimony to
years of neglect.

The woodland creatures instinctively know this to be a bad place.
Badger, Fieldmouse, Raven, Bat or Wolf. None will go near it.

Sometimes at dusk we have seen shadows move fleetingly within and
around its' walls. Uncertain shapes. Half-heard gutteral whispers.

Slipknot's devotees have an innate empathic connection with The Dark Side.

It's good to be scared. It's fun to peer into the Heart Of Darkness
and see ourselves reflected there.

Slipknot have until now been good companions on this occasional journey.

I say "until now" because 'All Hope Is Gone' is a great disappointment.

The tried and tested formula (for formula, however worthy, is what it is)
is beginning to sound a bit tired.
The blisteringly fast machine-gun percussion; the twin-lead guitar volleys;
the shoutey-growley vocals.
We've heard it before and we've heard it done more convincingly.

'Vol.3 - The Submiminal Verses' delivered the goods in spades.

'Iowa' remains their tortured, twisted masterpiece.

There are, to be fair, some redeeming moments.
'Sulfur'; 'Butcher's Hook'; 'This Cold Black' and 'All Hope Is Gone'
all demonstrate Slipknot's continuing ability to throw out some
good dark energy....but it's slim pickings.

Mr Taylor seems to be experimenting at times with his sensitive side.
On the pitiful evidence of 'Snuff' and "bonus" track 'Child Of
Burning Time' he really should leave well alone.

More decline than development. More comfort-zone than risk-taking.
'All Hope Is Gone' bears witness to an erstwhile great band's
growing complacency, lack of focus and loss of vision.

Let us hope that execrable strains of 'Psychosocial' will not be their final legacy.










All hope is definitely gone , 26 Aug 2008
I love slipknot's first two albums pure energy and everything that made them unique, but this is just a sellout album and turning their backs on the old fans this is no heavier than madina lake or fall out boy. I find myself asking is this really slipknot? whilst i had my first full listen of the album they have just become any old band and lost all there unique brutal energy.

All hope is gone RIP Slipknot

HORNS UP 4 METALLICA.. ROLL ON SEPT 12TH!!, 23 Aug 2008
Okay 'Death Magnetic' the latest offering from Metal masters Metallica isn't out until Sept 12th BUT the two tracks released so far as previews are both staggeringly awesome efforts.

The two tracks, 'Cyanide' and 'The Day That Never Comes' currently available as online audio streams exclusively through the official Metallica website (See. Metallica.com & myspace.com/metallica) combine the best of the thrash metal sound that the more educated Metallica fans love and miss, with Metallica's equally popular and arguably more accessible brand of mid ninties post grunge rock and roll. While I cannot comment on the rest of the album until release, from what I have heard both tracks are a good blend of old and new, solos are back in being noticably absent from 2003's 'St Anger', the lyrics and vocals are of the usual high standard and the song structures are once again engaging featuring new and often surprising arrangements that will make you want to listen and listen some more:)

Produced with Rick Rubin (eg. Slayer, Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash) this is the first full length Metallica album recorded with new bassist Rob Trujllio and the first Metallica album in over a decade to be recorded without the input of producer Bob Rock, further this is the first full record to be recorded after Metallica frontman James Hetfield's dramatised rebirth from rehab as documented in the Metallica movie 'Some Kind of Monster'. The overall result is a over archingly fresh sounding Metallica.

While I will say the overall vibe does lean heavily towards the sound of their thrash metal glory days, the inclusion of elements from recent albums gives a real sense that there something to be enjoyed by fans of both eras while still being accessible enough to recruit new listeners.

But hey don't rely on my review. Go check the tracks out for yourself!!

See Metallica.com for the 'Day That Never Comes'and www.myspace.com/metallica for a live performance of Cyanide. Or alternatively you can just look the tracks up on Youtube;)

Possible extra content for the 'Limited Digipack Edition of Metallica's Death Magnetic' is as yet unconfirmed. What you can expect is a high quality audio cd with card based sleave and booklet. Extra content is confirmed for the online only 'Special Edition Death Magnetic Coffin Box Set'.

ROLL ON SEPTEMBER 12TH!!

See also: And Justice For All
Load


BASS AND DRUMS BIGGER AND HEAVIER THAN CLOVERFIELD!!!, 24 Aug 2008
Whilst not in the same class as Ride The lightning or Master Of Puppets, this is still a very good album - probably the best place for Hard Rock/Standard Metal fans to make a jump to something heavier (although I wouldn't label this as Thrash).
90% of this album is down to production - in 1991 it was THE best I had ever heard for any Metal album, and 17 years later it still sets a standard. The snare drum and bass guitar tone are awesome; the perfect balance of power and clarity, just listen to Sad But True for the sheer weight of it. It's certainly the best place to hear Jason Newsted's work with Metallica - the bass lines are not very adventurous but it's all about the tone and the groove (If you want to hear Jason do what he was never allowed to do with Metallica, then I strongly recommend Flotsam & Jetsam's 1986 album, Doomsday For The Deceiver, where Jason cut his teeth - fast, heavy, Steve Harris style lines!).
Guitars are clean, simple but strong riffs, highly melodic solos, and a polished vocal from Hetfield.
This isn't ultra heavy, or progressive like the mid '80s albums, but it's a vast improvement over the awkward, and poorly produced And Justice For All release. Credit must go to Bob Rock for this who was probably the hottest Rock producer at the time (Motley Crue, The Cult).
This album even includes the band's first work with Michael Kamen who masterminded the subtle orchestration on monster ballad Nothing Else Matters. Kamen would work with the band a few years later for Classical/Metal crossover release, the epic S&M live album.
Highlights: Enter Sandman, Sad But True, Holier Than Thou (for the bass!),
Nothing Else Matters, The God That Failed, The Struggle Within (the closest track to speed/thrash, with VERY heavy mid section).
The only reason, I wont give 5 stars is the songwriting is bit too commercial and mid tempo at times (anyone who has heard the likes of Call Of Ktulu or Orion will know what I mean). Indeed, I think fans of Nickelback would like this as it sounds similiar, albeit a lot heavier/darker than the Canadians.
Play VERY loud, and if Death Magnetic is as good as this, then it's job done! 3rd best studio album for me after MOP and RTL, amd much better than AJFA or the misguided St Anger. Also strongly recommend S&M, and maybe even Garage Inc...

Metallica at their best, 21 Aug 2008
Before and after this album Metallica released some great stuff but this is the album where it all came together nicely!

Some of my favourite Metallica tracks are included on this album, e.g. Enter Sandman, Sad But True, The Unforgiven and above all Nothing Else Matters. But the rest of the tracks aren't bad either ... in fact this is one of those rare albums where I can honestly say doesn't include a poor song.

17 years after its release (God, that makes me feel really old) this album still sounds fresh and is still a good yard stick against which to measure other metal albums.

Well worth it, 18 Aug 2008
This is perhaps Metallica's most accessible work, and for fans of less heavy, Hard Rock bands such as Motley Crue or Guns N Roses, serves as a good introduction to Metallica. It is certainly not their best or most impressive work technically, but it is still a great album well worth owning.

With this album Metallica moved from Thrash Metal to a simpler sound, that is more commercial and accessible. Many songs from 'And Justice For All' would not be appreciated by the average listener, but the more melodic and better produced tracks on 'Metallica' are very radio friendly.

The production is a step up from previous albums, with the bass especially being more prominent. Similarly the drums sound a lot better than in previous albums. The guitars sound weak in some places though, somewhat drowned by vocals and drums. However the overall sound is impressive. With 'Nothing Else Matters' and 'The Unforgiven' Metallica have produced two incredibly rich and layered ballads, that are two of the best tracks on the album.

However unlike previous albums not every song is as strong as 'Enter Sandman' or 'Sad But True'. Tracks such as 'Through the Never' and 'Don't Tread on Me' don't sound rushed, and seem to be acting as filler. Despite this, it is definitely a must have album.


Rocking Hard or Hardly Rocking?, 30 Jul 2008
Rocking Hard or Hardly Rocking?

Like a retard chasing a hot dog on a stick, Metallica went *gasp* commercial! This shouldn't really be a shock anymore, the metal world has indeed been watching the band struggle and flail about to get their bloated alcoholic bellies into the latest threads for the last fifteen years or so. But it's still quite a long way from the young, hungry and lean thrash savagery of `Kill `E