Ed Kowalczyk - Alive
Rating
RIYL
LiveCreed
Daughtry
Release Date
07/07/2010
Label
SonyTracklist
"Drive""The Great Beyond"
"Grace"
"Stand"
"Drink (Everlasting Love)"
"Zion"
"In Your Light"
"Just in Time"
"Rome"
"Soul Whispers"
"Fire on the Mountain"
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Want Ed Kowalczyk's new album, Alive, in as short a review as possible? Here you go:
Yes, that seems like a rather low blow, I know. Don't think I lump every single musician who sings about their religion, more particularly Christianity, as a bunch of Creed-esque Jesus freaks either. On the contrary, I can attest to being a huge supporter of bands that were more open about their beliefs out of the gates, but this dribble is just an abomination to all the things that Ed Kowalczyk used to represent. Live, the band that Ed had fronted since the late 80s, used to be a respectable outfit that managed to garner varying amounts of radio success while still walking a bit off the beaten path. Back then through to the 00s, Ed's lyrics were arguably some of the better written spiritual messages without needing to be “dumbed down.” He was known to throw out a biting line or two that showcased both boldness and wit on a number of theological subjects. Alive, however, is as straightforward a radio friendly, heavy-handed “praise” album as you'll find on the charts.
I will admit that I actually DID enjoy listening to two of the disc's later tracks, “Rome” and “Soul Whispers,” more than I did most all of Live's last two albums. Take those two pieces out of the equation and I think Muzak (or Kenny G for that matter) has grounds to sue Ed over his usage of the “tepid, sleepy-time doctor's office music” that they're known for. It bears mentioning that Ed's voice is still stellar; he's got pipes to spare, in fact. That's about where my compliments end for 90% of the album. Each song sounds like he hired some run of the mill group of musicians to come in and play what they figured the next Daughtry song would sound like (a man who, by the way, did cowrite the song “Drink” with Kowalczyk). There's nothing exemplary about the writing, in music or lyrics, that you wouldn't expect to hear from the same pool of writers that put together the latest “American Idol” anthem.
Let's focus on the two positive's for a moment, then. “Rome” is a song that features Kowalczyk's bellow in a ghostly form I've not heard for some time. The chorus is incredibly catchy with a passionate “umph” that proves the singer still has it in him to transcend the accompanying radio-schlock that came eight songs prior. “Soul Whispers” isn't terribly innovative musically, and while I've called this a huge detractor for much of the other tracks, he's able to bring enough soul to this song to put it back in the “good zone.” It actually conveys a wanting or a downright need in his voice. I would happily sing the praises of this album if the rest could sound as good as these two songs and the message felt equally as genuine.
I could drone on about every other song's flaccidity, but it'd be a waste of both my and your time. Dear reader, if you find yourself happy to take whatever the modern pop/rock stations feed you happily, then you might've found a gold mine. The messages are positive enough, so you can even listen to it in the mini-van with the children around. You won't be caught off guard by a hidden innuendo when you mention a particular song whilst sitting at the water cooler either – it's all pretty well spelled out. If you, dear reader, like to have your brain challenged, your ears given a workout, the nebula of your brain that enjoys complex musical arrangements enjoys being rubbed, or you simply would like to hear something new – keep on walking, friend. Your train doesn't stop here, and if it does, it's merely to use the bathroom and move along.
--Jeremy Deal
Comments
Minnesota
You were way more generous in your description of this album than I would be. I felt sick after listening to the album. I love Live (even their weaker later albums) so I figured even if this was only mediocre I 'd still tolerate and like it. Not the case. I will never listen to this again it is so hideously bad. Every song (even the two you note as being decent) is a chore to listen to and one let down after another. This is a sad, sad album.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
hahaha.... well the only thing that kept me from giving it half a star is realizing there, sadly, IS a market for this out there... those people that happily swallow up whatever crap radio puts in front of them, they'd most likely LOVE this album. I'm not going to be surprised to see it sell moderately well if it's placed strategically in the media. Ed still have a good voice - that's its only positive note, but I tried to look objectively at it... the fanboy in me wanted to give it a half star, that's for darn sure. Wouldn't have pegged you for a longtime Live fan though, good to know!
"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against
Minnesota
I do listen to more than European death metal, doom, post-rock, and hardcore :-) Just not as often.
I got into Live in high school with Throwing Copper (who didn't get into them with that album), but I ended up falling in love with Secret Samhadi. "Lakini's Juice" must have been played a bajillion times in my car driving to and from school. And I just stuck with them mostly because they did do something slightly different than most other radio rock bands and I loved Ed's voice. I think those are the same reasons I really also enjoyed Our Lady Peace--they were radio rock, but just different enough to stand out.
Find me EVERYWHERE:
I think we're quite on the same page here... Secret Samadhi (or secret sodomy as I asked for it at the record store, where no one caught the joke... oh my high school wise cracking self *frowny face*) was genius... it remains their best work in my eyes... Heropsychodreamer was just the bee's knees. I also agree on Our Lady Peace, poppy, but respectfully doing their own thing. Hell, for a while I kinda felt that way about most of Fuel's music till Brett Scallions left.
"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against
Spokane, Washington
those three members of Creed just wish they could get away from that name.
Current Listenings:
7 Horns 7 Eyes - "Throes of Absolution"
Horse Feathers - "Cynic's New Year"
Andrew Bird - "Break It Yourself"
Sigur Ros - "Valtari"
Rocky Votolato - "Television of Saints"
Janus - "Nox Aeris"
Blues Traveler - "25"
I can not believe, that one of the guys involved in one of the best albums of the 90's (Secret Samadhi) could release this crap.
Rusty - you should TOTALLY dig the new Gracious Few album though... I'm quite happy with it, though it's way more Candlebox/Kevin Martin in sound than it is Live... it's still quite good. Very much from mine & your favorite Seattle band sounds.
"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against
Illinois
haha i love how when you scroll over this on accident a huge picture of creed pops up.
last.fm/user/tragedyl0ve
twitter.com/1000cleverlines
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you're welcome :)
"These are our lives, but did they ever even matter - are we worth remembering?"
- "Tip The Scales"
Rise Against