Disco de 12 Stones: “Anthem For the Underdog”

12 Stones are, for whatever reason, one of those bands that has seemed to fly under the radar of popularity over the course of the past five years or so. Sure, frontman Paul McCoy made a guest appearance on the Evanescence's hit single "Bring Me To Life," and the band had a couple small hits of its own in the forms of "Broken" and "Far Away" (from their 2002 self-titled release and 2004's "Potter's Field," respectively) but aside from that these guys never seemed to really get the credit they deserve. Enter "Anthem for the Underdog," their third studio release, where I believe all of that will finally start to change.

With past efforts, 12 Stones have been accused of writing songs that "all sound the same" or that "try to sound too much like Creed." Personally, I never really understood where the Creed comparisons came from, aside from the fact that 12 Stones are on Creed's former label, Wind-Up records. Paul McCoy's vocals are distinctly different from and more melodic than anything ex-Creed frontman Scott Stapp ever tried, and I honestly don't see too many similarities musically. As far as similar-sounding songs are concerned, I agree to an extent but I also believe that this isn't necessarily a bad thing and that each song on the band's prior albums have enough identity to stand out on its own. With this release, 12 Stones have taken everything that made them a great band on previous efforts (powerful vocals, searing guitars, a forceful rhythm section, and inspiring lyrics) and turned up the intensity. Drawing from both the aggressive nü-metalish sound of their self-titled debut and the more melodic alt-metal of "Potter's Field," "Anthem for the Underdog" represents the best of both worlds in my opinion. To the careful listener, it is quite obvious that the band has done a lot of growing and maturing since "Potter's Field" was released 3 years ago.

The opening/title track of the CD is classic 12 Stones, and musically to me sounds somewhat like the track "Open Your Eyes" from their debut. First single "Lie To Me" comes next, a song which in my opinion is the band's best single released to date. "Broken Road," a beautiful song that the band co-wrote with Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame, comes next and easily earns its place as one of the best "ballads" the band has ever recorded. "Adrenaline" follows; this is the song that the band opened their set with when I went to see them perform as an opening act for Daughtry three nights ago. Definitely got the crowd on their feet and into a frenzy. "It Was You" is another beautiful ballad ranking right up there with "Broken Road." Lyrically, I believe this song to be about the faith that the band members have in God and how that faith has helped them to become what they are in life.

"This Dark Day" tackles the issue of substance abuse/addiction and the joy that is brought to one's life once it is overcome. "World So Cold," not to be confused with the Mudvayne song of same name, is absolutely spine-chilling. As mentioned on this CD's main page, this track was used as background music for a YouTube video commemorating those whose lives were lost in the senseless Virginia Tech massacre, and it's definitely an appropriate song for this purpose. "Arms of a Stranger" and "Hey Love," which boasts a classic Southern-rock flair, follow up and are two heartfelt songs that definitely do not disappoint. The album is rounded out by another love-gone-awry song called "Games You Play," and closes with an awe-inspiring acoustic version of "Lie To Me."

Some may complain about the length of this release, being only 11 tracks long and clocking in at just under 39 minutes. But the way I see it, when you've got music of this quality and caliber, how long the record is quickly becomes a non-issue. 12 Stones have truly stepped up their game and improved upon every aspect of their sound with "Anthem for the Underdog," and I'd truly be surprised if their next release can top this one.

12 Stones have finally picked up the pace with "Anthem for the Underdog". Unlike "Potters Field", AFTU actually has a new sound to it. Even though "Potters Field" was a great album, it just didn't sound like the boys had changed their music after their first self-titled album. But here, it's changed.

"Anthem for the Underdog" right away sounds amazing. They certainly have done their homework, and it shows with every song on the CD. Even the acoustic version of "Lie To Me" is a great listen. Paul McCoy's voice has certainly taken several steps forward, which is very apparent. And with the improvements in the guitar riffs and solos, this is a beautiful piece of work.

All in all, there is nothing negative to say about this album. It's short, to the point, and it sounds great. Job well done guys. Job well done!

Love the lyrics of this CD. The deliverance of the lyrics and the voice of the leadman have made this band one of my favorites. So glad I own it!

I discovered this band while listening to Pandora and Lie To Me came on. I was instantly hooked and loved the other songs. The whole CD is great.

When I first approached ANTHEM FOR THE UNDERDOG, I had no idea what to expect from it. It turns out that this album is among one of my favorite albums of all time. The album is 12 STONES at their best, featuring amazing songs such as THIS DARK DAY, my favorite song on the album, GAMES YOU PLAY, IT WAS YOU, LIE TO ME (and its acoustic counterpart), and ARMS OF A STRANGER. The sole tune that I think is not up to the album's standards is HEY LOVE, which, while having a decent southern sound, has a forgettable melody and a boring guitar solo. Other than that small misstep, 12 Stones' third outing is not only their best work yet, but the best album of 2007, and one of my personal favorite albums of all time.

Rating: 5 stars/5 stars