I was disappointed when I heard that Creed had broken up because their music was very good (whatever may be said about some of the distractions with either their popularity or "good guy" image). When I heard that the "band" and Stapp would each be coming out with new albums, I was eager to hear what they had to offer. Whatever the future may hold for Stapp, and I am not terribly optimistic, Alter Bridge's "One Day Remains" is simply a phenomenal rock record.
The new lead singer, Myles Kennedy, is a top-quality vocalist. I think that was a problem with Creed. I enjoyed Stapp's lyrics - I found them deeply emotional, personal, and meaningful. But Stapp was not a remarkable vocal talent. He had the baritone sound embraced in the 90's and 00's, but he was not a powerful singer. He was better in the studio where he could get help. Often his live vocals were subpar. He didn't have much range. Goodness knows the same cannot be said for Kennedy. He has a tremendous voice. His range is out of this world. He is a fantastic lead for the band. I read some other reviewers complaining about his "ohs" and the like. I actually find it appealing that, as the others play their instruments, he uses his voice in similar fashion. That seems like what being a vocalist is all about (not that he doesn't play guitar as well).
Aside from the vocals, Tremonti's guitar has never sounded better. The same can be said for the rest of the guys. While the lyrics are very good, I do feel they are a little weaker than Stapp's. Nonetheless I think Tremonti did quite well in his own right.
The band recorded a good balance of hard rocking tunes and more melodic pieces (which are often my favorites: "Open Your Eyes", "Down to My Last", "Shed My Skin", and "The End is Near"). Whether as Creed or Alter Bridge, these guys have a gift for creating catchy tunes. All the tracks are quite good. I didn't feel anything was just thrown in. Of course, as with any music, we all have our tastes and some will appeal more than others.
I heartily encourage you to give it a listen. It is a great record.
I bought this CD the day it came out, and have been hooked ever since! Mark, Flip, Brian, and Myles have amazing chemistry when they are up on stage or not. I have no doubt that you'll be disappointed with this CD!!!!! Check out www.alterbridgeband.net!!!
This is one of the best rock CDs that I own. I have been following Alter Bridge since I heard that Creed broke up in June. I can tell you that Creed was and still is one of my favorite bands. However, Alter Bridge stands alone by themselves. I am amazed at how well Mark can play guitar. I thought that he was excellent already, but this album proves that he has topped himself. I also think Myles has an excellent range and voice, but some of the "ooos" and high notes can be anoying at times. I admit, it took me a while to get used to the singer, being that three of the guys were in Creed and I am used to Scott Stapp's voice. There is not a song on here that I do not like. Highly recommended.
I never heard of Alter Bridge until a buddy of mine gave it to me for my Bday recently. Wow! Now, that I've listened to it. I can't stop.
The sound is tight and it's a good return to a real rock-and-roll type of sound, even with great guitar solos!
The lead singer can hit just about every note imaginable and pull them off perfectly.
The whole album is great but tracks 7-10 are outstanding. If you like rock and you are looking for something new or to try something new, give this album a shot. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I'll admit, I was a bit skeptical of how this band would work, as the most memorable part of Creed had always been the vocals. Sure, Scott Stapp is not an especially strong vocalist, the studio does a good job of cleaning up his voice and covering up the weaknesses. In fact, Stapp is notorious for giving some of the worst live performanes in the past 10 year, including one time where a vast majority of the audience asked for their money back. Fortunately, however, Alter Bridge had put together an exremely pleasing album. Myles Kennedy's voice has grown on me, and Mark Tremonti puts on a guitar clinic. Some of his solo's are absolutely execeptional.
The songs:
Find the Real -- A strong opening track which gives the listener a good impression of how this album is going to go: Kennedy shows off his range, while Tremonti shows how capable of a guitarist he really is. The drumming fits in perfectly with the guitar, although the bass is a bit lost in the mix. 5/5
One Day Remains -- The title track is just as strong as the opening track. Kennedy's range has increased even further. Also, the bass is used perfectly. This is one of the best tracks on the album. 5/5
Open Your Eyes -- The album is still going strong with "Open Your Eyes". Kennedy's voice is fairly calm until the very end of the song, when it really explodes. The lyrics are a little repetitive, which is Alter Bridge's biggest problem on this album. Also, a good thirty seconds of the song is devoted to Kennedy going "ooooooooooh" over and over again. If the time was cut in half, it would fit in nicely, but the song picks up again after some nice guitar. 4.5/5
Burn it Down -- This track showcases what is probably the best lyrics on the album. The vocals, for the most part, are very dull, and the percussions are quite repetitive. The backup vocals, which usually fit well with Kennedy, are grating here. 3.5/5
Metalingus -- "Metalingus" is my favorite song on the album. Kennedy's vocals are so strong here and his range is truly exceptional. The bass is at its strongest here, and the guitars and drums fit perfectly. The song is by far the most energetic on the album and can really excite the listener, especially when the drums kick in heavy. 5/5
Broken Wings -- This song provides a good variety. For the most part, its very calm, even dull. Yet when the chorus comes, the vocals and instrumentals explode. This song features the strongest lyrics so far. 4.5/5
In Loving Memory -- By far the softest song on the album, "In Loving Memory" is probably the song off this album you'd most likely find on a Creed album. The vocals drag a bit, but as with the previous track, the song picks up during the chorus, before falling down again. It's a nice change of pace. 3.5/5
Down to My Last -- An even better change of pace, back to the more intense music of the first few tracks. The song also features the best guitar solo on the album, which is absolutely tremendous. The song is well written and all of the instruments are great. 5/5
Watch Your Words -- "Watch Your Words" is my least favorite song on the album. The vocals drag, and the guitars and lyrics are rather uninspiried. It isnt a bad song, by any means, but it does stand out as being the worst song on the album. 3/5
Shed My Skin -- Fortunately, the album recovers right here with a great tune. Everything is just right on this song and there is absolutely no room for complaint... perfect vocals, nice guitary, strong drums and poignant bass and lyrics. 5/5
The End is Here -- The closing track sums up this album nicely. It also features one of the cachiest set of lyrics I've heard in awhile. It's unfortunate that this is the last song, but at least Alter Bridge goes out with a bang. 4.5/5
Overall, this is a very good album. The vocals and guitar are exceptional and the bass and percussion fit perfectly. It's apparent that the three ex-Creed members have more talent than their former band allowed them to show. My biggest complaint is that there are only 11 tracks. Fortunately, the album still clocks in around 50 minutes. Still, it would be nice on the next release to see a couple more tracks.
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