Crossfade Album: “Falling Away”

THE BAND: Ed Sloan (lead vocals, guitar), Mitch James (bass), James Branham (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (2006) 11 tracks clocking in at just under 40 minutes. Included with the disc is a 4-page foldout containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, band photos, and than you's. Recorded at Superstar Studios, West Columbia, SC. Label - Columbia.

COMMENTS: Judging by the lack of reviews here on Amazon, Crossfade's popularity is waning. Outside of the occasional "Cold" from their 2004 debut, and a quick run of "Invincible" from this album when it was first released in August '06... I'm not hearing Crossfade on the radio. The problem here is... the songs are down-right average. The players are competent, but the melodies just aren't memorable. The other issue is there are too many bands putting out the same style of music... but, with better tunes (out of the group listed above, Breaking Benjamin is probably the best). With that being said, there are some decent songs here - the opener "Washing The World Away", the semi-hit "Invincible", the moderate rocker "Breathing Slowly", and the piano ballad closer "Never Coming Home". Crossfade's debut was better, but not by much (at least it had one full fledged hit). "Falling Away" is a tamer group of songs - an average album that meets and occasionally exceeds expectations (2.5 stars).

When I listen to this album, and then listen to their debut songs like "No Giving Up", "Starless", "Cold" "Death Trend Setta" I just cannot embrace this album at all. No, I personally don't believe its because the band lost a member. I think Crossfade is obviously one of those bands who without a record label breathing down their necks, makes this great debut album when just getting signed before they come in and tell them what to do. However, Crossfade to be is one of those bands who after getting popular and making some money, becomes lazy and puts this pitiful effort into their follow-up album. There is just something missing in this album, and I don't think I can think of the words to describe it but this album just isn't as catchy as the first one. "Falling Away", what an appropriate title for this album because if they keep this up, they will be "falling away."

After listening to this cd, I would say it's definetly not what I expected. We are all use to they're catchy head banging rock melody from the first cd, but in this cd I fell asleep just out of straight boredom just listening to the melody. Now the reason I gave them a two stars is maybe one or two songs that are decently good other than that I give 1 star to all the other songs. If you are looking for the band that has replaced Crossfade look up Evans Blue you won't be disappointed.

I thought this CD would be one listen at the library and then I would go buy it sometime. Wrongo! This release is nothing like the intelligent hard core slams of the self-titled album, the chord progressions are boring and the opening track is the only good one. This is definitely a disappointment; one of the worst releases of the year with certainty. Absolutely don't buy this if you liked the hits "Cold" and "Colors" from the other album, because no songs on here are like that.

I bought CrossFades first album and thought it was crap. I listened o it for a while and it started to grow on me, so i did the same thing for this album. to really enjoy this album I recommend taking a random track and putting it in with a play list of other like music. Instantly tracks like: Somebody, invincible, anchor, and falling away click. Don't expect Led Zeppelin 4 or something. The cd is well rounded with unique vocals and very well applied bridges. So forget the other reviews, pick this up and give it time and you will find it in your top 10 rotation.