Disco de Hoobastank: “Every Man For Himself [Limited]”

Like many people, if you say the name “Hoobastank”, I automatically start humming their huge 2004 hit single “The Reason”. For those in the know, “Every Man for Himself” is in fact the group’s third studio album, following the self-titled album in 2001 and of course “The Reason” two years later.

The track on this album that comes closest to the made-for-radio appeal of the aforementioned hit would be the single “If I Were You”, a ballad with simple lyrics but a lot of emotion:

“If I were you

holding the world right in my hands

the first thing I'd do

is thank the stars for all that I have

if I were you”

For rock fans, the tracks for you are “Born to Lead”, “Inside of You”, “Without a Fight”, and “Look Where We Are”, and if you’re a power ballad lover, you just have to hear “Moving Forward”, “The First of Me”, “Good Enough”, “Don’t Tell Me”, “Say The Same”, “If Only” (great song – hope they make it a single) and “More Than a Memory”.

If you were lucky enough to get the two bonus tracks, “Finally Awake” is a driving rock performance and while “Waiting” is a little softer, it’s also very good.

Almost an hour long, this is another CD worth collecting.

Amanda Richards, May 16, 2006

After seeing Hoobastank perform "Inside Of You" on the Tonight Show a little while back, I ran out and snagged this album. I didn't even do my usual fiddling around with previewing the other tracks on the net, I just had to have it. What a fantastic album it is!

There isn't a single song on this album that I dislike, which is more than I can say for most albums I've bought over the years. Some of the offerings are rather weak - I personally do not care much for "Moving Forward" and "First Of Me." They're not bad songs, but they're nothing special and not ones I go out of my way to listen to. The rest of the tracks range from very good to downright awesome. In the latter category are songs like "If I Were You" and "Born To Lead" (which has strong resonance with me, having been on the other side of the military fence for a while).

Perhaps the best song on the album is "More Than A Memory", which has an almost heart-wrenchingly beautiful quality to it. It is clear that this song was not merely written - it was created, sculpted, fine-tuned, and lovingly put together. This is truly a standout track, with the flourishes of accordion backing the guitar and other instruments, raising the music to very emotional levels. "More Than A Memory" is one of those rare songs that transcends mere music to communicate images, feelings, and thoughts.

If you buy "Every Man For Himself", you will not be disappointed. For fans of rock, there is truly something for "every man" on this CD. Sure, my personal pick ("More Than A Memory") will not be topping the radio charts anytime soon, because it's far too deep and high-quality for the lame popular radio stations. But there's also plenty of standard rock hits on here that will satisfy just about anyone.

Recommended, no matter who you are!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this album. I remember when I first heard The Reason and I didn't feel it was as good as the first one. None of the songs seem to linger, and it took me a couple of listens for it to finally grow on me.

With this new album I was completely blown away. First listen I was immediately into all the songs. There isn't one song I don't like on this CD. Of course I do have some that I like more than others, like "If Only" and "More Than a Memory". I particularly like "More than a Memory" because they added a lot of different instruments (flutes, sax?, plus others I'm sure...) and sounds into the track, which is completely different from what I heard on their other albums, and I really like that. Actually throughout the album, they played with different sounds, such as sirens (In "Born To Lead" - it really works!), They've changed SO much, but in a good way. It still sounds like their signature sound, but there is a lot more depth into it.

This CD has a lot more substance than their previous albums. I do think it is a lot more serious as well, but it shows growth. I've been abusing this CD since I got it. Definitely by far, their best album IMO.

Once again Hoobastank does it. Makes a cd that I can listen to and enjoy every song. I love Doug's voice and the songs are just so good. I was worried that their third cd would be a lot different then their others, but when I was finished I was so happy that I loved the cd. I will forever have faith in Hoobastank. Buy This Cd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like their new stuff way more than the old, and the album flows really nice, but I'm not the biggest Hoobatank fan. But honestly, I do like it, some of the tracks sound the same, but all in all, I'm not diappointed lol.