Shinedown Album: “Us and Them [Limited]”

If I didn't admit I wasn't disappointed after first picking up this album, I would be lying. I was expecting, like most everyone else, another "Leave a Whisper". This is not Leave a Whisper by a long shot, but the songs are intriguing and a different side of Shinedown. It took me a few listens, but I think that this album will be in my CD changer for a long time for the mere fact that the more I listen, the more I enjoy it. Some albums you play to death once you get them, and in about six months' time you're ready to trade it in.

For the people who are pi**ed that this wasn't Leave A Whisper II, I give you Staind and Papa Roach, two examples of bands who never really left their style and have just become boring. For those of you who have listened to the album and gave it a chance, I give you Zakk Wylde and the voluminous projects he has completed. Most retain the brutality he is known for, but a couple of album and side projects really present a different side. I think this is Shinedown's 'different side' and fully expect another crushing album when project #3 is due.

The album sort of reminds me of Audioslave, and I wouldn't be surprised if they toured together at some point in their careers. Some people may knock it, but I think they pull it off pretty good. The music is quite good, and something to pull out when you just want to kick back and relax.

You knew the vocals were going to be top notch. But let's face the facts here. Yes, the first album was decent...held afloat by about three excellent songs, really. But anybody with any taste could tell that Shinedown would be just the same as all the other trend-following bands that one sees these days were it not for the phenomenal voice of lead singer Brent Smith. I myself thought that Leave a Whisper was just not very good, and could have done without everything but Fly From the Inside, Burning Bright, and 45. The band didn't bring much that was really dynamic to the table. Boy have they made a complete turnaround. Apparently the rest of the band decided to play catch-up with their lead man. Everything about this album is improved, from the guitar playing to the drums, heck even Smith shows that he has a little more diversity...which is impressive considering what he showed off last album. I'd say this is a job well done for Shinedown. Way to say the heck with the trend following and expand musically rather than stagnate like the rest of todays bands. This CD is a must-buy.

Shinedown really put a lot of effort in this CD to make it a new CD, as opposed to just a continuation of the first. I really like some of the lighter tunes like Beyond the Sun, which starts up quiet and goes on to a powerful chorus. Don't get me wrong, you'll still get the dark power-rock that your used to in songs like Heroes and Yer Majesty, but they definately did some experimenting with songs like Trade Yourself In and Lady So Divine. I like how the CD is mixed up so that it takes you to the peak of Shinedowns hard rock one song, then takes it back a notch with some great but more relaxed songs the next. It's not exactly what I expected, but it turned out to be an awesome CD. I can't decide which I like better, this one of their first. Overall, if you even remotely like this type of rock, pick up any Shinedown CD and you will be delighted with the sound. Five stars hands down.

I was a big fan of the first album, and like most people here I think this is an even better example of their sound. I am currently listenting to it for the umpteenth time and have not gotten sick of it yet. Only other album I can say that about is 10 by Pearl Jam. Very good company in my eyes.

I am really impressed with Brent's voice in this album. Might be altered in the dubbing, who knows, but this album highlights more than the first album that this guy can truly sing and not just belt out lyrics to some guitar rifts. All the tracks are solid, but I could do without the poem. One blemish on a very good album.

It is certainly not as heavy as the first album, but I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing. It is a somewhat different sound, but certainly recognizable in light of their first album. I think the mood of the songs fit in well with the tone of the lyrics. It may not be as polished as their first album, but I like this a lot.

Finally an album that does not consist of the same EMO rubbish. I love the southern rock/blues feel to it. I can tell a lot of the reviewers are young here.

What makes this CD work is that there are guitars & drums and you can hear them both! Unlike the repetitive noise of most music that is out there now.

The lyrics are not clique. I like the return of the guitar solos.

Nice to see music getting back to it's roots.