Just about everyone is going to have a different definition of what makes a good album. Some listen for the guitar, some for the drums. Some people listen strictly for deep lyrics, and the list goes on. One thing that I think can be consistently said for everyone's definition is that a good album captivates interest. If an album takes you away from whatever you're doing, be it driving, working, or just sitting in your bedroom, then it's arguably a good album.
The new Audioslave album does just that...and more. Last night I spent a good four hours cleaning my garage. It's sort of a mundane task, but since all the 'treasures' in my garage belong to me, it's not an altogether unpleasant experience. During last night's cleaning spree, I listened to Out of Exile at least four times through. And thoroughly enjoyed the album in it's entirety each time.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the album is that 'the whole can exceed the sum of it's parts'. The first Audioslave album was good. It had fantastic lyrics, and exceptional musicians. However, it sounded like Soundgarden singing over Rage Against the Machine. Of course, this is somewhat to be expected, as that's pretty much what it was.
Anyway, the whole can exceed the sum of it's parts. Out of Exile no longer sounds like the collaboration of two separate bands. I think a few years of touring, and an older and wiser bunch of guys overcame this problem. They've both seen their previous bands rise to the top, and then fall apart somewhat prematurely.
The beautiful thing about Audioslave's new works are that, while they don't sound like this patchwork band, they still retain those things that made the previous bands great. Chris Cornell's voice is arguably the best voice I've ever heard. Given, it's not for everyone, as my girlfriend absolutely abhors it, but I think that his vocal range, as well as his ability to project his feelings make him great. And of course, who can say anything bad about Tom Morello's abilities?
On a total tangent, I was surfing for a little information of Tom Morello to add to this review, and I ran across this quote, which I thought was interesting enough to add:
"Going there with nothing, no friends, or anything except a Harvard Alumni phone directory, he started his rock career, he played with several bands, which were unsuccessful. He started teaching guitar to get along, and finally took a job as a California senator's secretary. He was fired when a woman called complaining that "colored people" were moving into her neighborhood, he told her that maybe the problem wasn't them, but the fact that she was racist."
Back on track, another thing that sets this album apart from previous works is that it's somewhat upbeat. I would say that both Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine were, for the most part, angry. Then the first Audioslave album came out and, while still retaining some of this anger, it portraye
Just about everyone is going to have a different definition of what makes a good album. Some listen for the guitar, some for the drums. Some people listen strictly for deep lyrics, and the list goes on. One thing that I think can be consistently said for everyone's definition is that a good album captivates interest. If an album takes you away from whatever you're doing, be it driving, working, or just sitting in your bedroom, then it's arguably a good album.
The new Audioslave album does just that...and more. Last night I spent a good four hours cleaning my garage. It's sort of a mundane task, but since all the 'treasures' in my garage belong to me, it's not an altogether unpleasant experience. During last night's cleaning spree, I listened to Out of Exile at least four times through. And thoroughly enjoyed the album in it's entirety each time.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the album is that 'the whole can exceed the sum of it's parts'. The first Audioslave album was good. It had fantastic lyrics, and exceptional musicians. However, it sounded like Soundgarden singing over Rage Against the Machine. Of course, this is somewhat to be expected, as that's pretty much what it was.
Anyway, the whole can exceed the sum of it's parts. Out of Exile no longer sounds like the collaboration of two separate bands. I think a few years of touring, and an older and wiser bunch of guys overcame this problem. They've both seen their previous bands rise to the top, and then fall apart somewhat prematurely.
The beautiful thing about Audioslave's new works are that, while they don't sound like this patchwork band, they still retain those things that made the previous bands great. Chris Cornell's voice is arguably the best voice I've ever heard. Given, it's not for everyone, as my girlfriend absolutely abhors it, but I think that his vocal range, as well as his ability to project his feelings make him great. And of course, who can say anything bad about Tom Morello's abilities?
On a total tangent, I was surfing for a little information of Tom Morello to add to this review, and I ran across this quote, which I thought was interesting enough to add:
"Going there with nothing, no friends, or anything except a Harvard Alumni phone directory, he started his rock career, he played with several bands, which were unsuccessful. He started teaching guitar to get along, and finally took a job as a California senator's secretary. He was fired when a woman called complaining that "colored people" were moving into her neighborhood, he told her that maybe the problem wasn't them, but the fact that she was racist."
Back on track, another thing that sets this album apart from previous works is that it's somewhat upbeat. I would say that both Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine were, for the most part, angry. Then the first Audioslave album came out and, while still retaining some of this anger, it portraye
Then the first Audioslave album came out and, while still retaining some of this anger, it portrayed more of a sense of longing. The new album still touches on the angry and that sense of longing, but also comes across with a feeling of happiness. Even more, a sense of contentment.
Maybe it's the band members growing up, and realizing that the only person who can make someone happy is themselves, or maybe it's that they're just happy doing what they're doing...making music.
Either way, I like it. I'd even go so far as to say that this album is the best I've heard in a while. I'm loathe to make a comparison to another band, but if I had to choose one to compare Audioslave with, it would have to be Led Zeppelin. The reason I'm loathe to make that comparison is that Led Zeppelin's greatness comes from their longevity. Led Zeppelin's first album was released in 1969, and their last official release was in 1982, more than 20 years ago. But still in 2005, their music borders on genius. That is to say, it's stood the test of time. Audioslave has officially only been around for 3 years. Of course, the individual musicians who make up the band have been around a little longer at about 17 years, with Soundgarden's debut in 1988 and RATM's first official release in 1992.
But outside of that, there are still many connections that can be made between the two. First, both bands are steeped heavily in the genre of 'blues'. Second, they both have fantastic singers. It's often been said that Robert Plant's voice was the best in rock and roll. I think, some 25 years later, the same could be said for Chris Cornell. The musicians in both bands are also at the top of their class. Of course, again, more with the whole than the parts, I'd say that they both have the ability to transmit their emotions, the feel of their songs, to their listeners. They speak to the times. One song in particular that I find very Zeppelinish on Out Of Exile is Dandelion.
But enough of that. On to the songs. By now, you've undoubtedly heard Be Yourself on the radio. Be Yourself is the first single for the new album, and arguably a totally unremarkable song. When I first listened to this song, I thought to myself, 'this song sounds like I've heard it 100 times'. That is to say, it just sounded like another track on an album I'd grown sick of listening to. However, now that I've heard it in the context of the album, I'd say it fits in right where it should be.
Undoubtedly my favorite song on the CD is Number 1 Zero. The guitar is amazing, the song has deep bluesy undertones, and Chris Cornell's voice just takes me with him on his journey which leads back to depression. That's not to say it's a depressing song, but rather shows that depression is still part of life. This song reminds me a lot of the Soundgarden song 4th of July which is, in my opinion, Soundgarden's best work.
Again, I enjoyed this album in its entirety, so I'm thinking it's not
Then the first Audioslave album came out and, while still retaining some of this anger, it portrayed more of a sense of longing. The new album still touches on the angry and that sense of longing, but also comes across with a feeling of happiness. Even more, a sense of contentment.
Maybe it's the band members growing up, and realizing that the only person who can make someone happy is themselves, or maybe it's that they're just happy doing what they're doing...making music.
Either way, I like it. I'd even go so far as to say that this album is the best I've heard in a while. I'm loathe to make a comparison to another band, but if I had to choose one to compare Audioslave with, it would have to be Led Zeppelin. The reason I'm loathe to make that comparison is that Led Zeppelin's greatness comes from their longevity. Led Zeppelin's first album was released in 1969, and their last official release was in 1982, more than 20 years ago. But still in 2005, their music borders on genius. That is to say, it's stood the test of time. Audioslave has officially only been around for 3 years. Of course, the individual musicians who make up the band have been around a little longer at about 17 years, with Soundgarden's debut in 1988 and RATM's first official release in 1992.
But outside of that, there are still many connections that can be made between the two. First, both bands are steeped heavily in the genre of 'blues'. Second, they both have fantastic singers. It's often been said that Robert Plant's voice was the best in rock and roll. I think, some 25 years later, the same could be said for Chris Cornell. The musicians in both bands are also at the top of their class. Of course, again, more with the whole than the parts, I'd say that they both have the ability to transmit their emotions, the feel of their songs, to their listeners. They speak to the times. One song in particular that I find very Zeppelinish on Out Of Exile is Dandelion.
But enough of that. On to the songs. By now, you've undoubtedly heard Be Yourself on the radio. Be Yourself is the first single for the new album, and arguably a totally unremarkable song. When I first listened to this song, I thought to myself, 'this song sounds like I've heard it 100 times'. That is to say, it just sounded like another track on an album I'd grown sick of listening to. However, now that I've heard it in the context of the album, I'd say it fits in right where it should be.
Undoubtedly my favorite song on the CD is Number 1 Zero. The guitar is amazing, the song has deep bluesy undertones, and Chris Cornell's voice just takes me with him on his journey which leads back to depression. That's not to say it's a depressing song, but rather shows that depression is still part of life. This song reminds me a lot of the Soundgarden song 4th of July which is, in my opinion, Soundgarden's best work.
Again, I enjoyed this album in its entirety, so I'm thinking it's not
Again, I enjoyed this album in its entirety, so I'm thinking it's not worth trying to describe each and every song. However, I would like to note a few other exceptional songs. Doesn't Remind Me is unlike anything else I've heard. The closest thing I could compare it to would be one of Nirvana's more whimsical songs. Man Or Animal has a Morello scratching solo which is worth its weight in gold.
Sorry about the triple post...the comment section kept 'truncating' my posts. 
Again, I enjoyed this album in its entirety, so I'm thinking it's not worth trying to describe each and every song. However, I would like to note a few other exceptional songs. Doesn't Remind Me is unlike anything else I've heard. The closest thing I could compare it to would be one of Nirvana's more whimsical songs. Man Or Animal has a Morello scratching solo which is worth its weight in gold.
Sorry about the triple post...the comment section kept 'truncating' my posts.
Out of Exile is the best Audioslave yet. The tracks are well written and played, and the track order is brilliant. If you're an Audioslave fan, buy it the second you have the $20. If you're not, give it a listen, there are tracks all music fans will appreciate
Out of Exile is the best Audioslave yet. The tracks are well written and played, and the track order is brilliant. If you're an Audioslave fan, buy it the second you have the $20. If you're not, give it a listen, there are tracks all music fans will appreciate
out of exile is everything i expected and more. chris cornell's deep lyrics and ever present voice sets each track on fire. not to mention tom morello ripping through with numerous solos that make every song that much better. there are few bands which compare to these guys as far as individual talent and band chemistry goes. two tracks i really admire are out of exile and yestersday to tomorrow. audioslave does it once again with another mind blowing cd. i can listen to the cd day and night and enjoy more and more everytime. that is how you know you are listening to a great band making great music. Audioslave!!!
out of exile is everything i expected and more. chris cornell's deep lyrics and ever present voice sets each track on fire. not to mention tom morello ripping through with numerous solos that make every song that much better. there are few bands which compare to these guys as far as individual talent and band chemistry goes. two tracks i really admire are out of exile and yestersday to tomorrow. audioslave does it once again with another mind blowing cd. i can listen to the cd day and night and enjoy more and more everytime. that is how you know you are listening to a great band making great music. Audioslave!!!
Like a Stone the live track...
I have been waiting AGES for this album!
Is it me or....
Does anyone else feel that Chris Cornell can't be arsed holding the notes in the Like a Stone live track (number 12 on the album)?
On the 1st album Like a Stone sounds fantastic!! Chris really screams out the words of "ALONE" making it sound desperate and so you feel the pain of a man waiting to die, but the live track kinda sounds all over the place.
Did anyone else think that?
And another thing.... Last year I was on the mailing list of the Audioslave website and it stated that the band had been in the recording studio with the creative energy flowing and they were knockin' out songs easily. THEN WHY HAS IT TAKEN THEM OVER 2 YEARS TO RELEASE 11 SONGS?
2pac and Kurt Cobain can do more than that - AND THEY'RE DEAD!
Anyway - Loved the first album and still gettin used to the 2nd one.
Like a Stone the live track...
I have been waiting AGES for this album!
Is it me or....
Does anyone else feel that Chris Cornell can't be arsed holding the notes in the Like a Stone live track (number 12 on the album)?
On the 1st album Like a Stone sounds fantastic!! Chris really screams out the words of "ALONE" making it sound desperate and so you feel the pain of a man waiting to die, but the live track kinda sounds all over the place.
Did anyone else think that?
And another thing.... Last year I was on the mailing list of the Audioslave website and it stated that the band had been in the recording studio with the creative energy flowing and they were knockin' out songs easily. THEN WHY HAS IT TAKEN THEM OVER 2 YEARS TO RELEASE 11 SONGS?
2pac and Kurt Cobain can do more than that - AND THEY'RE DEAD!
Anyway - Loved the first album and still gettin used to the 2nd one.
this is an awesome cd! i waited for this cd and now it's here. it's more than anyone could ask for, and when you get a chance to see them live you will see how tight they are.
this is an awesome cd! i waited for this cd and now it's here. it's more than anyone could ask for, and when you get a chance to see them live you will see how tight they are.
andy,
it's coz they wanted to grow as a band and tour for a while. do your research, and they had like 21 songs done, so they did have enough material. it wasnt 2 years to make 11 songs.
also they're trying to not sell out etc. like the people in charge of 2pac and cobains music are doing.
and like a stone live will always sound less good compared to a studio recording. plus he's probably exhausted on stage after a show, doing an acoustic thing, etc. plus he smokes like a chimney. so he probably likes to not force out the notes. i think he does a great job, stop your moaning. you try and do it in front of thousands.
the new album owns their poorer first album.
andy,
it's coz they wanted to grow as a band and tour for a while. do your research, and they had like 21 songs done, so they did have enough material. it wasnt 2 years to make 11 songs.
also they're trying to not sell out etc. like the people in charge of 2pac and cobains music are doing.
and like a stone live will always sound less good compared to a studio recording. plus he's probably exhausted on stage after a show, doing an acoustic thing, etc. plus he smokes like a chimney. so he probably likes to not force out the notes. i think he does a great job, stop your moaning. you try and do it in front of thousands.
the new album owns their poorer first album.
Out of exile is a album any kind of person would like, it has at least one song on it that any kind of person would love! That is one of the things which makes a brilliant album, also Yesterday to Tomorrow is an amazing song, when you're in the car listening to that song, it makes you feel like you are really someone for like a few minutes, the lyrics in it make alot of sense and I really appreciate them and understand them! Hearing and seeing them live I thought I would never see, and now that I have , it has given me more thirst 2 see them again, and any chance I get I will be straight there, the look on Cornell's face when he is on stage makes me shiver, he is amazing!
Out of exile is a album any kind of person would like, it has at least one song on it that any kind of person would love! That is one of the things which makes a brilliant album, also Yesterday to Tomorrow is an amazing song, when you're in the car listening to that song, it makes you feel like you are really someone for like a few minutes, the lyrics in it make alot of sense and I really appreciate them and understand them! Hearing and seeing them live I thought I would never see, and now that I have , it has given me more thirst 2 see them again, and any chance I get I will be straight there, the look on Cornell's face when he is on stage makes me shiver, he is amazing!
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