on 2008-04-23 hstisgod Said:

Nicely done review...Breaking Benjamin was someone I've hissed at for about five years. A good friend of mine (greeneyedgirl77) has loved them all the way. Im not a fan sincerely, but their endless form of basic rhythm has become undenable. Im not a fan of the track-by-track review, but you give it easy breathing justice. Please continue to teach, as I had yet to purchase. Your 9 out of 10 may convince me to finally purchase, radio rock or not, Breaking Benjamin have an ultimate enjoyable melting.
Not Rated

Review:

on 2008-04-23 kiwionline Said:

Since I like Song-By-Song reviews and Breaking Benjamin, I'll write one for this great album. Here we go:

1) So Cold - 8/10 - This heavy song speeds up from a slow intro to an explosive chorus. Great vocals by Ben. A dark & moody feel to it but definitely not depressing.

2) Simple Design - 9/10 - A very interesting metal-like song. The melodic vocals give a refreshing contrast to hard hitting guitars.

3) Follow - 5/10 - Mellower than the first 2 tracks. The vocals, while showing off Ben's impressive range comes across as depressing, dull, uninspiring. The drums & bass are barely heard at all. Yawn.

4) Firefly - 6/10 - Overrated, odd lyrics, I believe it's about losing a friend... the firefly??? Guitar & bass combine for catchy riffs during chorus. The same can't be said for the drums which were very simple.

Break My Fall - 8/10 - Brilliant guitars, good lyrics too. I really dig Ben's singing style in the song, emotional but hard and a variety of er, pitches.

Forget It - 4/10 - I do enjoy mellow songs but this one just didn't cut it for me. Ben sounds bored & the way he sings "Again, again, again...again..." is irritating.

Sooner or Later - 10/10 - Damn! now we get to the good stuff. Brilliant intro builds to a soaring chorus. Great flow of song. Nothing medicore at all. Best vocals & my favorite of this album.

Breakdown - 9/10 - Starts out with a soft piano. A bit of a shock when the heavier chorus & hooks come along. The bass shines in this one. Great drumming too.

Away - 10/10. Fantastic lyrics which translate into catchy choruses. There are a lot of them in this album. Aaron Fink, the guitarist has some kick as riffs. Crunchy & distorted, just the way I like em.

Believe - 7/10 - Heaviest song here. Ben does some growling like he does on Simple Design. Intense, angry lyrics... "I don't care what you want, I just want mine, Shut up Smart little bitch!" ...How that relates to the verses I don't know. Even the awesome riffs can't save this disjointed song.

11) Rain - 3/10 - The acoustic track. Mellowest song & definitely the worst too. From the depressed vocals to the chorus from the nursery rhyme. "Rain rain go away, Come again another day"... I couldn't have asked for a duller closer.

Phew! End of review. We Are Not Alone is definitely not Breaking Benjamin's best work but it is up there! For great music, check out their other album, SATURATE. Awesome stuff!


Rating: 9/10