Three Days Grace: Life Starts Now Review

To start off week number two of my awesome rock reviews, I must begin on a sad note. By evil luck comparable only to that of Odysseus holding a black cat and an open umbrella whilst walking 'neath a ladder and stepping upon a mirror with one foot and a crack in the pavement with the other, my review for Boys Like Girls was deleted from my blog. Although the new album from Boys Like Girls was a disappointment in my opinion, the review itself was very insightful, it represented a good hour of writing and three-four hours of listening to that album, and I received a lot of feedback that is now lost into the deep chasms of deleted internet stuff. So let us have a moment of silence for the death of one of my reviews, and question why computers don't always ask you if the action you clicked on is actually the action you want to perform just to double check that you aren't doing something stupid........Ok. Now wipe your tears, and get ready for a review for Three Days Grace's new album, Life Starts Now.
Emotional. Contemplative. Insightful. Heartwarming. These are all words that have absolutely nothing to do with Three Days Grace. Or at least, they didn't used to be. Three Days Grace's 2003 debut, "Three Days Grace", was an aggressive, moody, and gothic album that featured heavy musical breakdowns, intense vocals, and dark borderline-depressing lyrics, making it a fan favorite, because although the 2006 follow-up "One-X" was a very impressive sophomore effort, it lacked that certain "X factor" that the first effort had. Like Jet's "Shine On", "One-X" was a highly underrated album that also branched in another direction lyrically. Unlike the first album, this one included one or two songs that conveyed messages of hope amidst the darkness that descended from every other track. "Life Starts Now" definitely branches into that similar direction, but fear not Three Days Grace fans! Your band still has its share of darkness to its songs, but this time, they also choose to include slow songs as well as songs that can almost be considered mainstream, and there are more songs with messages of hope, rather than constant despair. Many of you who love 3DG's hardcore qualities may be looking at these words with pure disgust, but believe me when I say that this subtle transition from completely one-dimensional (albeit awesome) harder rock to more variety marks the band's maturity and even though I do not consider this album their best work, it still is a solid entry in 3DG's discography.
1. Bitter Taste- 3DG knows how to please its traditional fans still, and don't you forget it, readers. The first song off their new album is a typical song that would fit in extremely well with their debut, but even more so with "One-X" because of the creeping, chugging guitar riffs from lead guitarist Barry Stock that characterize the song. There is some extraordinary guitar/bass work in the middle of the song that really shows off Barry's, Adam Gontier's, and bassist Brad Walst's skills, especially because of how well the guitars harmonize. A solid drumming scheme really adds to the slinking, skulking mood of the song, and Adam's vocals do not disappoint fans of his ferocious roaring that somehow is still classified as singing. Great lyrics likening a person's negative influence to a bitter taste really allow the band to stick to their guns. 9.5/10
2. Break- Their first single was called great progressive work by some, and ok music that moves away from their traditional direction by others. I personally think this song is very good and epitomizes what a good rock anthem should be in the tradition of: "Everybody throw a fist in the air against the establishment and let's go wreak some havoc." There is a very catchy guitar pattern that repeats throughout the song, making it radio-worthy. The Motion-City-Soundtrack-esque electric guitar also adds a nice touch to the typical 3DG guitar that anyone can identify with the group. More throwdowns here accompanied by a great guitar solo in the middle. Very solid work. 10/10
3. World So Cold- A heavy beginning with shrill background guitar that gives way to a heavy yet slow chorus. The drama of the song relies mainly on the lead singer's apparent struggle and lyrics that will really speak to some people, especially those dealing with losing someone, which makes the world appear so barren and cold. There is some haunting electronic interference with Adam's voice in a slower part of the song that gives way to another rocking chorus. I was surprised this is the most popular song from the new album on Itunes, but this isn't bad, even if it is very similar to "World So Cold" by 12 Stones. 9/10
4. Lost In You- For those of you who are about to listen to this song for the first time, brace yourself. There's no need to double-check your I-Pod upon listening to this song for the first time, this is really Three Days Grace. But don't hit that fast-forward button just yet. Even though this song is the first of its kind, and very slow and uplifting, it is actually a very successful first attempt at songs of this genre. The lyrics can only be described as cute, because the sentiments conveyed here are simply romantic. It is what it is. This is a close to mainstream as they will ever get, and they get pretty damn close. Which I don't think is a bad thing in this case. Not what traditional fans are expecting, but give this new variety a shot first before you dismiss it. Nice work, 3DG. Just don't ever do it again. 9/10
5. The Good Life- This song shows a sign of growing maturity: Three Days Grace is having fun with their music and actually showing it. This song is about having a share of "the good life" and is a lot of fun all-around. With a guitar scheme akin to Sick Puppies, this song is extremely catchy and the use of background harmonizing vocals adds to this notion. This song's heavy instrument accompaniment classifies it as classic 3DG, but listening to the song as a whole, it is a whole new brand of music that involves being universally accessible to listeners and having fun with this tempting idea of being rich and partaking of the good life. One can even hear Adam give a "Whoo!" near the end of the song! What the hell? 9.5/10
6. No More- A darker and more mellow song that is similar to older albums lyrically, but not necessarily so in execution. Adam's blaring vocals are shown off here, but this song doesn't really connect with me. The verses have some more background vocals that don't really enhance the mood or the background instruments. Some will find this song to be brilliant but I think this song's lyrics surpass the sound too much for the whole song to come together and be something interesting. 7.5/10
7. Last To Know- The first time I heard this song, the piano drew me in immediately. This is an emotional rock ballad that is heartfelt, genuine, and powerful. This piano from drummer Neil Sanderson is simply beautiful, and Adam's soft vocals that transition into high notes and also milder roars pack even more emotion into the song. The lyrics are beautiful as well, and listeners will find their heart beating faster when the song begins to build up into its crescendo, beginning with a slow entrance of acoustic guitar that later introduces shrill electric guitar and then drums that allow the song to transition into more dramatic territory and sets the mood. The closing piano and haunting lyrics of "And when she leaves you for dead, you'll be the last to know" allow for a perfectly chilling ending to a great song. The best song on the album, defying the odds as a slow song from a group that does not specialize in this area. 10/10
8. Someone Who Cares- Bland lyrics mixed with an average sound diminish this song's potential. There are some good underlying ideas here, but none of them are powerful enough to emerge from a sea of mediocrity in the ocean of songs. Repetitive choruses are broken up by a solid throwdown in the middle of the song and a good guitar scheme at the end, but this is not enough to raise this song's appeal. 8/10
9. Bully- Great lyrics that are not really matched with the right sound so as to display the drama conveyed within. A heavier song that is disappointing because it fails to raise any excitement. The guitar, bass, and drums are all solid, especially in the middle, but this would be one of the songs on an older album that is good and certainly listened to, but does not stir any further attraction to the band's sound as a whole. 8/10
10. Without You- An unappealing guitar beginning and verses give way to a slower chorus that almost seems akin to blues rock, which is a step away from conventional 3DG once again. Lyrically, this has some good ideas going for it, and there is a very good guitar solo in the middle of the song that will make Guitar Hero fans hopeful for a transition from CD to game, but in the long run, there are better places to look than here. 7.5/10
11. Goin' Down- An eerie guitar resonates in the beginning of this song, and listeners are almost drawn into thoughts of great Halloween memories, but then the rocking chorus kicks in, knocking them out of nostalgia. This is not as creepy as "Let You Down" off of "Three Days Grace", because the message of the song is "I'm going to take you down", and once again, you can hear Adam not only give a "Whoo!" but also hear him laughing. Here we see Three Days Grace having fun, but not necessarily executing the premise of the song as well as they should have. 8/10
12. Life Starts Now- This song doesn't really emulate the characteristics that usually constitute a final track on an album, but it still is solid. Lyrically, this is almost as good as it gets (only overshadowed by "Last To Know"), and the chorus is very appealing in its hopeful message that can only be seen amidst the sorrowful tone that typifies the song. This involves moving beyond pain and strife and starting over, recognizing how far one has come through struggles, and being determined in the face of all this to do better. This is a great song that doesn't really fit the mold of a closer track, but it still very good nonetheless. 9/10
Overall: 105/120
Some traditional Three Days Grace fans will be disappointed that they won't be rocking out as hard as they are accustomed to, but this CD is still worth listening to and has a lot to offer if given the chance. While the band's transition into more hopeful themes along with mainstream and slower songs may be seen as unwelcome by some, they execute it well and there is no question that this group still knows how to rock, and rest assured, I have a feeling that when Three Days Grace returns for round four, they will be ready to shatter some eardrums once more. Next up this week will be Monty Are I. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.