"Save Me From Myself"
1 L.O.V.E - 6:31
2 Flush - 4:26
3 Loyalty - 5:07
4 Re-Bel - 5:40
5 Home - 6:52
6 Save Me From Myself - 5:44
7 Die Religion Die - 5:34
8 Adonai - 5:19
9 Money - 4:43
10 Shake - 4:48
11 Washed By Blood - 9:34
Ok so this has been a very anticipated album for me. Having patiently waited for it for so long, I held my hopes very high! First of all let me say this: This is an album unlike any other concerning the perspective it takes and the sound(overall feel) and melodies it uses. Head really shows the potential of being a superstar as a solo artists(this is his solo debut afterall).
With that said lets get into the actual review of the album. The album starts with the song "L.O.V.E." which is a good intro track for the sound Head uses. The whole album reaks of a certain sound...its really interesting but not as bizarre as I had hoped ^__^. This song is a bit mellow but not soft...all the songs on this album are hard hitting. Lyrically this is a very nice track and it sets a lyrical mood as well(the lyrics take a unique perspective).
The next track is Head's single, "Flush". This song has a banging chorus and an awesome bridge. This is a good single for Head's album as it relates to drug use and seeking help from the harmful effects of them. Having jammed this song many times since its itunes release, I am all "flushed" out and so have little to say about this song(though I loved it when I first heard it).
music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y66rzBgaogo
The third track on this album is very awesome..."Loyalty"! This is one of my favorite tracks. This song really seems to capture the sound of Head's contribution to Korn. The song seems to speak on the topic of his former band as well. With any noble thought, the lyrics to this song are really entertaining as they are so easy to relate to. The bridge on this song is so awesome! It captures the greatness of Head's use of guitars and distortions.
radio sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwzSC8wMoM4
The fourth track, "Re-bel"(as it's pronounced), is another jamming track. This song has many sound elements that again define Head's musical taste. The song has children singing, gregorian sounding choir, and a catchy chorus that sounds alot like "Marilyn Manson". I think that's really cool being that the song speaks on rebelling against society. This song uses guitars and keyboards even better than the prior song and so is a joy to relisten to. I found the lyrics to be very visual and powerful.
radio sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDvVfu9oTZ0
The fifth track, "Home", was a shock. This is the full version of the demo, "A Cheap Name". I really love the demo yet I was slightly disappointed with this version. Why? This song has many guitars and live drums with keyboard elements which is cool, BUT the demo version was all keyboard and thus had many different elements within it that I preferred. I personaly like the synth elements of the demo better and would have rather heard a cleaned up version of it. This isn't much of an objection yet its a bit irritating. It would be much cooler if Head leaned more so on the synth in his albums and reserved the live instruments for live performances. I still love this song and I love the drums which succesfully mimic the electronic drums used in the demo. This song was written to "50 cent" around the time Head first got "awakened".
The sixth track is the title track, "Save Me From Myself". This song really grows on you after many listens. I think the sound of this track really testifies of the new sound Head incorporates in his music. By that I am saying if you want to have a feel for Head's producing ability, this song best defines his solo sound. Its a real interesting sound....nothing too special in quality yet unique. Its not very melodic like most of Head's music but its has a sort of melody that seems unique to Head heard in all the album.
The seventh track is the most controversial yet my favorite track on this album! From beginning to end, "Die Religion Die" reaks of what love about Head's music. Its full of keyboard effects with keyboard drums that accompany. The live drums add to the song and the melodies within the song are very interesting. The lyrical content is very controversal yet dead on to the authentic Christian perspective (which isn't religious but relationship based). Many stumble on the topic of religion as many believe Head left Korn for religion. Head clears all of this up and attacks religion seemingly from the perspective of Jesus who opposed the religious people of His day. The song ends really heavy...first with a "religious spirited" chant of "Die religion. Die." in a sweet soft voice(a perfect example of religiousity). Head then gets real by shouting in a distorted voice, "DIE RELIGION DIE!"
radio sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlBq1RzF-Cs
The eighth track, "Adonai", is a little more upbeat. Its similiar to something you would hear from "System of a Down" musically and sounds like an anthem. This song grew on me after a few istens. Its a real fun song and has noble lyrics. There are some cool elements in this song that seem to really minister to Korn fans.
The ninth track, "Money" is really cool. The lyrics address an interesting topic. The chorus is catchy and all together I find this song amusing and well done. There is something funny yet sobering about hearing the lyrics demand people "get down on you knees...bow down to your money". The song just puts an image in my Head of people bowing to their money like men used to bow down to idols...makes me think of King Xerxes from the movie "300".
radio sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZRv2AEIeS4
The tenth song, "Shake", is an interesting mix of keyboard effects and guitar. This song is another good example of Head's use of guitars on a song that sounds more keyboard based. It just sounds like many guitars were forced in place of maybe more suitable synth effects. I am almost certain this song would sound alot cooler with more keyboard. The bridge for this song rocks hard but if you listen closely you'll notice the synth is really jamming this section of the song(though the guitars sound awesome here too!).
The last song, "Washed by the Blood", is a good partner to the title track and a good closing for the album. The cool thing about this song is the balance of drums, guitars, and synth which doesn't sound forced. This song, like the title track, is also very mature in its presentation of Head's composition. Head has proven himself to be a good producer with his demos and this album reveals more of his musical range which is uniquely satisfying. This is a favorite song and grows on you more so than the title track.
All together this album stands out as a unique work of art. I love what it attempts to do and I love the expressions found in Head's music. He has alot to offer. "Washed By Blood", "Die Religion Die", and "Loyalty" stand out the most to me in revealing the range in creativity of Head's music. I want to give this album a 10/10 being that it is Head's first solo album BUT I think its more worthy of a 9/10. Head's music definately delivers but I must admit this album left me hungry for more.
Brian "Head" Welch is definatly one of my favorite musicians! He is very capable and I would suggest everyone look forward to hearing album number 2 as Head has been quoted to have recorded 22 new songs yet has only released 11!
-Jamar