Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 36 seconds Street Date: September 25, 2007
Spoken's self-titled album marks the band's sixth studio recording in ten years; and their third release on
Tooth and Nail records. Their longevity is impressive in itself, but what is more notable is the band's ability to stay true to who
they are without sounding too repetitive. While they stay rooted to their unceasing screams, they still maintain a balance of
high-powered rock songs with more melodic ballads, creating a happy medium for all listeners.
The album starts off with three scream-driven songs, "History Erased," "Close Your Eyes," and "Not Soon Forgotten," all of which
deliver heavy doses of rock: crazy guitar riffs, gut-wrenching screams, and everything in between. From there, we are easily
transitioned into "Trading in This Troubled Heart" which serves as one of the more memorable songs on the record. Even the lyrics
create an emotional stir as Matt Baird sings, "They say the heart is where the healing begins, all our wrongs are made right again."
The rest of the album serves up a multitude of songs, many of which resemble the structure and sound of the opening three - a lot of
catchy choruses accompanied with impressive hooks and heart-pounding drums. "You're the One" is the only song that is noticeably
slow-paced and mellow. Spoken also adds a six and a half minute song to the album, "Start the Revolution" - a beautiful instrumental
piece that is accompanied by dreamy one-lined lyrics, repeated occasionally throughout the song.
Lyrically, Spoken always delivers gold. The majority of the songs project spiritual themes, although some could be mistaken for
praising earthly relationships. Baird does a beautiful job of being able to comprehend a common feeling and transform it into words
that make the listener think and see it in a different light. Especially notable on "The Answer," Baird heartily sings, "Mile after
mile they came to hear the words from you, the chance to touch you would change their lives, the ground would shake around you, when
the earth would hear your voice…the mountains tremble and fall into the sea, We'll run to you and see, You are God."
Devoted fans of Spoken will find this album similar to past releases- which isn't a bad thing. The familiar screams and hard
rock will definitely be delivered in this self-titled album. The only thing that might stand in the way for a new listener, however,
would be Baird's vocals which (as previously stated in past reviews) are an acquired taste for some. Aside from that, this album
delivers in all aspects.
- Review date: 9/23/07, written by Lindsay Wiseman
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 36 seconds
Street Date: September 25, 2007
Buy It:Amazon.com
Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
