Godsmack - The Oracle

Back in May, I reviewed Godsmack's first and self titled album. Devotees may recall that I did so because 'The Oracle' dropped, but no samples were out there to be found. Check back five months later - presto! Samples arrived. I also have this album on my iPod as part of my music swap with follower janis! When I reread the review from May, I was pretty happy with the self titled record, and that didn't change. I think that album still sets the gold standard for anything the band puts out going forward. I also talked about how I feel they have a more unique brand of sound when it comes to the metal genre. That audio holds true to form on 'Oracle'. Strictly from a beats and arrangement standpoint, I still feel they are fairly unique to the metal game. I can almost immediately identify a Godsmack track versus a different band. Part of it is the lead singer Sully Erma, but the major part is the guitar percussion balance. Sit back and listen to the two albums I'm referring to, then put on another band. Big difference. I'm an old drum nerd, so I notice stupid stuff like that. I find myself tapping along to something like this, because it's really motivating. That can be the beauty of metal - it can really get you going on a long day. Godsmack is perfect for that, so check 'em out. If you liked 'Self Titled', you'll like this one too. Their tracks might not be super different one to another, but that's part of what makes them Godsmack. Give this a go today - you might be pumped about it.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Cryin' Like a B**ch
2. Saints and Sinners
3. War and Peace
4. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain
5. What If?
6. Devil's Swing
7. Good Day to Die
8. Forever Shamed
9. Shadow of a Soul
10. Oracle, The

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. What If?
2. The Oracle
3. Cryin' Like A Bitch

FINAL RATING:
3.5 out of 5 stars

Godsmack - Self Titled

As a continuation to what has carried over into 'New Music Wednesday', Godsmack put a new record out yesterday called The Oracle. Problem is, I can't find links to samples for you guys anywhere! I've vowed to myself that if I can't provide you a link to what I'm reviewing - I'll do it later. Maybe that's silly, but if you don't have your own way to get a taste, I figure I owe it to you for reading. Anyway, since I can't get to the new stuff - I'll do the old stuff. This was Godsmack's first record, and by far their best selling. I've noticed that some people have given this album really poor reviews, and I'm not quite sure why. I think there are 4 legitimately good songs on this one. Sure, I wouldn't put it up there in the music hall of fame or anything, but it's solid. To me, this is a good way to introduce yourself into the world of metal. It's kind of a gradual step, since they combine a lot of funky electronic stuff in their guitar work. They lay down some really fat beats to lay over the vocal side which is pretty unique. I don't think they have the really hard sound of other bands and they certainly don't have the shoutish vocals. I'd say if you're leery to dive into hard rock, check this album out. I think you might find you can get along with the genre, and find a happy medium. Don't go out and pick Gwar as your first listen. After all of this new music shenanigans, enjoy your hump day!

TRACK LISTING:
1. Moon Baby
2. Whatever
3. Keep Away
4. Time Bomb
5. Bad Religion
6. Immune
7. Someone in London
8. Get Up, Get Out!
9. Now or Never
10. Stress
11. Situation
12. Voodoo

Listen To Samples

Top 3 Tracks:
1. Voodoo
2. Whatever
3. Keep Away

FINAL RATING:
3.75 out of 5 stars