It is surprising to think that it has been over 10 years since we first heard these guys. Then they were a mixture of rap/nu metal that was unique and rode the tide of their mega hit "Last Resort" as far as possible. I got so tired of hearing that song that I would shut the radio off every time it came on. Since that time the band has transformed themselves into more of a hard rocking outfit ala Foo Fighters or even Nickleback. I would have to say that this transformation has at least made them a more appealing group in my eyes. They have very good songwriting ability for this type of music with plenty of hooks and anthem like choruses which will have their fans pumping their collective fists and jumping at the urging of lead singer Jacoby Shaddix.
This album consists of 5 studio tracks and 9 live recordings. The studio cuts are vintage Roach and all have that catchy melody with head bobbing beat and loud sing-a-long chorus. I am drawn to the song "Kick In The Teeth" from this grouping with its old school feel and Na na na na background vocals. The power ballad "No Matter What" is also a strong song that shows these guys are very strong lyrically as well as musically. All of the studio tracks are above average but none will change your mind about the group. If you liked them already then you will love these songs. If you were not that hot on them, there is nothing here that is going to change your mind.
Getting to the live tracks, the band delivers a good cross section of their career. Hitting on most of their major hits with "Lifeline", "Scars" and "Time Running Out" being the highlights, Papa Roach gives a good sampling of what one of their concerts is like. I would have to say that it sounds like a good time and I am going to have to check them out live. The do save the song "Last Resort" for as you can guess, the last cut of the album. After all that has come before, this song almost sounds out of place now but they give the crowd what they want and it would be very hard not to play it.
As I said, this album will not change your mind either way about this band but I did find it to be a very entertaining listen and have pulled it out more than a few times while on the road. It might never win any awards but still is a pretty good bit of heavy metal for the most part.
Track listing:
1. Burn
2. One Track Mind
3. Kick In The Teeth
4. No Matter What
5. The Enemy
6. Getting Away With Murder (Live)
7. …To Be Loved (Live)
8. Lifeline (Live)
9. Scars (Live)
10. Hollywood Whore (Live)
11. Time Is Running Out (Live)
12. Forever (Live)
13. Between Angels And Insects (Live)
14. Last Resort (Live)
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