Sony
The much anticipated new Daughtry album, Leave This Town, has its long awaited release this Tuesday July 14th. Facebook and Twitter have been buzzing for weeks about this album, which is the follow up to the bands Grammy nominated multi-platinum debut release. This is an album I have been looking forward to all year and could not wait to review it. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the album early to have a chance to give an advance look at what is sure to be one of the top selling albums of the year.
Daughtry, which is lead by American Idol Season Five fourth place finalist Chris Daughtry, sold over five million albums of their 2006 self-titled debut release. The album spawned a number of huge hits, three number one songs, multiple American Music Awards, World Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. The pressure was on for the band to produce something great as a follow-up.
Leave This Town starts off a bit heavier then expected with the Linkin Park-esque "You Don't Belong." The album quickly gets back to the melodic pop-rock sound that Daughtry is best known for with the current single, "No Surprise," co-written by Nickelback’s Chad Kroger. Along with Nickelback, Daughtry is the only other artist who has kept rock music alive and well in the mainstream top 40 market. It's no wonder the two partnered up for the first single that has that very familiar and successful Nickelback sound. Kroger also adds his writing talents to "Life After You" a possible follow up to No Surprise.
Kroger isn't the only big name to have co-writing credits on Leave This Town; Ben Moody the former guitarist of Evanescence co-wrote the powerful "Open Up Your Eyes."
"Tennessee Line," a possible country radio crossover, features vocals from Vince Gill. The lone violin during the final thirty seconds of the song takes the track from great to something truly special.
The album's final track, the tender "Call Your Name," is a song that shows a vulnerable side to Daughtry. Just when you think the album is going to end on a mellow note the full band breaks out for one final riveting ending - a perfect end for a near perfect album.
The most distinguishable thing about Daughtry is Chris' incredible vocal ability. He has that special gift of adding emotion to the simplest of lyrics. The music is honest, raw and it connects with people.
On Leave This Town the band was fully involved in playing on many of the songs as well as writing. Lead guitarist Josh Steely co-wrote on "September", Bass guitarist Josh Paul co-wrote on "Supernatural," rhythm guitarists Brian Craddock co-wrote on "Tennessee Line" and Drummer Joey Barnes co-wrote on "Call Your Name." This resulted in a more cohesive package this time around. The self-titled disc had relied on studio musicians during the recording process with the band being pieced together after the release as a touring group.
Leave This Town avoids the sophomore slump and has proven Daughtry has staying power and overall appeal. Many wondered if they could once again achieve the success of the debut album; it appears they are well on their way of matching if not exceeding that. Some recent reviews of Leave This Town have criticized the band for being "too pop" Daughtry's winning combination of pop meets rock is what makes them the success they are. The album is right on the mark, exactly what the fans and radio have been waiting for. Daughtry has taken the "if it's not broken don't fix it" mentality - and with their previous accomplishments can you blame them? Leave This Town is simple mainstream rock at it's very best.
Top Tracks on Leave This Town
No Surprise (Chris Daughtry, Chad Kroeger, Eric Dill, Rune Westburg)
Life After You (Chris Daughtry, Chad Kroeger, Joey Moi, James Brett)
What I Meant To Say (Chris Daughtry, Brian Howes)
Learn My Lesson (Chris Daughtry, Mitch Allan, Chris Tompkins)
Tennessee Line (featuring Vince Gill) (Chris Daughtry, Brian Craddock)
Daughtry is heading out on a thirteen city tour in support of the new album. The band will be in Minneapolis on August 9th at The Cabooze.
Comments
Why doesn't anyone say anything much about "Open up your eyes"? Is it too much on the pop side? Because I think it has one of the most perfect combinations of Lyrics, vocals and music.
so i just finished hearing the album in full. its not bad id give it a 7 out of 10. My only problem is in my opinion the band is a little one dimensional! i would of loved to hear a couple heavy songs! still a good album
Hey darknight, I completely agree. 'Open Up Your Eyes' is my favorite track on the album (which is filled with other great tracks). It astonishes me that this piece is hardly mentioned in any of the reviews as I believe it is damn near perfect. Also 'You Don't Belong To Me' is hardly ever mentioned either, and it is one of the greatest hard rock songs I've ever heard.
Leave This Town is definintely an amazing second start for DAUGHTRY. the lyrics to every single song are great and heartfelt. The vocal ability of Chris is the most intensely amazing thing i have ever heard. the cd NEVER gets old.
also... i would recommend searching for the bonus tracks Traffic Light, and One last Chance.. those two songs are EASILY contendors for the favorite song
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