'Libertad' is the second album from Velvet Revolver, it has been met by a mixture of both positive and negative responses, however in my opinion it shows the same excellence as their debut album entitled 'Contraband'. I think that the vocalist, Scott Weiland's voice is much more impressive on this album than on the previous one. This is understandable since during the recording of contraband he was going through rehab.
There was a lot of hype about the album before it was released, with various magazines etc publishing that it was to be the biggest rock album of the year. For this reason i believe that many people were disappointed when they first heard it as it didn't live up to their expectations. I have to admit that when i first heard it, i thought it wasn't exactly all that i had heard it was. However i have listened to it a lot the past few weeks and i have to say i find
that the majority of the tracks are very impressive. The album begins with an up beat track called 'Let it Roll' that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head all day! To me this track shows what the band is about with meaningful lyrics, crazy guitar solos and a lot of heart. The next two tracks, entitled 'She Mine' and 'Get out the door' are just as catchy and as in 'Let it Roll' show the talent that these musicians still posses despite the fact that they are getting on in life a bit. The first single to be released from this album was track number four, 'She builds quick machines' yet again this features enticing guitar riffs and outstanding vocals, however in my opinion this was not the best single to release first from the album. I don't deny that it's a good song but i think that there are other, more catchy tracks such as 'Let it Roll' or 'Pills Demons etc.' The next track, also the second single to be released is 'The Last Fight' I see this as the equivalent to 'Fall to Pieces' from the bands previous album 'Contraband' as it has the same, slow tempo and meaningful effect. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Track number six, entitled 'Pills Demons etc' features Slash's trademark Wah effect that has made so many rock n' roll songs what they are today. The chorus of this song blows you away and you can't help singing along once you know the words. The next two tracks, 'American Man' and 'Mary Mary' continue the powerful feel of the album with excellent lyrics, thunderous guitars and all in all excellent musicianship. Another of my favorite tracks, 'Just Sixteen' appears next on the album. I love the guitar intro and the chorus ends up stuck in my head for days at a time! Next on the album is an ELO cover of 'Can't get it out of my head' This track has had a lot of negative responses, however i think its quite good. Having never heard the ELO version until recently, i think Velvet Revolver did a good job of covering it, though i wouldn't have expected them to put any covers on their albums. 'For a Brother' and 'Spay' are the next two tracks on the album, and once again these show the consistency of the band's songwriting. To me these two tracks don't particularly stand out too well, but add good depth to the album as a whole. The final track, 'Gravedancer' is by far my favorite track on the album at the moment. It's quite a slow, laid back song, but has an extremely powerful chorus and finishes off the album very nicely. Just as you think the album has finished, a hidden track starts playing, attached to the end of 'Gravedancer' It's a county song entitled 'Don't Drop That Dime' and adds a slightly humorous edge to the album. I really enjoy listening to this song, however as an ending to the album i think it's quite poor. It would have done better to be put in the middle somewhere either as a separate track or on the end of another track as it is with 'Gravedancer'
Overall i think that the album is very impressive and shows the extent of the musical talent within the band. I would definitely take the opportunity to go and see Velvet Revolver live when they tour for this album, and i look forward to future releases by them!
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I wasn't impressed the first time I heard this album, but it's grown on me since, like it did with you. I still think the first album is better, though.
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Nov 20th, 2007
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