Current GMT:
Thirteenth Step is definitely a new step in the way of A Perfect Circle's stylings. The band took a sharp turn for the softer side in this album. However, as a fan of Cretu and Enigma (bands with a similar feel to this album) I found myself singing along. I'm sure many fans of the band were quite disappointed since they are expecting a loud power chord album. You get a lot of nice rock from Thirteenth Step, but I wouldn't go so far as to say you'll get adrenaline pumping. If you are a lover of ethereal and "moody" music, this album is leaning your direction.
Songs such as "Weak and Powerless" establish an awesome medley of rock and original instrumentals. But most of all, Keenan invites you to sing along with this song, as his vocals are absolutely soothing. This song brings to another altered aspect of A Perfect Circle. Possibly the most inuendo packed song on the album, they don't reach offensive chords that Keenan used to aim for. The man is changing, becoming more somber and I can't argue that I like it. You might label this song as the most offensive, and I didn't find anything I really was offended by. Although, if I had children, I would probably keep this song out of their ears. There might be some subconscious hippie-yada-yada reason why they shouldn't hear it.
Immediately after listening to the previous, you move onto the next track "The Noose" and the band tones it down so much that your chin touches your chest and your sentience dwindles. I don't recommend this song for driving. The song itself starts off with distant sounds of vocals and harmonic strings. It only escalates ever so slightly with more powerful string action, but I would barely even consider this a rock song. It is aimed at a nameless person that hurts others with his/her own self-righteousness. "But I'm more than just a little curious, how you're planning to go about making your ammends to the dead," and "You're halo is slipping down, to choke you now" are the biting lyrics from this song. This is about as religiously controversial Keenan gets. Yes, he's lightening up.
The most powerful message I found personally in this album was "The Outsider's" anti-suicidal message. Keenan jabs at pretentious youth crying for attention by threatening suicide and toying with the hearts of those that love them. "Lying through your teeth again", "Narcississtic drama queen", "What's your hurry, everyone will have his day to die", "Should your drama prove sincere, do it somewhere far away from here", all lyrics I will hold classic. Anyone that has had trouble with suicidal people can relate here. This song reaches into the hard rock area, which will satiate old fans of the band. The singles of this album, the best songs, receive an easy 4.0 from me.
Overall, most of the songs were consistent in enjoyability, but there were a few that deviated and I would skip past. They were few and far between. Overall, I was able to stick this C.D. into my deck and listen as I drove without messing with the radio. That's absolute bliss. So, in summary, the album's consitency of quality receives a 3.0.
Altogether, this album has a message that comes out loud and clear. As well, it is a message that needs to be heard by people of all kinds and categories. "Ignorance is not as blissful as understanding". They challenge each and every one of us to stop and consider if we are accepting our labels and affiliations for what they are, or if we should dig deeper into who we are and discover that there is a truth out there to be found. I give it a 4.0 in the Cohesive Album aspect.
Overall, I give this album a 4.0
|
|
|
|
You can purchase a copy of their album on various websites, including their official site. APerfectCircle.com . Please visit them for more information.