"The Strange Case Of..." Halestorm

[jrnyman28]

Listened to Halestorm's "The Strange Case of..." tonight. There are 4 "good" tracks on it including the first two. But that intro simply does not prepare you for the onslaught to follow. The next two tracks are brilliant rockers followed by a three-song gradual slowdown. But those 3 tracks lose nothing in intensity. Track 8 is a little cheesy lyrically and yet I could relate to the entire song. Tracks 9-12 pick it back up and each gets better to finish the album strong. Then come the 3 bonus tracks. Usually bonus tracks feel like leftovers. They might be good but you can understand why they didn't make the cut. Not so here. Three great bonus tracks. Solid work all the way around. A brilliant album from Halestorm and stunning vocal work from Miss Lzzy Hale!

I actually listened to the album twice more since, and the opening two tracks are equally strong! Now, IMO there is only one less than brilliant track on this album. For me that is Daughters of Darkness.

This album has actually restored my faith in ROCK, harkening back to my youth when I lived and breathed it.

[Jonny B]

I wish they'd stop writing the occasional power pop song. For me, 'Beautiful With You' and 'In Your Room' do not belong on a Halestorm album, and destroy the momentum built by the first 4 rockers.

But, like the time when I removed 'Bet U Wish U Had Me Back' on the debut, I deleted the above 2 tracks on my iPod, and 'The Strange Case Of...' instantly became another perfect album.

When I met Lzzy Hale during a meet & greet, she told me the record label required the band to include one or two songs that were more like the stuff the label has been pushing for the last 5 or 6 years. Even their effing covers EP had a Lady Gaga cover...no excuse for that...I'm sure these albums would be pure rock start to finish if not for this stipulation required by the record company.

[jrnyman28]

Well, growing up in the era where power-ballads were mandatory and welcomed I enjoy those songs. I think the band manages to write solid, emotional, intense 'ballads'. And they are not the "normal" ballad material. As for momentum? I like change of paces. And with the tracking on this album those changes are gradual, not drastic, so the fit. Now, the fact that these songs are "required" by the label truly does suck.

[Jonny B]

Well, growing up in the era where power-ballads were mandatory and welcomed I enjoy those songs. I think the band manages to write solid, emotional, intense 'ballads'. And they are not the "normal" ballad material. As for momentum? I like change of paces. And with the tracking on this album those changes are gradual, not drastic, so the fit. Now, the fact that these songs are "required" by the label truly does suck.

I don't have a problem with ballads, just those of the modern power-pop variety. There's something about the pattern and the rhythm, the pitch, and the delivery of the vocal melody that always makes my ears cringe. Traditional ballads like 'Familiar Taste of Poison' from the debut, and 'Break In' from the new album, however, these are great tunes!