Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Universal Republic rock icons 3 Doors Down are putting up massive radio numbers with their first single, "Its Not My Time," from their soon-to-be released self-titled album, due in-stores on May 27. Their much anticipated fourth studio album has spawned rock's biggest radio hit of the year so far, with the debut single becoming the fastest moving song at Active Rock radio in the past five years. "The early radio success of "It's Not My Time" is an incredible indication of more great things to come from this band and this album," stated Monte Lipman, President & CEO of Universal Republic Records. "3 Doors Down have become a signature presence in rock through hard work and passionate songwriting that speaks directly to their audience. They have delivered a career-defining album that we cannot wait to get into the hands of fans." The new CD has already got internet fans buzzing, with talk of other choice tracks such as the adrenalin fueled "Train," and the rousing "It's The Only One You've Got", pointing to more milestones from the Mississipi fivesome, from a new album steeped in rock anthems and power-driven radio hits. The follow-up to their #1 debut album, 2005's Seventeen Days, lead singer Brad Arnold cites this effort as perhaps the most communal band effort. "3 Doors Down has always been about every band member giving everything we've got," says the singer/songwriter. "On this album we really wanted to make every song count. We owe it to our fans who have been there to support us from day one." The group's followers have embraced "It's Not My Time" in record numbers, making it one of the bigger request records of the new year. With nearly 13 million albums sold worldwide, the fiery group has rewritten the rock script on maintaining commercial success and securing rabid fan appeal without bowing to trends or compromising their grassroots approach. Braced by front-man Brad Arnold's enduring vocal power, 3 Doors Down has put together an amazing streak of powerful albums and chart-topping singles, including their 6 million selling 2000 breakthrough effort, The Better Life, and epic mega-hit signature songs such as the #1 "Kryptonite," and "When I'm Gone," from 2003's 4 million selling epic Away From The Sun. The group also broke with convention when writing the songs for the new album, holing up in a Nashville cabin together until the songs were completed, and then hightailing it down to Orlando, FL, to record the new CD with producer Johnny K. (he also helmed Seventeen Days).
Product Description
"We're not a band that just goes through the motions," says Chris. "We go at everything hard. What I'm most proud of about the new album is we left ourselves a way out. Everybody hit the proverbial brick wall. Everybody fell down and everybody got back up, then we all went back in the room and, what was great, was we found all these different paths to go down."
`Different' being the operative word here. Because what 3 Doors Down did after reconnecting with family, and `soul searching', was opt for a new process to the creative part of their relationship. One that emphasized the undeniable strength of the group. The fact that the sum is greater than any individual part. "It is all about getting in that room and hashing it out," recalls lead guitarist Matt Roberts. "If you look at a song like `Train,' it was one of the first songs we wrote for this album. It's kind of a building block that exemplifies the spirit of collaboration. Brad came with words and a melody and we hammered it out." "I remember I had that one in my head at home," laughs Brad. "I was singing it so much a friend threatened to kill me if I didn't get it down." Matt also remembers it as one of the `most fun songs to put together. "The best moments of this band have always been about keeping it a fun ride. You need that sense of accomplishment, but you also need to keep the process comfortable.". Adds Chris: "I think it's also fair to say we are one of the only `southern' bands who has the balls to put a song like `Train' out there these days."
The band rented an old farmhouse South of Franklin, Tennessee, where they would not only write songs, but live together, for a while. Says Brad: "The farmhouse was great because it became a wholehearted experience where we just focused on the writing. It was such a close-knit atmosphere, reconnecting us after we had been doing our own thing for a while. It set a cool mood for the entire record, writing out in the country around this fireplace in the basement. Just locking ourselves away and doing it."
Matt adds that the unique setting soon sparked 26 or 27 song ideas. "But winter turned colder than expected in Tennessee. So we decided to head to a warmer climate." The band found a ten bedroom mansion in a remote section of Orlando, Florida. They brought in Seventeen Days producer, Johnny K. and turned the house into a recording studio.
The originality of the two locations rejuvenated the band's approach. They worked hard to capture that sense of camaraderie on the final product. Once they nailed it, they packed up and headed back to Nashville. Talking legendary mixer, Andy Wallace, into abandoning his NY studio, again, (he also mixed Seventeen Days in Nashville), and they began the final process of putting the pieces together.
This album features inspired musicianship as well as some intriguing personal refrains, like on one `band favorite,' "Let Me Be Myself." "That one touches on the wrongheaded notion of how we often try destructive methods to try and kill our pain," says Brad. "But I also want the songs to be open to interpretation. More universal. That one is really talking about anything you can get lost in." And the ballad "Pages": "I think it has a lot of meaning for the whole band. What we've gone through," says Matt. "Brad is pointing out what's going on with his personal situation and ours. It was a very meaningful song for us."
The group also nails their share of (in-yer'-face)-rockers like "Runaway." "It's the kind of song you put on only to get somewhere else," says Todd. "Put it on in your car and drive as fast as you can." He and several of the guys also touch on the last song of the album, "She Don't Want The World," one of the most unique 3 Doors Down offerings yet. "That song has really become one of my favorites. It doesn't have a big chorus or anything, just Brad telling a story." Adds Brad: "We even use loops on that one. We were so willing to try different things. I think one of the reasons this is such an important album for us is because every one of us was in a different place prior to any other record we've ever made. And I would say a `better' place. But it's the kind of record that never would have happened if we didn't get off that merry go round for awhile."
For Greg (former Puddle Of Mudd drummer, born in Louisiana, raised in Oklahoma), a song like the gutsy "It's The Only One You've Got," also exemplifies the band's `sixth-sense' for cooperation. A true democracy - right down the line. "Just the way that it went down. Chris was trying to learn another song and stumbled upon the riff for this song. Brad was like `hold on, I've got something for that.' Then someone else would join in. The whole thing happened quickly, and it turned out to be such an inspiring song. This has been the most collaborative experience I've ever been involved in. And the most satisfying."
"We just can't wait to put this sugar out and get back out on the road," agrees Brad. "It's definitely the one where we got our `grit back."
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Never has 3 Doors Down produced a more polished and reflective album. The first five tracks are among the strongest they've ever recorded. From the opening to "Train," it becomes apparent that this album will be heavier and darker than anything previously written. The singles are solid, and there is a great mixture of slow and melodic tracks along with heavier, more fast paced rock. If you're a 3 Doors Down fan, then this is likely the record that you've been waiting for!
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I agree that Three Doors Down's latest album is easily their strongest collection since The Better Life. I found Away from the Sun and Seventeen Days to be too dramatic and filled with self pity. But each new song in this one is a highlight. If you decide to buy it, get it at Best Buy which includes 2 bonus tracks -"Feet in the Water" and "Who Are You."
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When i got this cd I immidentlly put it my sterio and was trilled with the whole thing. My top six are(1.Let Me Be My Self(2.Pages(3.Citizen Soldier(4.Runaway(5.these days(6.when its over. One thing about this alblum is they did more softer songs ,whitch is something that always brings tracks up to the top of the charts.For example, the charts for 3 doors down music include(1.kryptonite(2.its not my time(3.citizen soldier(4.let me be myself(5.pages(6.here with out you(7.let me go(8.be like that(9.when im gone(10.away from the sun.Eight of the ten are soft.3 doors down are probobly the best modern era rock band of today becuase they top tracks and this alblum shows it.(bottom review of the cd out of ten.)
1.train 9.1 of 10
2.citizen soldier 9.4 of 10
3.its not my time 9.2 of 10
4.let me be myself 9.8 of 10
5.pages 9.6
6.its the only one you've got 9.3 of 10
7.give it to me 8.9 of 10
8.these days 9.4 of 10
9.your arms fell like home 8.8 of 10
10.runaway 9.6 of 10
11.when its over 9.5 of 10
12.she dont want the world 9.4 of 10
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I have listened to this album over and over and can't give it past four stars. There is something about the music that I love and can't get away from, but its also missing something. I just listened to Rikki Rockett's new album called "Glitter 4 Your Soul" and I think it has all the elements that this CD has plus a little more which is way it is the first album I have rated a 5 in over a year. It is definately a must hear for anyone who is wanting perfection.
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It's been a little over 3 years since 3 Doors Down released an album, and they finally return witht heir 4th album. Their first 2 I'd give 4.5 stars, and this one and their last I'd give 4 stars. Like the other albums they've released, it's short with 12 songs and just over 40 minutes. Unlike their last 3 albums, I would say this one doen't have any classic song, but it's more consistant through the entire album. Of the 12 songs, I'd say 4 are ok and the other 8 are good, a couple being real good but not classic material. I'd have liked to see maybe one or 2 more upbeat songs but none the less the album is nice and one I'd recommend.
#1 - 7.5
#2 - 8
#3 - 9
#4 - 9
#5 - 7.5
#6 - 6.5
#7 - 8.5
#8 - 8
#9 - 8
#10 - 7.5
#11 - 8
#12 - 8.5
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the guys from 3 Doors Down with their self titled release.
Kicking off this release with one of their more in your face, fist pumping songs in "Train" and then followed by the equally poignant and moving "Citizen/Soldier". They keep the music flowing throughout the rest of the cd and with this being a collective band effort in writing and all else. You get the feeling that they really took their time with making this and it shows throughout every song.
It ends with "She Only Wants The World" which is unlike any 3 Doors Down song that i've heard in sometime.
This will be the one that puts the band right back on top of the music charts and in the minds of their fans both old and new. 3 Doors Down is what it's about and others should take notice and recognize.
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These guys are, in my opinion, the best band of today. They recognize their fans and just give their all and deliver quality in everything they do. It has taken me awhile to really get into this disc. Train just bursts down the track as the opener. Citizen/Soldier is a great song and It's Not My Time just rocks. Numerous songs are rather slow, but sure enough the chorus kicks in and surprisingly the energy level increases. I just enjoy these guys so much.I just liked their prior discs a bit more. Given more spins, I'm sure the rest of the disc will grow on me.
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When I first heard the single "It's not my time", I immediately went to my music store to purchase the new CD and it wasn't available. It was worth the wait. I have enjoyed the new CD, especially "Train" and "When it's over". If you like 3 Doors Down, you won't be disappointed.
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I'm a huge fan. I love these guys, and I've been hooked since the day I bought The Better Life years ago. 3DD, in my opinion is the most talented band out there. I have always related to their music - they're just average guys who are passionate about the music.
But having said that, I'm disappointed in the new album. It's hard to explain what I don't like about it, other than it's too clinical. It just sounds like the band went from music as their lives to music as a job. The talent is there, but I'm not feeling the power or the flow that they've spoiled me with the first 3 albums. My wife said that the album sounds rushed. I'm not so sure what it's missing, other than it's missing something. I put on a song like Father's Son from their last album and I just FEEL it.
I heard a live version of "It's not my time", and this new studio version doesn't compare. They made it more "poppish" and it lost something in the translation. It's a great song but it could've been so much better. Everyone else seems to love this version though, so I know I'm in the minority on this one.
"She don't want the world" is my favorite on the new album. It reflects their evolution but still keeps to their roots. "When it's over" almost channels their first album, and it's growing on me.
The rest of the album sounds like they showed up to work one day and cut a bunch of tracks. The songs *almost* do it for me, but they just fall short. They're still my favorite band, but this album could've been better than it is.
Hopefully the new album will grow on me over time, but for now I'll be getting my fix from the previous albums.
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Nothing more,nothing less.That seems to be the theme for 3 Doors Down.For me,it's also kind of the group's achillies heel.Several years between each of the releases of their last two cd's and not much has changed musically for the group.The sound has stayed the course throughout the bands career.It would be nice to see the group kind of step outside the box a bit and yet keep some of thier sound mixed in.Of course this is kind of a good thing as well,as you kind of know what to expect and you know you're going to get a solid cd.
This is the case with the groups self titled fourth cd.Nothing on here will catch any 3 Doors Down fans by suprise.Though,most of it is sure to please anyone who has been a fan.That is of course,unless you keep waiting for them to switch it up a bit.For me,this cd actually a bit better overall than anything they have done since "The Better Life".The only song here I could honestly live without is "Citizen/Soldier".It just lacks the hook most of their songs have.The lryics I can appreciate and it's cool that they make songs for the troops,just not very catchy to me.
Highlights are:Train
It's Not My Time
Let Me Be Myself
Pages
It's The Only One You've Got
Runaway
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3 Doors Down have been a band I've followed since their breakthrough hit "Kryptonite." I've always thought they're a little underrated for their talent, though they have had a good degree of success. Two years or so following "Seventeen Days" (a disappointing album in my opinion), the band returns with their self titled album, an album quite a bit superior to their previous effort. While I'll say right off the bat that I don't think there is any particular song on here that is quite on the same level as my favorite songs by the band (such as "Kryptonite", "When I'm Gone", and "Here Without You"), overall to me this is their best album to date on a song by song basis.
It kicks off with an album highlight, the southern fried rocker, "Train." Lead singer Brad Arnold sings "put me on a train mama" to a background of rollicking guitar riffs. This is set to be the next single, and no doubt will be big on rock radio. "Citizen/Soldier" is a song that was released as a tribute to the National Guard last year, and was not originally planned to be on the album. It's for sure a welcome addition though, as it 's also an album highlight. The lyrics work wonderfully as a thank you to those who risk their lives for their country. The first main single, "It's Not My Time" is next, and it does come the closest to capturing that pop rock magic that "When I'm Gone" and "Kryptonite" were able to achieve. Should be the biggest hit off the album, and a great song to add to their list of pop-rock crossover hits.
The album has a slew of ballads to accompany the head bangers, consisting of "Let Me Be Myself", "It's the Only One You've Got", "Your Arms Feel Like Home", and "She Don't Want the World", which surprisingly are all some of the best songs on the album. My favorite of them would be "It's the Only One You've Got", which has probably the best lyrics of any song they've done to date, the chorus going: "Hide behind your walls of maybe nevers, forgetting that there's something more than just knowing better, your mistakes do not define you now, they tell you who you're not, you've got to live this life you're given like it's the only one you've got."
"Your Arms Feel Like Home" is a love song with hit written all over it, especially when it goes into that classic booming power ballad chorus. Brad Arnold has dubbed "Let Be Myself" his favorite off the album, and it is yet another winner with solid lyrics, although a bit repetitive. "She Don't Want the World" is a song with a darker vibe, and it's one of the most unique songs they've ever done. My personal favorite though is the rockin' rocker, "Give It to Me." The song has an awesome riff laden chorus, and is the song I get stuck in my head the most. This will be huge at rock radio if released. About the only song on the album I've yet to warm up to is "These Days", but just skipping one song is way more than I can say for most albums.
3 Doors down is a great progression of "The Better Life" and "Away From the Sun" albums that made me such a fan of the band. If your a 3DD fan, I doubt you'll be disappointed. 4.5/5 Stars
My Top 5:
1. Give It to Me
2. It's Not My Time
3. Train
4. It's the Only One You've Got
5. Your Arms Feel Like Home
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I have been a 3DD fan since their song KRYPTONITE and on their new album from the song TRAIN to SHE DON't WANT THE WORLD...there is a song for every type of mood you're in. If you feel like kicking someones butt, then crank up CITIZEN/SOLDIER. If you're tired of people putting you down then turn on LET ME BY MYSELF. Perhaps you're tired of being told no or you can't do it then play IT'S NOT MY TIME. While they didn't stray too far from their original sound (and why should they there's nothing wrong with it) there is still a harder sound to their new music. On the other hand, their eeriest song is SHE DON'T WANT THE WORLD which i understand to be about a girl who has acclimated herself to her lifestyle and then finally has a revelation and moves on, is very reminiscent of Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight", is the last song on the album, an odd choice, but somehow fits to end. 3DD has been gone for 3.5 years and have now come back better than ever, this album is definitely a MUST buy. Brad and the boys have worked hard on this album and it shows, from the vocal range to the music arrangements, it all works. If you too are a 3DD fan, then this album will not disappoint.
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I've Liked 3DD since the better life, i've loved all there CDs and i know every fans been waiting for new one. the self titles Awesome!!! the only people that won't like these song's are the ones who compare them to their favorite songs. i promise if you sit down put on those big stereo headphones and just listen you'll love it!!!! theres so much drive and feeling behind theses 12 song's. if you've lived any of the storys in these song's you'll really feel the music and isn't that what good music is? something you feel. i really like all the song's you can tell how hard they worked on it its pure 3DD!!!
So For that Thank You 3 Doors Down!!!
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...I guess I should start off by saying that I'm a huge 3dd fan. They, along with the goo goo dolls and nickelback, are my favorite rock band. The Better Life was a great cd. Away From The Sun was even better, a classic IMHO. Then came Seventeen Days. At first, I was *slightly* disappointed. The singles were gold, but the rest was a little lackluster. After a few spins, though, it grew on me and became a worthwhile addition to my 3dd collection.
Flash forward 2 1/2-3 years later. 3 Doors Down release their self-titled record, and I'm in line to get it the day it comes out. Pop it in my cd player, and...disappointment.
I can't say I was thrilled with the single citizen/solider, nor was I with It's Not My Time, but I was definatly hoping for something more from the rest of the songs. One after another played, and all I could think of was how high my expectations for this new record were. Maybe too high? Perhaps, because after a couple of spins, I'm convinced this is their worst record to date. It certainly isn't bad, don't get me wrong, but given what this band has done in the past, it isn't what I'd expected either.
Those looking for another album in the vein of Away From The Sun will be sorely disappointed, although I'm sure there are plenty of people who will enjoy this record too. For now though, I'll toss it aside, pop in Away From The Sun or The Better Life, and vibe.
(The best buy version features two bonus tracks; Feet In The Water and Who Are You. Both are listenable and go well with the rest of the record)
