Before Fuel Went All "Radiocore" On Us

I don't like Fuel that much anymore. Their last two albums were extremely disappointing. However, they got a good start with "Sunburn". Why do I give it four stars? Well, it's not completely original, but do I really care? I'm not the guy who buys a full album just for one or two good tracks, unless it's used. Nope.



Anyways, "Shimmer" will always be a classic. As it was a somewhat hit in 1998, we will never forget such a great song. It's a very catchy song. Another great track is "Bittersweet", which for some reason got me hooked. It sort of has a start like in that Franz Ferdinand song, "Take Me Out", which tends to catch me. It's a great song. The album is decent.



However, it's sad to see bands with such great starts declining. Staind, Fuel and Korn had some great starts, but then they really had it by going TRL on us (not Korn. However, they got way too popular as well). Fuel's "Sunburn" will remind me of how great the band WAS at that time. Recommended for the alternative rock listener like me.

no stand out songs, but decent overall

this cd is really just a bunch of "filler" songs. there are no songs that sound like they should be on the radio, nor are they the kind that get stuck in your head. if i had to pick the best song on here it would probably be jesus or a gun, but even this is a stretch.

Sunburn

Every day, I find myself drifting further and further away from this type of rock music. Ive found that way too many of the rock bands coming out today have no soul or emotion, and are simply going through the motions. Luckily, Fuel arent one of these bands.



Now when Im drifting away from mainstream rock, my main genre of interest is metal. Lamb Of God, In Flames and Pantera are 3 of my favorite bands, but I still really enjoy this CD just because of the emotion. No; it doesnt have frantic drumming, blazing guitar solos and harsh growling vocals. Nor does it have weak whining and screaming over distorted guitars. All it is is 4 guys, playing music and believing in what they are doing, and that is why I have been able to hang on to this CD.



The first thing that stands out when you listen to Fuel are the vocals. Brett Scallions has a somewhat raspy style of singing that makes him somewhat distinct. Granted the musicianship is nothing amazing, but for this type of music it doesnt have to be, and in fact there actually is a guitar solo in "Sunburn" (whens the last time you heard Nickelback play a guitar solo?). The lyrics are good as well. Theyre simple and emotional, and I think most people can relate to the songs.



Overall, this is a very solid CD that any fans of rock should like. But, if youre getting tired of the stuff thats being played on the radio and are seeking something a little bit different, I would give Fuel a try.