Shinedown
– Leave A Whisper
Label: Atlantic
Rating:
Tracks: Fly From The Inside
Left Out
Lost In The Crowd
No More Love
Better Version
Burning Bright
In Memory
All I Ever Wanted
Stranger Inside
Lacerated
Crying Out
45
Simple Man
Burning Bright
45
Since it's virtually impossible to escape
the Hetfield-esque "45" on rock radio these days, let me hasten to assure
you that the debut CD from Jacksonville, Florida's Shinedown has far more
to offer than just the dark balladry of their first single.
"Fly from the Inside" has a twinkly guitar
motif that is reminiscent of the Cure while still providing angry, crunching
vocals that will appeal to fans of Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots
who like just a bit more melody in their mix. "Left Out" is a crowd-pleaser
with the anthemic force of the best summer songs, and would make a great
second single. Obligatory acousti-ballad "Lost in the Crowd" breaks no
new ground, but has an enchanting sway to it that will make it the soundtrack
to many a heartbreak.
"No More Love" is a subtle rocker in the
Saliva vein, but is quickly outshone by the catchy "Better Version" and
its wry lyrics. Shinedown's songs are all intensely personal, and "Burning
Bright" manages to pack a powerful punch with its simple desolation. "In
Memory" is another of these jaded songs, and sounds like a cry from the
heart.
"All I Ever Wanted" is slightly schizophrenic
in approach, but never sinks into being just a filler track. "Stranger
Inside" would fit beautifully on a mix CD next to Alanis Morrisette's "You
Oughta Know", as the two are similar thematically, while the watery bass
line of Lacerated seems married to Nirvana's "Come As You Are".
Lyrically, Shinedown takes as their primary
subject the breakdown of relationships, and the marriage of such angry
words with such hummable melodies creates a sound that unashamedly displays
its influences in the little touches, such as the Queensryche feel of some
passages in "Crying Out". Of course, it's impossible to discuss this
CD without touching on the ubiquitous "45", which, while evoking the infamous
death of Kurt Cobain, still manages to become a raging evocation of universal
pain.
While the overall feel of this album is
instantly familiar, every song has something to it that is just a little
bit unexpected. For a debut album to toss in as many experimental moments
as this one does is a clever strategy, and it will be interesting to watch
Shinedown develop as performers. This is not a cheerful album, but one
that will appeal to people who are really beyond the sugary confection
of American Idol and its ilk.
Posted by shinedown_fan:
This band i just heard of a couple of days ago. A man i know goes by the name of Gary introduced me to this band. I have fallen in love with them. My favorite song of of "leave a whipser" was simple man, That is the best remake of a song i have ever heard. this band is amazing no matter what anyone says. For whoever thinks this band is gay really needs to get the ear checked and ****ing wake out of stupid mode. This is the future of rock and they are doing a amzing job. KEEP IT UP SHINEDOWN
Posted by Jon:
okay i was reading a little bit on what others think of shiendown, for those of you who think simple man sucks because it has one guitar, then you dont know shinedown. They did the song for brents voice not jasins guitar. For those of you who think shinedown is the greatest, i agree for modern rock but they are not as good as zepp. And for people who love hard rock listen to LAW for those of you who like Hard Rock played with skill listen to Us and Them.
Posted by Hunter:
ShineDown kicks ass.The first album is better then the second.My favorite song is Buring Bright so rock on ShineDown
Posted by You people are idiots.:
All of you losers that say Shinedown is the best rock band "EVER" are sorely disillusioned. It's asinine to me to think that this band is better than the Beatles or any other band that has had many more hits and fans than this band will ever have. Ugh, I have to go puke now.
Posted by someone with working ears and can spell correctly:
Saying you are paying respect to a great rock band by covering their song doesn't mean it's going to be good, or "rock" as so many of you teeny boppers want to say. Respecting this great of a song would be to leave it the hell alone. What a great travesty to music Shinedown's cover is. They would have been fine with their other songs if they had left this out. I've seen them live twice, and both times I've left my seat in pursuit of the toilet, because taking a crap was more fun than the assailing sound of this cover from the stage.
Posted by BellaDonna:
I think Shinedown is the greatest band to ever hit the music scene. When I first heard Simple Man back in '03, it blew me away. It made me cry. You guys rock. And for anyone who doesn't know anything about the guys, here's a little history for you. Jasin is Ronnie Van Zant's son in law. So I wouldn't go shooting my mouth off and getting pissed about a song being remade. It's the BEST remake so far! I couldn't have seen anyone else doing that song. BRENT: RONNIE WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU. JASIN: RONNIE WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD TO CALL YOU SON! ROCK ON GUYS!
Posted by BellaDonna:
Don't ever lose sight of who you are and where you came from. Don't get "lost in the crowd". All of you guys are VERY special. You are without a doubt my favorite. You may not remember, but I asked Mike (the road crew guy) to ask you guys for a picture when you played in Savannah, GA this year, but you left to go to some chick's party, but that's ok. I will try another time.
Posted by BellaDonna:
Shinedown rocks! Period. And I love the way they had a pic of Ronnie Van Zant in the Simple Man video. I also thought it was good form when they dedicated the song Simple Man to Dimebag Darrell when they played in Savannah, GA on Halloween this year. I have to admit though, Brent is gorgeous. And I admire him for his open-mindedness. Rock on guys!!!!
Posted by mandy:
shinedown is simply the best rock band today!they sound more amazing live than they do on the records and that is what really turned me on to shinedown! without a doubt my favorite band. there is no comparison! my favorite songs are stranger inside from their debut album leave a whisper and some day off of their most recent album: us and them.if u don't have it get it!you'll be glad u did!
Posted by Jacks Dogs:
Children its simple they made a mistake there is no way this cd should deserve four stars you would have to be out of your mind to believe that. IT SHOULD OF GOTTEN FIVE WTF FIVE NOT FOUR FIVE COUNT YOUR FINGERS AND THATS HOW MANY STARS IT SHOULD OF GOTTEN.
Posted by Dannie:
I know that Shinedown is one of the world's BEST BANDS EVER! I love these guys. My favorite song is "Better Version." The day WILL come when the world will have a Shinedown Shock.
Posted by brazilian girl:
greatest band at the moment,simple man, 45 ...I can't find the words to describe it...Plus the guitarist Jasin todd is so hot...I'm so in love with that band it's amazing' what a band...I realy hope them the best ever!!!
Posted by jpumpkin:
hey samantha email me. ill show you a real good time john_moody_69@yahoo.com
Posted by jpumpkin:
Hey Rachel I'll bang you real good email me john_moody_69@yahoo.com
Posted by shinedwnlvr:
I think the whole album kicks ass and their version of simple man in my opinion is better than the original version. Shinedown is the best band out there right now. Brent is just the best all the best every way you look at him.
Posted by AJ:
SHINEDOWN they are AWESOME u can tell they love what they r doing ive seen them three timez they kick ass.the cd is awesome get it.the music stays in ur head once u hear it.Brent's voice is awesome jasin u r awesome wish i was that damn good.brad and barry rock. i think all of u who dont have a good opinion should keep it to urself
Posted by Shinedownssexii_one:
yep...gotta say, it Shinedown's f*ckin AWESOME!!! so yea, rock on!!!
Posted by Kali:
I LOVE Shinedown!!! sooo much!!! i cant wait till their next concert!!!and Brent Smith is sooo sexii!!!!
Posted by Maggie:
Loving all the positive attitudes I see here..
Posted by Loser:
Shinedown is awesome. They are all very passionate about what they do...
Posted by serenity:
shinedown is one of the greatest bands ever i love this album i got it for my birthday & now i can't stp listeing to them because they're so great...u have to but this cd its just a great cd
Posted by Jay-May:
I like tha song 45 and their version of Simple Man...it was better w/ Skynard, but hey its still pretty damn good! I love this band, though...its gr8!!
Posted by shinedown_child:
i love shinedown. they are one of the greatest bands out there my farovite song by them would be burning bright. My boyfriend jake is the one that got me hook on them now i love them. i just love their music. they are so great. i love leave a whisper. that would be my farovite album that they have writen.
Posted by rachel masters:
all i can say is that god gave them the greatest gift which is to bring us great music and they have definatley done that 10x's better than any band i have ever heard. i have never been so obsessed with a cd in my 23 years of living. keep on rocking. i love you jasin! i am your biggest fan.
Posted by Amber:
I think the real Simple Man is not better. Well I just wanted to say that I really like Shinedown.
Posted by Jim:
I've got to agree with Jay, the real Simple Man is so much better, anyways, it the origional and real one.
Posted by Jay:
Hey Small... Just wanna let ya know bro. I've been there before too. Just go to MXTABS.NET and find the section about learning how to read tabs. If you wanna play, your gonna have to! Later dude.
Posted by Jay:
I like Shinedown, but they freakin killed Skynard's "Simple Man". I like the original WAY better. They used 3 guitars in Skynard's version... Shinedown used 1. So it sucks.
Posted by Small:
I love shinedown too, my favorite song of thiers is 45. i just got a guitar for christmas this year and can't play anything yet too well. and the only guitar music i can find online is tabs. i don't know how to read tabs so all those 3's 4's and 0's do me absolutely no good. can you find me a fingering chart for the song that would be cool!
Posted by Glenn:
i like simpleman better, but it,s ok!
Posted by snake:
pretty goood band i think they should come out with even a better cd
Posted by Samantha:
I Love Shinedown Soo Much You Guys Are Soo Awesome...I Want to f*ck All Of You Guy's LOL well maybe lol yeah i am in love with the lead singer brent he is sooo sexy and good to lick lol Thats All I have To Say Is I Love you GUYS SO Much I LOVE YOU BRENT I Want To F*ck You to LoL so if your ever in ontario give me a call :P HaHa luv yaz
Posted by ShineDowns#1Girl :
ShineDown is F*cking Awesome Whoever that doesnt listen to them are F*cking Gay LoL but yeah i just heard of the band and i listen to the songs simple man all the time because it has meaning to it...Oh Yeah Brent And Barry You Guy's Are F*cking SEXY as hell And so are the rest of you guy's (Jasin And Brad) Yeah So all i wanted to say is good luck keep on going! And I WANT TO COME ON TOUR HaHa I LOVE YOU'S
Posted by max:
that didn't make any sense at all
Posted by shinedownfan#1:
like everybody else the fell pain but realize that their is a reason its their and use it and dont bitch about it like everyone else the make hit songs out of it evryone of ther songs kick ass and they did the best cover of simple man possible
Posted by Chuckles:
I saw someone called who? ya nirvana was aswome so dont u diss them shinedown and nirvana KICK ASSSSSSSSSS
Posted by Chuckles:
SHINEDOWN Kicks all you F**kers out there who dont like em get ur f**king ears checked..This band is the best thing that happen to rock. So the guys i remember seeing on this thing is squid and Kramer you said they suck..Get your ears check
Posted by oasis:
do u play intergolf,lol
Posted by Mike:
and Jasin,lemme make it clear.i LOVE classic rock and oldies as much as anyone.skynard is actually one of my favorite bands along with aerosmith and ozzy and the eagles and beatles and all that stuff.and this may come as a surprise to everyone,im only 12!
Posted by Mike:
hey,todd,i never said i didn't like skynard.they're every bit as cool as shinedown,i was just saying i like shinedowns remake of the song.i was never saying that i liked it more than skynard's because every one knows that the original of everything is better than the new thing 99.9% of the time.but this is a shinedown board,so i figured i should say something about shinedown
Posted by Mike:
shinedown is really cool.i haven't heard all of they're songs but the few i did hear KICK @$$ i really liked they're remake of simple man
Posted by ameelee55:
i love there cd it the best sence the first cd of creed was made that was there best cd but shinedown is way freak'n cooler then any other wimpy band out there.
Posted by shinedown fan:
shinedown is the best! i love themm and they are the best live! u need to see them live and all u haters cdan f*ck off!
Posted by Kim:
Shinedown in concert is... there are no words to describe it. It was very pure and perfect. Brent's voice is like none other. I would have to say it's one of the best shows I have seen and I have seen a lot. I'm 38 yrs old and love to ROCK!Especially with Shinedown!
Posted by manda:
shinedown is so rock all the way. the song mean so much.and brents vocals are really good
Posted by Kristina:
I love them to death. There music is awesome! and my friend thinks the lead singer is hott
Posted by erika:
i just saw Shinedown in concert and they were so awesome! i didn't know much about them before, but after seeing them they became one of my favorite bands. they perform with such a passion. i enjoyed the concert so much i bought the cd there and had them sign it. it's a great cd but nothing can compare to seeing them live.
Posted by Summer:
I LUV THEM. I GOT THEIR CD and i so f ing happy
Posted by Rgie:
i think Shinedown is awesome! i went to their concert and it was a blast! i love 45 and simple man...drums are the best too!
Posted by JJ:
THE CD IS GREAT BUT IT DOES NOT CAPTURE BRENT SMITH'S VOCALS. HIS VOCALS ARE TREMENDOUS AND MUST BE HEARD LIVE!!! NOTHING BAD TO SAY ABOUT THE BAND... HAVE PROBABALLY SPUN THE CD A FEW THOUSAND TIMES......FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HATED ON BRENT'S VOICE.. YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THEM LIVE. HIS VOICE HAS SO MUCH RANGE THAT IT CAN NOT BE CAPUTRED ON A CD.. THOSE WHO HAVE SEEN SHINEDOWN LIVE WILL AGREE....
Posted by Tater Salad:
i Think Shinddown RULES!!! I love Burning Bright, And Blasting Flyfrom the Insside... Man That songs Kicks Ass.. Well They are all good.. BUT THE CD!!!
Posted by metal head:
I love shinedown, there ROCK, i've seen them in consert and it was the best consert that I have been too. One day they are going to be the biggest band around, and that will ROCK even more.
Posted by crys:
i love shinedown, theyre awesome & other ppl need 2 learn it!
Posted by Maggie:
Yeah, and I love Skynyrd, but I was talking about Shinedown, not making comparisons.
Posted by ...:
hey maggie,so did Skynyrd
Posted by Maggie:
What the hell? If Jasin had to come on here and post about disrespect, there's seriously something wrong with certain people posting here. For one thing, Shinedown owns all, and anyone who feels they need to publically disrespect in general, let alone Jasin's family, should have their skull smashed into a rock. Leave the guys alone, they're an amazing group of musicians who've worked their asses off to get to where they are now and they don't need to hear any pointless babbling.
Posted by Jasin Todd:
All you f*cking idiots that don't like our version of a classic rock tune can f*ck off, your talking about MY FAMILY, so if there is a problem and your such a true southern man, bring it on. I'll beat your bitch ass, just like Ronnie would. Don't f*ck with my family and keep your stupid replies to yourself.
Posted by Kim:
I love Shinedown, they rock. Going to see them in Atlanta on 12/17. Burning Bright is definitley my fav!
Posted by me again:
im horny and want a hot chick to have sex with! if theres a hot girl that feels the same way;) POST IT!
Posted by heavy metal shreder!!:
SHINE DOWN ROCKS! THEY ARE KICK A$$! 45 is AN AWESOME SONG WROTE BY AN AWESOME BAND! I agree with hot goth blonde! I bet you are a hot babe;)sexy~sexy girl;) do you like to have sex?
Posted by An old buddy:
Shinedown rocks! I knew them back in Jville, FL before they went big and loved the music back then. They were just a local band and still had a HUGE following, more than any local band I have seen. And as a club owner I have seen many. Shinedown played in my club 7 times in a year and it was always packed, once the firemarshall came in. I could hardly get employees to work on those nights cause they all requested off to see Shinedown play. Though I haven't seen them in about a year they were really down to earth back then and talked with the fans unlike some.
Posted by Gezz:
I must say shinedown is one of the best rock bands around their music and lyrics at least make some sense and not waisting you f**king time listening to some pop sh*t, for those who think otherwise, please get a life if you think this band sucks,
Posted by beautiful:
Shinedown is the one of the best bands i have heard. The vocals are incredible. i love the complete sound of this band. 45 is got to be the best song they have.
Posted by huriana:
shinedown is a kick ass band ive heard simple man in three different people and he did an awsomwe job the way he sings its is great hes vary talented
Posted by huraina:
i think shinedown is going to be big they are going somewhere and that somewhere is famous i saw these guys in consert and they put on a great show
Posted by Me:
Shinedown is the sh!t
Posted by Croto:
I hate when bands are unable to completely acheive the music capabilities of the bands whose songs they are remaking.. seriously.. this bands' lead singer's voice is horrific, simple man should have never been done. Skynard is in a different universe than Shinedown as far as musical talent is condsidered. it's #2 worst remake in the last few years.. better (not by much) to limp bizkit's horrible remake of behind blue eyes.
Posted by Steff:
I don't think the lead singer's voice was a good match for "Simple Man"
Posted by Coz:
Take it from me, a 42 year old father of two teenagers - this album is in a word 'Incredible'. I have seen and heard them all and this is a welcome return back to the basics of rock and roll. I for one, like the Simple man remake. It was done with taste and not bastardized into some rap tune. The acoustic version of .45 blows my mind with its beautiful guitar and deep vocals. Everybody quit comparing these guys to bands of the '90s, this is the band who got it right! And they did it by being themselves, not styled after the old heros. I hope to see them soon. I'll be the old guy with hair down his back and two teens rockin' out next to me. Peace.
Posted by set it straight:
Alright, for all those ORINGAL song fans, you need to realize that shinedown didn't make their own rendition of this song for the fame or anything. THey did it because they wanted to and they are paying their respects.. It is one thing to remake a song for your own well being, and another to rerecord a song in a way thats a respectful thing. They got permission of the record company and the the families to re-record the song and put it on an Enhanced cd for any of their fans who liked their version.. I have listened to both versions and like both, I do not think the ruined the song I think that they did a good job. I even had my parents listen to it and they liked it as well.. I always make sure people hear both versions of a song. I personally, like shinedowns version better and just because Brent puts a little more effort into his voice on part and gives it a harsher sound doesn't mean its bad! It takes a lot of hard work to be able to do that right and make it sound good without messing up your vocal cords. Shinedown is a wonder band and I am going to go see them in a few days. I hope they do play Simple Man because it is a great song. And the band worked hard in the studio on this song with Judy, and if she approved it and liked it then it shouldn't matter to anyone else.. And lastly they are giving credit to song writers. If you look in the book it states right there that is NOT written by them, rather Gary Rossington and Ronnie Van-Zant. Seeing as that is the ONLY song on the album not written by a band member or co written. I would think they have done pretty damn well.. If you don't like it, tough. Whats done is done, get over it. They were not looking for just your approval..
Posted by hot goth blonde:
Shinedown is the greatest.don't try to argue with me about it because i'm female and blonde so therefore i'm right. get rid of the sh$tty punk bands. jimmy eat world go screw your selfs you suck. shinedown rocks on. Good times good times.
Posted by littlerockinblondemonkey:
Shinedown is awesome to a dreamer like myself. We need more bands like them, enough of them pathetic punk bands like simple plan and jimmy eat worls. Shinedown rocks
Posted by Doc_Holiday:
Ok, Shinedown is the sh!t, and for any fuqz that think they stole and fuqed up "Simple Man" is an idiot. It sounds awesome. The singer has a sound like Lynrd Skynrd. And if any one hasn't seen them live, it comes highly recommended. This isn't like bullsh!t you hear in music now a days, these lyrics have feelings in em. You don't really see it to often (Jimmy eat world, Greenday, Sum 41, and sad to say Metallica). This sh!t has meaning!! Burning Bright is a killer track! t('-'y)
Posted by J D:
I agree with rockin it. They sound so awesome live! All you haters that keep comparing Shinedown need to seriously STOP. It is a joke to compare cuz Shinedown is Shinedown, not anyone else. Let them be and quit lookin for similarities and differences! Gosh, freakin idiots!
Posted by RoCkiN It:
I saw Shinedown (finally!!) live and they kick major ass! I love the passion that Smith shows when he sings! It's so real. Rock on guys!
Posted by Daisy:
I looooove Shinedown. They rock my face off. Buy this CD!
Posted by Wildchild:
Shinedowns album IS great but the thing that soled my soul to them was LIVE they are as good if not better album or live you cant gor wrong I still get chills just thinking about it.....
Posted by CrazyHorse045:
Shinedown is an awesome band. Brent has an amazing voice and he backed by amazing musicians!
Posted by Luhta Kala:
Shinedown is an incredible band for the songs that they have written. The cd is mostly tracks by them. It are full of lyrics that will rip through your soul and put the pieces back together in exactly the right places to make you whole again. They rebuild strength,faith in yourself, and hope. Everyone talks about Simple Man and tries to base the band's worth on that song, but here is the reality. Simple man is a cover they did at the request of a radio station. The song did extremely well. They re-released the cd to include the cover plus new versions of 45 and Burning Bright. Its time we consider the album as a whole instead of determining the bands worth over an extra feature.
Posted by mstrss695:
Shinedown is an incredible band. Brent's vocals shake you from the soul out. Jasin is a great guitarist and you can tell he loves his music when you see him play. It's the same thing with Brad (the bassist) and Barry (the drummer). The all have such a great love for music and an even greater love for their fans. They truly respect them. I can relate to every single song on Leave A Whisper and it's really hard to choose a favorite. When they played the acoustic version of Simple Man on 107.3 WAAF for the first time, I had chills. They bleed through their music...and Brent's vocals show that. If you haven't heard their album, I urge you to check it out!
Posted by Craig from Jax:
Don't worry Jesus Schwartz, of course this discussion's still up. The Sinedown cover SUCKS. I'm glad to see another person out there getting the point that "Simple Man" should be kept as Lynyrd Skynyrd's song
Posted by Jesus Schwartz:
...I don't know if this discussion is still alive, but this band absolutely defiled "Simple Man"; the full-lung bellowing the singer does is completely inappropriate for the solo acoustic guitar being played, which the guitar playing isn't bad at all...if either the dude tried actually singing it, or the rest of the band was convinced to plug in and rock out, it may not be as atrocious; I just know it hurts my ears hearing this song on the radio...
Posted by Jamie C:
THIS IS AN AWESOME BAND...I SAW THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME LIVE AT MUD ISLAND IN MEMEPHIS THEY ARE SUCH AN AWESOME BAND AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM AGAIN...THERE MUSIC CAN REALLY GET TO YOU..........
Posted by Jamie C:
THIS IS AN AWESOME BAND...I SAW THEM FOR THE FIRST TIME LIVE AT MUD ISLAND IN MEMEPHIS THEY ARE SUCH AN AWESOME BAND AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM AGAIN...THERE MUSIC CAN REALLY GET TO YOU..........
Posted by Kramer:
Got to agree with you, squid.
Posted by squid:
This band is terrible.
Posted by a random loser, just trying to make the known more obvious:
Let me just say that, despite the fact that it seems as though Shinedown is getting the privilege of performing "Simple Man" simply because Jasin is engaged to Melody Van-Zant, I don't care for remakes and I love Shinedown's rendition of "Simple Man". The first time I heard "45" on the radio, I could never remember the name of the band, but I loved the way the music sounded different when compared to other rock bands, and this simple fact of their beautiful music made me remember when I finally heard of Shinedown. At first, I just liked Shinedown because the music was on the radio and I thought the members were all gorgeous, but after a while, I looked past them and I began to... "see" their music, not their appearances. Shinedown is one of the best new bands out there and if you can't see past their history or lack thereof, then I suggest you just listen to the music and ignore the stereotype, because these guys have broken the mold of the usual rock genre. They are the new generation, and always will be. (That sounded weird, didn't it? hehe)
Posted by b:
45 IS AN AWESOME SONG! i LOVE YOU SINEDOWN! YOUR MY HEROS!
Posted by Tony G.:
I have seen the band shinedown several times now and I know all of you downing them are not only clueless to their music but have obviously never seen any of their performances of Simple Man. Before they perform the song, Brent pays respect to what he calls "the greatest rock band ever". They perform the song as a tribute to their favorite rock band. They never intended the song to be released as a single. When they performed it as part of their set, each time paying respect to Skynyrd, it drew so much praise and interest that the label wanted it released in demand by fans. Also, LEAVE A WHISPER is a great CD. There are many outstanding songs that were all written by the members of Shinedown. Further, if you listen to music, you should be able to appreciate the fact that Brent sings with more passion and strength than any other frontman in the last 15 years aside from Eddie Vedder. If you want to linger on injustice to Lynyrd Skynyrd, why don't you complain to Skynyrd themselves fro letting Bush Beer use their version as a comercial!
Posted by Rob:
It's good for you Matthew that you went out and bough one of the Skynyrd albums. Hope you like it, you will. I'm not trying to take any side here, but I think that all this arguing is kind of useless. As long as Shinedown and their fans give Skynyrd all the credit, I'm fine with that.
Posted by Matthew:
Regardless of whether or not you like cover bands, Shinedown isn't one. If anything, they are paying respect to them. Since finding out it wasn't there song, it's not only made me want to buy skynard's first album, but now I can't wait for Shinedown's sophmore effort. So my vote is Shinedown 1, all you haters 0
Posted by John:
All I hear about is people at my school saying how great shinedown is because of thier song Simple Man. THEY DON'T DESERVE ANY CREDIT. It's not even their own original song. THE CREDIT FOR SIMPLE MAN BELONGS TO LYNYRD SKYNYRD,so I suggest that you go buy their fisrt album and listen to track 4, then you'll realize "hey, these guys really deserve full credit for their song, not the band that did the cheap cover."
Posted by jamie:
i am a recently new fan of shinedown. the first time i heard "fly from the inside" i was hooked. it's an amazing song and i thing this band rocks!!! "Fly from the inside is my favorite song.
Posted by Laura:
Look, for all you cover haters......GET OVER IT! I mean, almost every band has done covers. I think Shinedown is a great band and Brent & Jasin put the song together beautifully. They have a lot of talent. And I'm not biased because I'm from Jax, they really are a great band. And don't hate them because they are talented! By the way, Jasin Todd and Melody VanZant were married last week!! Congrats to them!!
Posted by ...:
Listen up Katie, shinedown killed Simple Man, the thing skynyrds known for is their three guitars. Shinedown had one. They really butchered a classic.
Posted by Katie Bug:
I saw Shinedown open for Van Halen in Denver and I have to agree, they kick ass! I am SLIGHTLY against cover albums, but I must say that Shinedown didn't butcher 'Simple Man'. I have to congradulate them on their growing success in the rock and hard metal industry.
Posted by lisaisafan:
I saw Shinedown open for Van Halen in Anaheim and they kicked ass...I love their music and met Jason Todd after the show and he is so nice and fun to talk to....Great Band
Posted by Curtis Loew:
I have got to completely agree with you man.
Posted by A man with respect for the origional artists of a song:
I seems to me that the new thing for bands to do now is to make covers of classic rock songs. I personally am against covers, since it is basically stealing someone elses work, and using it for yourself. I think that is is really bad when someone elses song (Skynyrd's Simple Man) is used as another bands single (Shinedown's remake of Simple Man, used as one of their singles). ANd, for all you people that think Shinedown's a great band because of their song "Simple Man", well guess what. You're WRONG. Shinedownn should be getting absolutely no credit for that song which is origionally Skynyrd's, since the only thing they have to do is sit in a studio and play a song, when Ronnie VanZant and Gary Rossington had to work their asses off and come up with a great song like that on their own for themselves. And for you Jamie, it's nice for you to give your soon to be son some good words of wisdom to live by. And when you're holing your son in your arms, and he asked you, "Mamma, who wrote that song on the wall?", you respond my telling him, "Son that song was sung by a band called LYNYRD SKYNYRD, way back in the 1970's, and baby, they are still playing that song today."(Which they are because I went to their concert in Pompano Beach, Fl, and in West Palm Beach, Fl, and their supposed to release a new cd eary 2005 and tour all summer again).
Posted by kitten:
they're a good band i love their music
Posted by red:
Heard Simple man at work went to our local store to purchase this cd and was told that they could not order it for me, there were not going to burn anymore for distribution, is this the truth, and why?
Posted by Jamie:
First I just want to say that im so impressed with simpleman that im actually taking the time to write a comment about it. this is really not my kind of music, but this song really gets to me. im actually looking for the lyrics so i can frame them and put them on the wall in my soon to be born sons nursery.
Posted by Jenna Stevens:
I think that Shinedown is a great group. I listen to them all the time!!
Posted by jenny girl:
i think shinedown's '45' is the best, and i love the remake of simple man--it's the best. and i can't wait to get their CD.
Posted by Blazer:
Shinedownis the best band i have ever heard. I got their CD 6 months ago, and i still listen to it non stop. I just saw them for a 3rd time and they keep on amazing me with each performance. They have so much energy. Back to the CD. The rare thing is i like all the songs on the cd. Usually i only like a couple songs, and the others i hate. This CD is so great, i can listen to it start to finish, and its all great. My favs are all of them, but my top ones are...Left Out, Crying Out, Better Version, and Stranger Inside. If you like rock of any kind GET THIS CD!!!
Posted by Mrs Schwartz:
These guys ROCK! I haven't been excited about a new band in a LONG time! I'm sick of these DJ's shoving down our throats these nontalented, sound-the-same, cookie cutter bands that are laughing all the way to the bank b/c they're getting "over" on the average idiot who buys their sh*t! Did I mention nonthinking idiots? What happened to Sound Garden? Pearl Jam? Alice in Chains? Bands with talent and meaning behind their songs. Shinedown has arrived! When I purchased their CD, I was blown away! I was only expecting to like 3 or 4 songs. I love them all! Brent has got himself a set of pipes! Their sound is multi dimentional (listen w/ headphones). I listen to their lyrics and can feel the hardships and growing pains they've experienced. I can relate to alot of things they sing about. "Stranger Inside" (my FAV) and "Crying Out" (my FAV)are powerful (songs) in EVERY aspect from lyrics, vocals, guitar, drums! I saw them in concert in Philly in July. Their energy, their fan appreciation, they're tight as a band - they put on an AMAZING show. It was worth the 2 hr drive! Can't wait to see them again! So for all of those people out there who like Sum 41, Green Day, Radiohead, Sublime - you can have them. Shinedown's talent supersedes any new band out there! Their sound reminds me of bands from yesteryear. Good old rock-n-roll! Rock on Brent, Brad, Jasin & Barry! I wish you longevity and success in your career(s)! xo
Posted by Simple Girl:
This band is amazing. They just rock. It is hard to find an album that every song is worth listening to. Ever since I first heard them on our hometown radio station in Jax., Florida, I was in love with every note, lyric, cord, and beat. Everyone should listen to these guys. You will fall in love as well.
Posted by missjessy:
i love simpleman and 45 and i love shinedown usually Im a hip hop junkie but simpleman really hit me and now i love them !!
Posted by Person who knows a great voice:
Shinedowns singer has the most beautiful voice. I love the way they remade Simpleman, much better than the original.
Posted by prisoner:
What a band....they are amazing. The first time i saw them, they did an accoustic set with tantric. At that time, fly from the inside was a huge hit, and i wasn't really into them. a couple weeks later i saw them again, and they just had a kick ass show. im going to another one in a few days. and just a little side note for you simple man haters...jasin todd (guitarist) is engaged to ronnie van zant's daughter. think about that one...
Posted by Charmkat:
A must have record for anyone with any taste for talent
Posted by Whiskey Rock-a-Roller:
Listen up enchanting light, first of all, i think that brent's voice sounds just about like every other rock band's voice out there, deep and scratchy. I must say that Ronnie VanZant's is much better. The real "Simple Man" was one of the southern rock classics, and in southern rock the music is built around the vocalist, and to do that you need more than just one guitar, I know because that is the type of music I play. And to everyone else who's reading this that they go pick up the first Skynyrd abulm for some real music. And, enchanting light, if even one word is incorrecly sung, it can change the "overall meaning". Shinedown only wishes that they had the talent to write songs as well as Ronnie. So I reccommend that you go to your local music store and invest in some Lynyrd Skynyrd. SUPPORT SOUTHERN ROCK.
Posted by the die hard groupie:
i believe that if you take all of the talentless wannabe good charlotte rockers that are out today and put them all together, they wouldnt have near as much talent as shinedown. they are like a breath of fresh air in a dwindling mass of posers who cant breathe through their own uneducated concepts of beautiful music and real musicians. listening to Leave a Whisper seems to take you on a journey through your own hardships and troubles, loves and losses and whatever else the cd provokes in your emotions. you can only feel the same pain that is in Brents voice when hes pouring his heart into the lyrics. every song will give you chills or make you cry, and they are all written amazingly... you cant stop and say that Shinedown are not creating a musical revolution. i only ask that if you truly respect music and love it for what it is.. give this band a chance.. buy the cd, and just listen to it. all i can say is that i know Shinedown will leave more than just a whisper. *jenn
Posted by enchanting light:
If you'd like a real easy link to the song "Simple Man" that everyone is talking about, try this one: http://buzztone.atlanticrecords.com/shinedown_simpleman/ This link will take you to the Shinedown player.
Posted by enchanting light:
I think that covers or no and happy or sad, this is a cd of emotions and one that could possibly speak to a large amount of people. Whether or not they covered the song "correctly" or "incorrectly" doesn't matter as long as the overall meaning is conveyed and the song sounds good...so key in on the fact that Brent has the most incredible voice and the music is well played. Enjoy the music for what it is and not what your "well trained musical mind" thinks it should be. This cd is awesome.
Posted by Mississippi Kid:
I must agree with you "A person who knows about music". It's the typical modern rock hack job cover of a classic. Have you ever heard the original (real) "Simple Man"? Good, then you know why I am writing this. The cover steals the lyrics (incorrectly sung by Shinedown anyways)and one guitar riff. It's pretty pathetic when your single is some other band's work. That just goes to show what a sorry little band Shinedown is.
Posted by A person who knows about music:
This is in regard to Shinedown's single "Simple Man". When I first heard it, I was disgusted. First of all, I have never liked covers, and this one is a disgrace to an amazing song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I consider the origional "simple man" to be one of the greatest songs, but Shinedown's cheap replication is terrible and shows inability to both comprehend and imitate great music. I cannot believe anybody who has had the priviledge to hear Lynyrd Skynyrd and applauses Shinedown's cover. Shinedown is a terrible band, and trying to copy a great piece of music by Lynyrd Skynyrd ads insult to injury.
Posted by whatever:
what's the date on this review? obviously rather recent, this looks to be a review of the june re-release (the cd was originally released on july 15th, 2003). this review is really good, but maybe someone should go back and edit IF they can. as stated, "fly from the inside" is the first single (since march '03) then "45" (oct. '03) and they have already been on the third single, "simple man" for a few good months. maybe suggest a 4th single, if there is to be one. and concentrate a little more on research of your artists...
Posted by Grendel:
Simple Man has to be the best cover of 2004. Beautiful acoustic arrangement that showcases the vocals that makes the lyrics as powerful as they were 25 years ago. Damn. Shinedown is a band to watch!
Posted by jessejames:
Shinedown has one of the, if not the greatest singers in the world. with his wild amount of range in his voice. he brings me back to the Temple of The Dog song, "Call Me A Dog", from Chris Cornell.Simple Man is Just amazing! Shinedown Will Go far, we need some more bands like shinedown to get rid of this new rock bulls*@t. Looking forward to the next Shinedown Album.
Posted by natetheoriginal:
wtf. Shindown, should be two words. ANYway now that that's off my chapple, I do have something constructive to say about shinedown. I think they are a little breath of fresh air to me, I look foward to hearing thier singles on the radio in between all the crap. Thanks a bunch charley. PS I am in a nirvana rip off band too, so there bobby!
Posted by bad rocker:
I heard shinedown at a van halen concert and afterward i went out and bought their cd. the song simple man changed my life and inspired me to be the best
Posted by simple man:
this is an awesome cd. Even if you do not like heavy metal some of the songs are not so heavy. But if you are into the heavy stuff then this cd has some songs for you too
Posted by Sir_Smoks_Alot:
GET THIS CD! great great cd and don't listen to the guys that say "shinedown stinks" just check out their songs and see if u like them BEST ALBUM EVER!
Posted by Rapture:
Shinedown doing Simple man. Holy sh*t. I love it. BTW. Fly from the inside was the first single, it got a lot of airtime in my area, but I guess it didn't really in other place.
Posted by sumone:
shinedown is awsome!!! their cd is sooooo awsome and all their songs are soo good..brent has an amazing voice, i think everyone should get their cd....i can play their song "45" on my guitar..l.great song to play on there too
Posted by who?:
Atleast we can understand what Shinedown is saying, unlike Nirvana, where you can MAYBE make out two words in an entire song...I never like them. Shinedown is alot better I think. And its Simple kind of man...great remake of Skynyrds' I think too.
Posted by Florida Wildlife Commission Offical Rocker!:
Shinedown, to me, is freakin awesome! Every song on 'Leave A Whisper' is catchy. You can't sit back and not be able to relate to the emotional ties of the songs. Brent Smith, the lead singer,(for those who are posers) sings with pure emotion. If you get a chance to look at his tattoos, you'll see one that says "your pain is a gift". That, in sum, is very true. His voice refelects the pain and agony one must face throughout life. A classic example would be 'Better Version'(guitarist Jasin Todd's favorite). Not at one point could anyone disagree that peer pressure has lead them to think of themselves in such a way. Perhaps it wasnt peer pressure. Perhaps it was something else that could bring about this feeling of defeat and worthlessness. All in all, 'Leave A Whisper' can help relate to situations, either current or in the past, that we've come across and,too,possibly help in releasing some of the pain that was delt with along the way by being able to finally connect with something as wonderful as Shinedown. Can't wait to see them live at Floyd's Music Store in Tallahassee, FL!!
Posted by Dobray:
Shinedown sucks hairy clit
Posted by matt_w:
i am a professional musician and a listener of many types of music. i heard "fly from the inside" the day after i read that my wife was in the paper for being busted with things with another guy while i was at work on a full time job.. i gave up the music to be a husband and this all shattered me. i heard shinedown and this is the cd that helped me more than can imagine. i quit my job and went back into the band lineup and am doing fine and i still listen to the cd pretty much everyday.. too show my appreciation for what fly from the inside meant i am going to have the shinedown symbol tattoed on my left forearm once the texas summer is done. can't go swim with a fresh tat so i will wait.. in all, for those of you that feel rejected and want some encouragement in life; i would highly recommend this cd.. maybe you'll feel the soothing inspiration that i did in a time of need... fly from the inside and peace be to all.....
Posted by mac:
good but does simple man say be a simple kind of man or simple conduct man
Posted by savemefrommyself:
shinedown is awesome, the cd is my favorite..and nirvana kicks ass too, best one on this cd is "No more love"..
Posted by NunYoBusiness:
Never Liked Nirvana, not going to slag them though. Shinedown is very much in the grunge vein but they also have the good sense to add different styles to the mix. Best track on the disc is "Burning Bright" buy the re-release though because the "Sanford Mix" version is much better.
Posted by thedarkmuffinman:
WTf?!?!? nirvana was not overrated shinedown is asemone but they don't have anything on nirvana
Posted by METALHEAD:
They deffintley have Grungesque quality but sound alot like Soundgarded they definitley are very good. AND NIRVANA IS AWESOME!!!!
Posted by daedae:
*shudder* I don't hear a Nirvana comparison at all... and that's good...because Nirvana was way overrated. Yeah, Shinedown's sorta in the neo-grunge class, but that's about as far as the comparison goes.
Posted by rob:
this is the first i have heard of them...but they remind me alot of nirvana...so all nirvana fans...give this cd a listen...and the song 45..is easily one of my favorites...im sure a few years from now it will rank up there with soundgardens black hole sun...but yea...all u guys out there...give this cd a go..its worth it
Posted by k8e:
i love the song 45, its mint
Posted by clair:
ilove shinedown
Posted by daedae:
For the record, ".45" wasn't their first single. "Fly from the Inside" was, all the way back last summer. Based on the track listing, this review is from the reissue with the bonus tracks, which I haven't had a chance to listen to yet, but the CD as originally released quickly became one of my favorites.
