Unless you don't have a TV or a radio it's hard to ignore Shinedown's first single "Fly From the Inside." The twangy, dark guitar tones and sturdy vocals command this song about conquering all doubt despite others holding you back. It's refreshing to hear the vocal harmonies in the chorus. The tone becomes slightly darker on "Left Out." You'll start to make comparisons to Staind or Alice in Chains here. Somber acoustic guitars and soft vocals kick off "Lost in the Crowd," but are soon engulfed by a flurry of cranking guitars in the chorus. Jasin Todd's soloing isn't so much bombastic as it is effective and to the point. "Better Vision" is impelled by a repetitive guitar lick, while "Lacerated" is dominated by a tribal drumbeat. There's plenty of meaty riffs on "In Memory" and "No More Love." Two ballads really stand out on Leave a Whisper. "45" is a dark ballad about a man on the edge, and "Burning Bright" is an acoustic ballad that builds slowly to an emotional chorus.

Anything bad?

Nope.

Bottom Line

If you consider their name and the song titles, it's easy to dismiss Shinedown as another Christian metal band. However, their tone and lyrical content is too dark and deep to fall into that category. Leave a Whisper is a strong debut that's full tuned-down, radio friendly hard rock. It has recently been re-released with three bonus tracks and a video.


Not A Christian Band   August 26, 2005
 6 out of 25 found this review helpful

For those who think that this album or band might be christian, neither is not. Burning Bright is the only song that has extreme spriritual references. Christians are supposed to be a light in a dark world. This song is a pefect example of a Christian who simply will not let his/her light shine; or a Christian who has fallen from the light. The more Jesus' light shines through him/her the more he covers up the light(closes his eyes) When they don't let the light shine darkness consumes them. The Christian is then plagued by confusion, doubt, and indecision about his faith. He or she needs to get back to the source of light so he or she might walk a path that is straight and narrow.

Anyway, this is a good, clean cd. I would not recommend the song "45", I'm not sure of the authors lyrical intent but it sounds very disturbing. A person who is border line suicidal should totally stay away from this song. I would have given this cd 4 or 5 stars if it wansn't for this controversial song.

Just like to emphasize again that this is not a christian band or album. If you want a Christian alternatie please check pillar or kutless.




Awesome Band, Awesome CD!!   October 7, 2005
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I don't typically like most of the new music on the radio enough to go out and buy their CD, but this band has blown me away. I'm a big fan of acoustic/unplugged rock, and their version of "Simple Man" is one of the best songs I've ever heard! Lynyrd Skynyrd doesn't even come close to the emotion that Shinedown puts into this song. If you're into Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Audioslave, etc., go out and buy this CD right now! Make sure you buy the version with the 3 extra songs.


A good hard rockin album   August 18, 2004
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

A co-worker told me that I should pick up this cd and since we both have the almost the same taste in music I gave it a chance and I can say that I am not disappointed. LEAVE A WHISPER is a good hard rockin cd, that is one of the best albums out there right now. It is one of the first cd I can say I like all the songs on the disc. With the music scene today, you is really say something. With an album full of great songs, it is hard to single out any one, but I would say the trinity of NO MORE LOVE, BETTER VERSION, and BURNING BRIGHT are probably going to get the most airplay down the road. You want another surprise, check out the acoustic versions of SIMPLE, and 45. Those songs kick a$$. I would say SHINEDOWN sound is close to SEETHER, and since I love SEETHER, I love this album. I highly suggest that you add this cd to your collection. I dont think you will be disappointed


THIS is music at it's finest.   April 24, 2007
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Firstly, I'll start by mentioning the fact that I have not gone a day without listening to at least one of the tracks from this album - in three years. Yes, it's really that good.

Shinedown is not your average mainstream rock band. They are mature. They know music. People here have attempted to describe this album, and usually unsuccessfully. Therefore, I'm not going to try to do so, because I just can't define what makes it so GOOD.

Here's the overview:

Fly From the Inside - What a way to kick things off! This is the most upbeat and fast-paced song on the album. The lyrics are uplifting and inspiring. My third favorite song on the album. 10/10

Left Out - I never really listened to this song as much as some of the other tracks. It is very meaty, with a lot of solid guitar and bass backing it up. The lyrics are so-so. 8/10

Lost In the Crowd - I love this song. It's a slower track, yet it heats up during the chorus. The style reminds me of Alic In Chains somewhat. It's a very dynamic song, great tune and easy to listen to. Includes a small guitar solo. 9/10

No More Love - Great, rough song. Lot's of blazing guitar intertwining with loud and in-your-face vocals. The chorus can start to get somewhat repetetive, but not nearly so as to ruin the song. 8/10

Better Version - For some reason this song appealed to me most when I first listened to the Album. In reality, it's an okay song, but nothing smashing. The lyrics are very clean and to-the-point. Can also become slightly repetetive, but a very good listen overall. 8/10

Burning Bright - THE song of the album. A slower song, but written and performed beautifully. Extremely melodic, a song that you can really get into. The lyrics are amazing, and the song itself is very focussed and directed. 10/10

In Memory - This song is on par with Better Version. It's a good song, but not amazing. (All of the tracks on this album are excellent, so keep in mind that I am being very picky with my ratings.) Very solid song, with a great bridge. 8/10

All I Ever Wanted - This is an awesome song to just listen to, very catchy. Not a whole lot to say about it, other than mentioning that it's, like every other song on the album; really solid, with good lyrics. 9/10

Stranger Inside - I rank this song and "Crying Out" in the same exact category. Both are amazing songs, both have well-written lyrics, both are well-performed. Yet another solid track.(Bet at this point the review is starting to sound robotic, eh?) 9/10

Lascerated: To break the cycle, this was my least favorite song on Leave a Whisper. In it's own light, I have a feeling I would have liked it more, had it not been in such great company. Guess the rest of the album spoils you. It's a deviation from the solidity of the rest of the CD, you can tell they were going for a different style. 7/10.

Crying Out - See Stranger Inside above. 9/10

.45 - (Also known as "Colt .45".) This is My second favorite song the album. The lyrics, the simple guitar, and the beautiful vocals, all really merge to make this a memorable one. 10/10


Bottom line: Best Album I own. If you like a mix of southern, classic, and modern rock, you will love Leave A Whisper.