Post your own Contraband review here

[metallex78]

I feel bad for those who don't really like the album, because I'm absolutely loving it.

If it isn't doing anything for you by the 4th or 5th listen, then just maybe this album isn't for you.

I've by no means "forced" myself to listen to it until it starts to sound good, but instead I've just had it playing on and off in the background since I got it on saturday and the songs really have a way of creeping into your subconscious.
There are so many vocal hooks and harmonies in there that just stick in your head after repeated listens.

I admit that I did find some of it bland at first, but I don't find any of it bland at all now. I guess I was expecting something more accessible, a little more straight-ahead rock.
But once you get past that, as many reviews have stated, you'll find that Contraband is really a gem and it definitely stands on it's own as a modern rock record.

[Walk]

Oh my God... I can't see how this album disappointed me so much. My expectations were so low as it was. But this is even worse than I thought.

There are probably more special effects in the first song than in THE WHOLE F'IN ILLUSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!   This album is loaded with filler, oversaturated with way too much bad production, and even the cover sucks. What, they were too scared to put some drugs and illegal guns and stuff on the cover? Where's the damn Contraband?

St. Anger came out about a year ago, and Contraband is the St. A of this year. It was overhyped, I didn't believe the hype, in fact I knew it would be bad after hearing who the singer was, but I didn't know it would BE AS BAD AS METALLICA'S LATEST CD.

It's great "modern rock". I hate modern rock. I was expecting it to compare to darker GnR songs like "it's so easy", "mr brownstone", or "coma". What I got was bland 90's era quasi-grunge bunk.

Slash was right. This sounds nothing like Guns N' Roses. This sounds bad. I do hope it sells well so these guys can retire. If it doesn't, we can probably expect more garbage from them, and they could end up dragging the GnR name through the dirt even more than Axl has!!!  

Do yourself a favor and don't even download the songs. You could be downloading the latest Superjoint Ritual, that's 100x better than this. Well, back to waiting for Chinese Democracy.

Sorely disappointed...

[Izzy]

Damn this album

Each time i listen to it it seems to get so much better

When i first heard it i would have given it a 6/10, now its an 8/10

Scott's not great and the production still seems wrong but its a good album overal - we're not talking a masterpiece by any means but its a good slice of rock n' roll to tide us over until Chinese Democracy

[Lineker10]

7/10

My fravorites are - STB, Illegal I Song, Fall To Pieces, Set Me Free and Slither.

Alot of the rockers like Big Machine/Spectacle/Headspace/Superhuman/DLT sound too similar.

The UK version has a live version of Bodies from El Ray i think - its ok, nothing amazing, but the Slash solo at the end is cool!

[R4tfink]

Im sorry to piss on the negativity but i really like this album, maybe its because ive been listening to a lot of Slipknot recently...

Got the album this morning and im on my second listen now...

Loving Slash's solos, its nice to hear the guy again....

Its better than any stuff Guns N Roses have released in the year...!

Go VR...cant wait to see em live soon!

And Bodies rules...good end song!

[metallex78]

Oh my God... I can't see how this album disappointed me so much. My expectations were so low as it was. But this is even worse than I thought.

There are probably more special effects in the first song than in THE WHOLE F'IN ILLUSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!   This album is loaded with filler, oversaturated with way too much bad production, and even the cover sucks. What, they were too scared to put some drugs and illegal guns and stuff on the cover? Where's the damn Contraband?

St. Anger came out about a year ago, and Contraband is the St. A of this year. It was overhyped, I didn't believe the hype, in fact I knew it would be bad after hearing who the singer was, but I didn't know it would BE AS BAD AS METALLICA'S LATEST CD.

It's great "modern rock". I hate modern rock. I was expecting it to compare to darker GnR songs like "it's so easy", "mr brownstone", or "coma". What I got was bland 90's era quasi-grunge bunk.

Slash was right. This sounds nothing like Guns N' Roses. This sounds bad. I do hope it sells well so these guys can retire. If it doesn't, we can probably expect more garbage from them, and they could end up dragging the GnR name through the dirt even more than Axl has!!!  

Do yourself a favor and don't even download the songs. You could be downloading the latest Superjoint Ritual, that's 100x better than this. Well, back to waiting for Chinese Democracy.

Sorely disappointed...

Each to their own dude, I can't get Contraband out of my cd player.

It took a few listens to fully appreciate it, but you have to remember, this band is not trying to be GN'R and relive past glories. Been there, done that. This is a new band with a new sound.

Many of the chorus melodies won't leave my head even after only a couple of listens. And while this might not be the most innovative stuff these guys have done, it certainly is a great first effort.

Maybe give it a few more listens and it will grow on you.

[Lineker10]

Im gonna add DIFTK to my fravorites list as well as Big Machine and Headspace - this album has started to grow on me and is edging towards an 8/10 now!

[metallex78]

I keep thinking what band I can liken it too, as far as those chorus melodies are concerned. I mean it doesn't sound directly like STP or GN'R. Maybe it's a little more like AIC, and even compares to some of the rockier stuff on the Cult's last album (Beyond Good & Evil).

Man, the more I listen, the more I love it!

My current favs are: Sucker Train, Do It for The Kids, Heaspace, Fall To Pieces, YGNR, Illegal I Song, Spectacle and Supehuman.

Even the songs that aren't my favourites have infectious melodies that work your way in your head.

[St.heathen]

I have just got back and have it on now, i don't know what some of you are moaning about!? So far this kicks ass, Illegal i song - i hadn't heard that mentioned before, but man that is going to be like The Blues where the melody just grows on you more and more. So far so good :-)  

Did anyone else get an A4 size Velvet Revolver certificate with theirs?  In the Uk at MVC, you can get the album and a VR Tshirt for ?19.99.

[Lineker10]

I keep thinking what band I can liken it too, as far as those chorus melodies are concerned. I mean it doesn't sound directly like STP or GN'R. Maybe it's a little more like AIC, and even compares to some of the rockier stuff on the Cult's last album (Beyond Good & Evil).

Man, the more I listen, the more I love it!

My current favs are: Sucker Train, Do It for The Kids, Heaspace, Fall To Pieces, YGNR, Illegal I Song, Spectacle and Supehuman.

Even the songs that aren't my favourites have infectious melodies that work your way in your head.

I thinkk that DIFTK sounds kinda like Ash on their new album - strangley enough. It rocks though!

[Ghost of the Robot]

Ack, first time posting.  I usually just lurk.

I didn't like it at first, I think I was expecting more of an AFD.  But after a few listens it kind of grew on me.

Sucker Train Blues - I like it.  The opening riff is great, fast paced, it's a song I could rock out to.  7/10

Do It For The Kids - I didn't like it at first, but the "Went to fast, I'm outta luck and I don't even give a fuck" part is rather catchy, which somehow led to me liking it.  7/10

Big Machine - Didn't like this one much at first either, except for the 'down down down' part which reminded me of something else that I can't recall, maybe Breakdown?.  6/10

Illegal I - Love it.  I like Scott's vocals in this one.  8/10

Spectacle - Pretty good. 7/10

Fall To Pieces - Great song.  When I first seen the title I thought perhaps it was a cover of an old country song.  It's not, thank god, and it's an awesome song.  I love the chorus.  9/10

Headspace - I like it, especially the first verse, dunno why though.  7/10

Superhuman - My least favorite song on the cd.  The chorus sounds like it ripped off that song "Feel Good Hit of the Summer".  4/10

Set Me Free - Sure, it's a little old, but it's still an alright rocker.  6/10

You Got No Right - Wow, amazing song.  The first line sounds VERY familiar, but I can't place it.  9/10

Slither - Good song, except for the "EHH!" that Duff (?) shouts every so often, it gets annoying.  7/10

Dirty Little Thing - I guess this one's pretty average, not bad, but it doesn't stand out too much to me.  5/10

Loving The Alien - My favorite song on the album.  It also sounds a little familiar, but I don't know what it is.  10/10

Bodies - Sex Pistols cover, cool.  Live, cool.  Actual song, cool.  8/10

So, overall - 102/140 -> 7.3/10

[gypsy eyes]

You Got No Right - Wow, amazing song.  The first line sounds VERY familiar, but I can't place it.  9/10

The first time I heard the song the first couple of notes, especially that high piece, reminded me of Cherry Blossom Girl by Air

(don't shoot me )

[Booker Floyd]

Bought the album a few hours ago.  A lot of stores are selling it early I guess.

First off, the artwork/packaging is awesome.  Glad to see the lyrics printed out.  Also, for those worried about the copyright protection, the album works like an enhanced CD so that a VR screen opens and allows you to play the album.  You can copy the songs onto your computer as well (havent done it yet, so dont know what the catch is, if there is one).

As for the album, Im reminded of a magazine review/preview from a few months ago: solid but unspectacular.

The album starts out great - "Sucker Train Blues" is an amazing introduction.  Easily one of the albums best songs.  Scotts lyrics read like a drugged-out nightmare and everybody shows and proves musically.  Same with "Dirty Little Thing," a nasty Slash-rocker that could have easily been a GNR track.

"Do It For The Kids" is another cool rocker with an especially good chorus.

In fact, every song is good.  However, songs like "Spectacle," "Big Machine," "Headspace," and "Superhuman" fail to illustrate the true greatness that these guys are obviously capable of.  Theyre just good.  

Ive already shared my thoughts on "Set Me Free" and "Slither".  Both are teriffic rockers and album highlights.

The ballads are all great.  However, one of the albums biggest initial disappointments for me is "You Got No Right".  Dont get me wrong, its still a great song, but as somebody who absolutely loves the more naked, raw live rendition performed last year, the little changes and studio nuances bother me on these first listens.  Like "Slither," another song that I loved live, only to be disappointed by the studio version, which I then came to love  .  I expect the studio version to grow on me as I become more familiar with it, but the first listens are somewhat uncomfortable.

"Loving The Alien" is a beautiful song.  The CDs best ballad.  Scotts lyrics and vocals are lovely (as they are on "YGNR"), and Slashs guitars are brilliant.  Awesome solo, awesome ending.

Contrabands other minor disappointment is Slash.  We can hear it on "Dirty Little Thing".  We can hear it on "Fall To Pieces".  We can hear it on "Set Me Free," "Slither," "Loving The Alien" and "You Got No Right".  But on the rest of the records songs, Slashs brilliant soloing isnt as prominent.  While there isnt "no solos" as some reviews have embellished, theres a few short, underwhelming solos.  Steve Hueys (of Allmusic.com) review of Aint Life Grand stated that Slashs playing felt intentionally subdued, as to keep up with the other guys.  I didnt feel that was true then, but it could be now.  I wouldnt say hes doing it to keep up with anybody, but his playing certainly seems subdued.  This isnt Slash at his best.  I think I speak for many fans when I say that I want to hear more solos.  The kind of jaw-dropping, all-out,  tour de force solos heard as recently as "Serial Killer".  Ten-to-fifteen second Slash solos are serviceable, but definitely not Slash at his best.  Whether hes labeled by critics as "self-indulgent" or not, I want those long, show-stopping solos back - and not just one per song.

Overall, the album is good (better than this post probably indicates), but slightly disappointing.  Disappointing because these guys can make a classic...something more than a handful of great songs and a handful of good ones.  As the expectations and initial disappointments fade, I will surely enjoy the album more for what it is and those "good" songs will surely grow on me, but my sentiment will remain.  These guys can make a better album.  Id certainly like to hear more "GNR-styled" songs - not because Im stuck in the past or unaccepting of change, but simply because thats what these guys do best.

[metallex78]

Hey Booker, I felt much the same after first listen, but after several spins, I think the album is f**king great and I find it hard to stop listening to it (much to the dismay of my work collegues!). Most of this is due not so much from the music, but the infectious choruses and vocal melodies.

I think the initial reaction is that the songs aren't so instantly likeable, as they are not as easy to digest as rock songs from the GN'R catalogue.
They are more modern sounding, but they still rock in a big way and have a huge groove in them too.

Give it a little more time to sink in and you may change your opinion.

I am also blown away by the studio version of YGNR. I get chills when I listen to Slash's solo in it, it's like he's making the guitar cry.

I also think the riff for Fall To Pieces really IS that guitar music that Slash is playing (with Axl whistling over the top) in the Making of Estranged video.
It sounds like it to me, at least moreso than Snakepit's Back & Forth Again.

[ClintroN]

Hey guys...i got the album, only listend to it afew times now n' here is my little vertict

over all i think it's cool n' the music is fuckin' unreal, Weilend, go's good for em' in some ways and i love his chorus's, most of his verses i think he could have spent a little more time on. This whole thing i think  just seems so rushed to me, the name SUCKERTRAIN BLUES  makes me smile, i think its cool and when i played it i was lost, i didnt know where it was going. The intro to the next track i didnt like, especially when he drags it on later.

Sorry, i dont know the names to most songs yet but most are fuckin' good. I dont like most of the words, Weilend has written 10 times better then that, there next album they will have gotten to know each other better n' i think will have better cemistry by then.

After hearing it, i do now think they should have gone with Sabasten Bach, it might of sounded like Skid Row but he would have made it much better for them i think.

but i can live with this

[Booker Floyd]

I also think the riff for Fall To Pieces really IS that guitar music that Slash is playing (with Axl whistling over the top) in the Making of Estranged video.
It sounds like it to me, at least moreso than Snakepit's Back & Forth Again.

Can anybody get this audio/video up?

[John Daniels]

Do yourself a favor and don't even download the songs.

what a stupid advice....if I wouldn't have downloaded the single 'Slither' I wouldn't have heard how good song that song really is..and I'm looking forward to hear the other songs as well.

[D]

does this cd have a parental advisory sticker?

only store i can buy this cd at this morning is walmart and if it has a parental advisory ill have to wait till this weekend

cause yes i have to drive 40 minutes for a record store that sales parental advisory cds

let me know somebody or i may just order it off amazon.com

[SLCPUNK]

That's a fair enough review.

[Booker Floyd]

does this cd have a parental advisory sticker?

only store i can buy this cd at this morning is walmart and if it has a parental advisory ill have to wait till this weekend

cause yes i have to drive 40 minutes for a record store that sales parental advisory cds

let me know somebody or i may just order it off amazon.com

Yes, it has a parental advisory sticker.  Theres cursing on all but 3 or 4 songs.