American rockers 3 Doors Down debut with a self-titled demo. Many of the songs will be re-recorded to appear on future records but on this 1997 debut, 3 Doors Down immediately shows the ability to write straight forward rock that is still appealing for the contemporary radio format.
Opener Kryptonite is a perfect driving song because of its fast pace and driving vocals. Loser has an alternative arrangement yet keeps its appeal and mystique. At times it's a little sloppy but experience should fix that problem.
The album continues in the same vain with alternative rockers Life On My Own and Smack which really packs a punch with its high tempo and endless energy. It drowns out the vocals at times but I imagine the crowd will go wild for this one during a live set. The balance is a little better on Down Poison which is one of the album's highlights as it gives the band a little more edge.
Dead Love also has that edge and Arnolds passionate vocals give the song an extra dimension. The instrumental arrangement has a popular alternative twist. This song however might not be as commercially appealing. Wasted Me is muddy and rushed and not the most memorable track on this album. Man In My Mind, however is an interesting track that suffers from the lack of a good production. It comes off a little chaotic but it isn't really. It's a song with tons of potential, both musically and lyrically it has the ability to really speak out.
The band continues the record with a song that is reminiscent of the first half of the CD. By My Side is a passionate rocker that would make a killer live song and much of the same can be said for Sarah Yellin' 86.
3 Doors Down is a refreshing rock band that really has the alternative and southern rock scene at its feet if they continue to hone their skills. The songs show a lot of potential but these guys are still young and need to come into their own. Songwriting is great, the delivery is passionate but not really all that tight. I can see this band grow though as they gain experience. They already have the right ingredients to become an impressive live band and as they get better and learn to translate the energy to a recording, the sky can be their limit.
Opener Kryptonite is a perfect driving song because of its fast pace and driving vocals. Loser has an alternative arrangement yet keeps its appeal and mystique. At times it's a little sloppy but experience should fix that problem.
The album continues in the same vain with alternative rockers Life On My Own and Smack which really packs a punch with its high tempo and endless energy. It drowns out the vocals at times but I imagine the crowd will go wild for this one during a live set. The balance is a little better on Down Poison which is one of the album's highlights as it gives the band a little more edge.
Dead Love also has that edge and Arnolds passionate vocals give the song an extra dimension. The instrumental arrangement has a popular alternative twist. This song however might not be as commercially appealing. Wasted Me is muddy and rushed and not the most memorable track on this album. Man In My Mind, however is an interesting track that suffers from the lack of a good production. It comes off a little chaotic but it isn't really. It's a song with tons of potential, both musically and lyrically it has the ability to really speak out.
The band continues the record with a song that is reminiscent of the first half of the CD. By My Side is a passionate rocker that would make a killer live song and much of the same can be said for Sarah Yellin' 86.
3 Doors Down is a refreshing rock band that really has the alternative and southern rock scene at its feet if they continue to hone their skills. The songs show a lot of potential but these guys are still young and need to come into their own. Songwriting is great, the delivery is passionate but not really all that tight. I can see this band grow though as they gain experience. They already have the right ingredients to become an impressive live band and as they get better and learn to translate the energy to a recording, the sky can be their limit.