Scars & Souvenirs Review

Release Date: Apr 1, 2008
Label: Roadrunner
Genres: Post-Grunge
Number Of Tracks: 13
This album is a balanced 13 track effort that is a polished and passionate testatment to seven years of hard work, heavy touring and diligent attention to its craft.

Sound:	7.5
Lyrics:	7
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	7.8
Users rating:	7.9
Comments:	19

overall: 7

Featured review by: Nghtcrawler5, on october 10, 2008

Sound: I never knew corpses had theories. I guess Mr. Connolly will prove me wrong. Turns out, like most of my favorite bands these days (don't ask why), Theory is from Canada. They were signed by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, which might explain why poeple complain Theory sounds like Nickelback. 604 Records really needs to expand.

Anyway, I first heard of Theory through a concert. Finger Eleven was the main attraction, but Theory opened for them. My god, they put on a better show than the headliner. And in a bit of a funny note here, my friend and I were waiting for the show to begin, and the owners of the damnable Starland Ballroom played advertisemments on a huge screen. Well, there was an advertisement for Toad the Wet Sprocket. And I'm not sure which member it is, but one of them looks like a toad. So every time that advertisement passed, my friend and I yelled 'TOAD! ' Turns out, Theory of a Deadman shortened is TOAD. So this big chant starts. Clearly everyone else didn't see the toad-man. Or maybe they were fans of Theory. I don't have any bloody idea.

I like the music in this. I'm not going to lie. It's a grand mix of rock, acoustic, country and metal. Brilliant. Or has it been done before? A Gene Simmons-Toby Keith clone. I rather like the sound of that. But I'm rambling. The one small fault I found was from song to song it sounded... well... the same. I often have trouble air guitaring the difference bwtween So Happy and Bad Griflfriend. Is it me, or do they sound alike? Maybe it's my deaf ear acting up on me. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics? Really? That's what they call it? I call this 'my real life'. But I suppose that's the significance. The lyrics are blatant, but fricking hilarious. Where else will you hear 'My girlfriend's a dick magnet'? That's right. NOWHERE! Except couple's therapy... if it was held on to of Mount Vesuvius... in a mental hospital... in the break room... without coffee!

As for Mr. Connolly's singing abilities... He has a voice that says 'what a crappy day at work.' Of course, he's a rock star. Is life on the road too hard for you? Maybe all he universal healthcare of Canada got to you. Sorry. Damn political commentary. Anyway, he's got a voice, he uses it. Sounds like Nickelback, but who's counting? Besides all the trolls on Youtube. // 6

Impression: Theory is a small town band. And I fear that's how they are gping to stay. The sound reminds me much of those days when I was young(er), when I'd rush home after school to hang out on the tramoline with friends. It has a homey feel, is what I'm saying. Yes, I miss the good old days. I really lived life bck then. Now, I'm a cynical adolescent sitting in front of a computer screen writing a review no one will read. What have I sone with my life? Anyway, my favorites for this CD are 'Hate My Life', 'Bad Girlfriend', and 'So Happy'. They're not bad. And as for Hate My life... it's too funny. I play it whenever I'm pissed off, and it makes me cheer up as much as a CD can make you. Which isn't a whole heck of a lot, and Sertraline is expensive.

But here we go. It works. I like it. Don't love it, but it's passable. And it gets played on my iPod more than the usual song. Screw it, the album's a breakthrough for TOAD. Now if anyone can just get the other 'TOAD! ' to do something worthy of my praise. // 9

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: FamousA, on april 09, 2008

Sound: This album was phenomenal. Theory Of A Deadman is phenomenal, and they prove it with "Scars & Souvenirs". You can tell Tyler Connolly (frontman, lead vocalist) was a lot more laid back in writing the music hence the more mainstream sound it provides. Or perhaps the band wanted a more radio-friendly album to trigger more commercial success. Either way, the sound Theory of a Deadman puts out in "Scars & Souvenirs" is quite astonishing. And if that's not stupendous enough, you have superb vocalists such as Brent Smith of Shinedown to sing backing vocals on the single "So Happy", and American-Music Award winning vocalist Chris Daughtry of Daughtry to sing backing vocals and the second single "By the Way". But, I dear say, the sound you hear here is pleasantly repetitive to the band's previous work. So you don't get a whole lot of innovations, other than the slightly softer touch you get on about half the tracks. But that's all the criticism you will get out of me regarding "Scars & Souvenirs". Long live Theory Of A Deadman! // 9

Lyrics and Singing: I think I speak for all of us when I say, it's pretty obvious Tyler has had some girl issues and he doesn't hold you back. "So Happy", "By the Way", "Not Meant to Be" and "Crutch" are all ones that stand out to me. But then you have the positive songs as well, so you get a little taste of both sides. The vocal range seemed to climb a little higher than the previous albums which is always nice for a good hard rock record. The lyrics fit the music almost perfectly. For your harder songs, you have the majority of the girl issues. For the softer songs, you have some of the more compassionate views. All in all, it's well pleasing in a lyrical sense. It could have been better said in some areas, but it's certainly appetizing. // 8

Impression: This CD in 5 years will be looked upon as a milestone for the band, and you will get your proof provided you hear it yourself. The stand out songs for me happen to be the first five tracks and the eighth track: "So Happy", "By The Way", "Got It Made", "Not Meant To Be", "Crutch" and "Bad Girlfriend". I love how Tyler Connolly is not hesitant to be blunt in every aspect applied and how his lyrics really correspond to the sound of the music. I don't hate anything on this album, but I didn't care for some of the naiveness shown in the lyrics and the lack of providing a wider glossary of words other than simple curse words. I would buy this album a couple more times if something were to happen to it. Well done by Theory of a Deadman, I can now anticipate the next album with higher hopes as to how I anticipated this one. // 9

Comments

[SideshowRaven24]

my band played a show with these guys in canada, they were really talented. (first)

[nzhead]

I haven't heard this album (but I didn't mind the last one), but how can you expect me to take this review seriously when you end a section with "Long live Theory of A Deadman"?? Is there any balance, or are you just their 'number 1 fan'??

Its amazing how many "perfect" albums are out there, if are to believe the reviews on UG...

[wisE]

Their last album I bought and actually was something I listened to a lot while going through a breakup with one of my girlfriends. Seemed to connect on a level of what Tyler did based on how he felt lol. Was an inspirational CD for the most part. Im gonna give this one a listen, and maybe i'll post up a better review from my standpoint so that theres more than just this one. I agree, long live theory of a deadman, is something that makes u wonder. I'll review it though. I'll get it on iTunes or something first then go from there. Look for a review soon. Their single thats out now was pretty good though.

[DieWithHonor]

Great Album. BTW I don't think it was notably softer then the last 2 ones.
My favorite songs are:
By The Way
Not Meant to Be
All or Nothing
Heaven (Little by Little)
Little Smirk
End of the Summer
And maybe my favorite Theory song ever: Hate My Life

[3 days grace14]

dude I havent heard the whole album but I heard so happy on the radio and it sounded exactly like make up your mind on there first album so I am a little hesitant to get the album

[hebtheeagle]

I've always been a Theory fan. Let me preface this by saying that. However, I can see where some of the criticisms of the bad come from. Yes, they do sound like Nickelback. Yes, Tyler's vocabulary can be a bit vulgar at times. However, they do make really good music, and this is probably the best of the three CD's. I really like "Little Smirk", and "By The Way". But I'd encourage you to keep an open mind and try them for yourselfs. There is worse music out there.

[dkm817]

It is a great band! And sound like Rev Theory. My favorite songs are "Crutch", "Got It Made", and "So Happy." They will go far.

[HGF]

they sound like Nickelback, same as Trivium's Crushade sounded like Metallica, too close

[Austyn6661]

HGF wrote:

they sound like Nickelback, same as Trivium's Crushade sounded like Metallica, too close

Yeah, go listen to Shogun and come say that.

I would listen to these guys whenever they were on the radio, they seem pretty good.

[jaybe2k4]

dkm817 :
It is a great band! And sound like Rev Theory.

what? Rev Theory sounds like a watered down A7X. Hell Yeah has to be one of the dumbest songs I've ever heard.

And I liked TOAD's album 'Gasoline' because I bought it when I was on the rocks with my then-girlfriend. But seriously, how many albums can they write about having a bad relationship??

[mlukeroberts222]

I was digging on this album when I first heard it, but after a few listens it just didn't stick. I saw Theory open for Staind a couple years back, and I was NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. In fact at that time, I thought they were one of the worst bands I had ever seen to have had the success they had at that point. Decent album, but I agree that they need to start writing lyrics about something other than shitty relationships.And to the dude that likes Canadian bands, WTF bro? I'll say it again, WTF?

[boyan89]

Austyn6661 wrote:

HGF wrote:

they sound like Nickelback, same as Trivium's Crushade sounded like Metallica, too close

Yeah, go listen to Shogun and come say that.

I would listen to these guys whenever they were on the radio, they seem pretty good.

Theory of A Deadman are nothing special, but I agree with you 100% percent on the Shogun part. Fascinating album. The Crusade sounds nothing like these gays by the way.

[boyan89]

i meant guys*

[Jere-Menichelli]

I think the 'Gasoline' is much better than 'Scars'. There are good songs but they aren't as amazing as No Surprise or Say Goodbye. It's just my opinion.

[MetaShedda23]

Very good album by a very good band.

Fav song: Bad Girlfriend

[Adyson88]

3 days grace14 wrote:

dude I havent heard the whole album but I heard so happy on the radio and it sounded exactly like make up your mind on there first album so I am a little hesitant to get the album

seriously?? I'm not 100% sure that you are talking about the right song because those two sound nothing alike. But overall I think this is a very solid album from a band that deserves more credit than I think they get.

[tomsawyer67]

they are like hinder and nickelback combined... and i like it. lol love bad girlfrend

[crank-the^bass]

I love Theory!!! I dont agree with their lyrics being stupid, I like them because they don't give a crap what they say, they'll sing about anything. It's great.

[3 days grace14]

OK i bought it not worth it i mean come on this is "rock" my grandmother would like thes guys if she heard them thats not right. there are only 4 good tracks Bad girlfriend, Little smirk, so happy, and sacrifice. crutch is alright 2 the rest is really.....um..... watery, mellow, and tyler has woman troubles man three albums one topic **** man lets get some variety over all not worth it just download the tracks you like and leave the rest to rot