Live - Songs from Black Mountain

Genre rock Publisher Epic External Links Official Live Website Official Epic Records Website

Back in 1994 people fell in love with Live's album Throwing Copper. If these same people are looking for the same result out of Songs from the Black Mountain, they will be very disappointed.

The album opens with some promise, but it quickly loses steam. Songs From Back Mountain isn't the worst album ever made, but there is nothing that makes it special. All of the tracks sound so similar. When you finish listening to an album, there should be at least one thing that sticks with you. There is not one song, or a chorus, or even a riff that really is all that memorable.

What has changed since 1994? The album is devoid of Ed Kowalczyk's angst-ridden lyrics for one. Now he sings of happiness and hope, while still utilizing his blend of spiritual imagery. He even shares his own social commentary on the war in Iraq in the song "Home." However, Kowalczyk's once unique voice now comes across as whiney and grating. It distracts the listener from the music mixed below the vocals. Parts of their trademark sound remain, but the album is void of actual rock songs. The result: A boring, mediocre album.

Bands and their music evolve. Rock bands tone down. Angry twenty- somethings, become better adjusted (and happier) thirty-somethings. All of these changes have an impact on their style. Their music changes over time. That isn't always a bad thing. The problem with Songs From Black Mountain isn't that Live evolved, quite the opposite. They can make happier songs, they can go in a more pop direction, but they shouldn't allow their music to fall flat.