Silverstein, the alternative rock band from Canada, has been a favorite of early 2000s emo fans and the modern rock scene alike. After blowing up with their song “My Heroine” 17 years ago, they have been loved by many.

The band, named after the famous children’s writer, Shel Silverstein, have returned to the scene for the first time since their prior release entitled “Redux II,” and they have come back with a vengeance. 

Album Highs

Silverstein hooks the listener in with the first song, “Our Song.” This heavy rock anthem kills it lyrically and musically, grabbing the listener and pulling them into the mosh pit with its thrashing guitars and drums. This was a great pick to open the album and set the tone. My favorite part of the track is how danceable it is. I can already see the fans in the crowd pumping their fist to this opening track. 

Rating: 5/5

The intense headbanging continues with the next pick, “Ultraviolet.” The third track of the 2022 release has a metal breakdown halfway through that is going to leave someone yearning for more. My favorite part about this song is that catchiness that is injected throughout it, leaving it stuck in someone’s head for hours. 

Rating: 4/5

My third pick from this record entitled “Misery” is gut wrenching and not for the faint of heart. This song is proof that an album does not necessarily have to end with a bang. The rock ballad has lyrics that are far too relatable, especially to those who may be struggling with any sort of mental illness. The toned down instrumental paired with the saddening vocals from Fold. There is a solid chance that this song will put someone to tears. 

Rating: 5/5 

Album Lows 

One song that does not really stand out to me within the record is the eighth track “Don’t Wait Up.” This song is not necessarily bad, but compared to the other fist-bumpers and lyrical masterpieces, this is no cigar. Even after a few listens, I did not see myself coming back to that song a lot. However, I would not skip it if it came on due to the lyrical gold.

Rating: 3/5

The song “The Altar/Mary” is a tricky one to rank. Lyrically, it is one of the best on the album. The intense images of religion and power it seems to be describing sends chills down my spine, especially in the second part “Mary.”  However, I am putting this as a low because it is musically niche. Once again, not poor quality. It is just simply not my favorite. 

Rating: 3/5

Lastly, the song “Live Like This” with a featured indie band is probably my least liked from the record. I have not come back to this one very much when listening to the album. Just like the song “Don’t Wait Up,” it is a decent song but there is something off about it. Musically, it is intense and I adore that. Lyrically, however, it seems to be lackluster. 

Rating: 2/5

Overview

Silverstein’s most recent release is one of my favorite albums of the year so far. It is hard-hitting and I cannot seem to stop listening to it. I can see this album as going down in history as one of their best. If you are someone who wants to relive the golden emo days or live the phase you have claimed to outgrow (I see you), then this is something you will enjoy!

Overall rating: 4/5

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