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Post by dragoness22 on Mar 4, 2010 12:09:10 GMT -5
Why do these people feel the need to review music .....it's stupid. I never buy a CD based on anyone else opinion. And the way they end up cutting up every song is just ..........frustrating.
I love the CD, I bought 6 copies (extras to turn other people on to LH) and listen to it everyday.
Nuff said......my review.
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Post by disarray on Mar 4, 2010 12:11:59 GMT -5
Ya. I think if you don't like Smoke & Mirrors, there must be something wrong with you.  |
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Post by guitarsoloist on Mar 4, 2010 14:58:17 GMT -5
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Post by gogonutz on Mar 4, 2010 19:27:36 GMT -5
Some people write reviews cause it's their job, some because they want to reach out to other people and let them find new music, and some just are passionate about music. I usually write my reviews in two parts, the first part is a review in the traditional way and the track to track commentary is just my personal journey throughout the record, my own thoughts and feelings.
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Post by disarray on Mar 4, 2010 19:37:46 GMT -5
www.thesetonian.com/pirate-life/no-new-life-in-latest-album-1.1221275No new ‘life’ in latest album By Emily Lake Staff Writer | Published: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Updated: Wednesday, March 3, 2010 You’re likely to find more experimentation and original thought in a fourth grade science fair project than Lifehouse’s latest album “Smoke & Mirrors.” For all intents and purposes, the album is simply an older Lifehouse album with a new title. There are no new tricks, no sense of innovation and nothing that can really excite the listener and make them actually want to listen to the songs. You’re getting exactly what you’re paying for when you purchase this album. “Smoke & Mirrors” is what you would expect from a mainstream, radio-ready pop-rock band. “Smoke & Mirrors” is not really good and it’s not really bad, but it’s not worth your time to contemplate and evaluate the quality of its songs. This is not to say that Lifehouse hasn’t had some good singles in the past. There is a reason why most people can still sing along to “Hanging By a Moment” off their 2000 album, “No Name Face” and why “You and Me” was the ninth best-selling single of 2005. “Smokes & Mirrors” is conspicuously lacking the same potential and vivacity that their previous singles possessed. One tracks is actually one of their older songs, “From Where You Are,” which was released in 2007. As if plopping a three-year-old song in the middle of the album wasn’t bad enough, the only attempt they made at refurbishing the song was by adding a slight echo effect here and there, which only makes you wonder if they’re just lazy or if the album was produced with a severe case of writer’s block. The tracks simply don’t have what it takes to inspire and captivate. It makes you wonder whether any real artistic intent went into creating these tracks, or if they were just created by some sort of musical assembly line with the sole purpose of making songs that will be aired on MTV and hit music stations, if that. “Smoke & Mirrors” is modern day elevator music. It’s true that once you enter the mainstream music world, there are a number of constrictions that hold you back from true artistic expression, but bands like the Fray, Train and Dave Matthews Band prove that there is room for individuality if you actually try, which seems to be the main problem with this album: a basic lack of effort. Emily Lake can be reached at emily.lake@student.shu.edu.
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Post by jolene102 on Mar 4, 2010 21:10:34 GMT -5
emily lake sounds like an idiot!
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Post by LHfanMI on Mar 4, 2010 22:09:02 GMT -5
Correction: emily lake sounds like a moron!
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Post by Yuliya on Mar 6, 2010 10:57:49 GMT -5
www.muzobzor.ru/en/lifehouse/smoke-mirrors-deluxe-edition/Review Smoke & Mirrors (Deluxe Edition) Lifehouse Year: 2010 Genre: Rock — Classic/Hard Rating: 5/5 Stars Lifehouse follow their own way The Californian punk-rockers Lifehouse are well-known for their steadily released albums always storing a radio hit or two or even three, and also for their reluctance to change anything in their music that has already brought them a massive popularity. Ten years have passed since the release of their debut long player, No Face Name; and the band sounds just like it did in the very beginning. The only changing thing is the quality of performance and arrangements that now adjust the music to the standards of pop-rock, which automatically means a stable growth of the fan-army. Considering these aspects, many were sure that the fifth long player by Lifehouse called Smoke & Mirrors would become a breaking point in the history of the outfit. This work is based on the same punk-rock, albeit dressed and tuned for the format of the leading radio stations. The Californians continue singing about that kind of love that in many cases turns into something we are afraid of and try to stay away from. Therefore, stylistically, Smoke & Mirrors do not cross even within an inch the borders of the territory comfortably occupied by the music of Lifehouse to these days. However, the musicians found the tools to make this record interesting even to those who have been with the band since its early days. Hits and other good songs The new CD’s opening track, All In, is a standout thing since it hardly matches the parameters of classic punk-rock album openers. This composition lacks energy and acceleration characteristic of the long record’s first songs. Saving pains in the beginning, the musicians let their emotions out during the explosive chorus. This well-tested approach works perfectly here too. Then comes a song with tempo alterations, Nerve Damage. This is a risky trick that sometimes fails performers, yet this time it works just fine. Soon, the musicians of Lifehouse decide to have some rest and leave solid guitar riffs for the sake of ballad sounding offering a splendid piece under the title It Is What It Is. Generally speaking, these guys have a way with making low-tempo heart-breaking stuff; and the record has a plenty of that. Yet a truly good rock-album must have a striking hit track that would make you dance and prance and go crazy in all possible ways. This mission here is taken up by Wrecking Ball. The verses are surprisingly performed by the bassist, Soderberg, and then comes the knocking-down chorus with a blast of emotions, a real roar, scream and yell making the words just insignificant. The only fault found with this song is that none of the following tracks manages to reach the bar set by this one. Lifehouse getting better and better The conquering of the rock-music radio stations by the hits off Smoke & Mirrors is just a matter of time. There certainly would be those who would blame the band for copying the best of the 2007 album, Who We Are, while preparing the present record. But these are either people who hate such music, or people who are infected with envy and already foresee a big commercial success for the new CD by Lifehouse. Sure, one day the audience will be fed up with it and demand something different; but right now this music is a ten-out-of-ten shot. These songs live a short, yet famous life and help their makers live a longer famous life. In a year, only hard-core fans of Lifehouse will be still listening to this CD day in day out, while the majority of the listeners will be focused on other releases. But who said that in a year Lifehouse will not deliver an even stronger album? From release to release, these guys are getting more mature, experienced and wiser. They are learning to make the best out of this music; and there are no reasons to worry about the quality of their next albums.
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Post by disarray on Mar 6, 2010 13:28:38 GMT -5
I love a good review. I really do. But PUNK ROCKERS? When did that happen?!
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Post by guitarsoloist on Mar 6, 2010 20:57:41 GMT -5
I love a good review. I really do. But PUNK ROCKERS? When did that happen?! I've heard so many people loosely use the term "punk rocker", especially in the last few years... people don't know what punk is or they have a serious misconception. As one of my friends has said for a long time: "Real punk is dead and people need to stop trying to revive it by titling unrelated bands as 'punk rockers' " |
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Post by Yuliya on Mar 8, 2010 10:33:57 GMT -5
badgerherald.com/artsetc/2010/03/08/lifehouses_new_album.phpLifehouse’s new album proves to be more than ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ Latest release aims to find balance between ballads, rock with lackluster resultsBy Maggy Mahalick Monday, March 8, 2010 1:17 a.m. Lifehouse is back and stronger than ever. Its new album, Smoke and Mirrors is similar to its previous style but not without some new sounds as well — the album still has a rock edge, but it is packed with those emotional lyrics the band has been famous for since its first hit “Hanging By a Moment.” The album as a whole is well put together and a great choice to throw on and listen to straight through, as the songs play off each other nicely. The opening track “All In” starts off slowly and escalates nicely to a rock chorus that will get you pumped up for the rest of the album. There is nice balancing of softer and louder beats throughout the songs that creates a nice variety and keeps the listener paying attention. However, many of the songs just don’t have the hook that makes you want to play them over and over. If that is what you’re looking for, check out the aforementioned “All In” and “Halfway Gone.” Both have catchy choruses and a good upbeat feel. If you are looking for something slower, “From Where You Are” is a love song that sounds just like the Lifehouse of its first album No Name Face. And “It Is What It Is” is a nice slow down with some great piano music. Sounding almost like The Fray or OneRepublic here, they are clearly trying some new things. Other experiments include “Here Tomorrow Gone Today,” which sounds much more pop than expected out of a rock band, and almost like something you’d hear behind a Lady Gaga track. “Smoke and Mirrors” also is trying something new, or rather something old with a classic old school rock vibe. The album has a lot to offer but most listeners will probably only relate to about half. With the tracks split up between two sounds, most will gravitate to either the heavier rock or the slow and soft love songs. If you like both these sides of the band the album will be a hit, but if not, you may want to pick and choose which songs to buy. Although if you are only going to buy one song, skip the first single, “Halfway Gone,” and pick up “It Is What It Is.” This has the true sound and soul of Lifehouse and is a sound hopefully they continue to pursue in the future with more albums. It seems like the band had a lot of fun making this record, trying new things but staying true to its classic sound. The variety offers something for everyone. Although you may not love the whole album, you will definitely be able to find one or two songs you appreciate. 3 stars out of 5.
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Post by disarray on Mar 8, 2010 12:28:24 GMT -5
cdinsight.com/news.php?readmore=4091Alternative band Lifehouse released a new album on March 2. The album, Smoke and Mirrors is an awesome representation of just how talented this band from Los Angeles is. The album has the feel of the Lifehouse all fans are used to; upbeat, incredibly meaningful lyrics, and catchy instrumental. It’s everything a music lover wants and everything a Lifehouse fan expects. The album was first expected to sell 50,000 copies within the first week of release. That number changed to 150,000 when the album sold 39,000 copies opening day. It’s no wonder Smoke and Mirrors sold so many copies, this band is clearly talented. That is proven in the second song of the album “Nerve Damage” with the astounding guitar solos. The only single released from the album as of yet, “Halfway Gone,” is by far one of the catchiest songs on the album, and is a spitting image of what makes Lifehouse so good. They have catchy drums, cool guitar, memorable lyrics, and the vocal is unique and stands out above much other vocals in the music industry. Smoke and Mirrors is an album every music lover should have in their CD collection.
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Post by Yuliya on Mar 9, 2010 0:41:47 GMT -5
This review sucks. I'm only sharing it because its hilarious. this guy clearly got his facts and song titles wrong. His observations on " nerve damage" cracked me up  www.behindthehype.com/music-reviews/pop-rock-review/lifehouses-smoke-and-mirrors-a-smokey-reflection-of-the-past/Lifehouse released their fifth studio album, titled “Smoke & Mirrors,” on March 2. It is a predictable twelve-song collection sending the listener through a sullen tale of a love once cherished, but now quickly fading… or “Halfway Gone,” the first release to this album. Since releasing their first song, “Hanging by a Moment” in 2001, the two remaining original band members, lead singer/guitarist Jason Wade and drummer Rick Woolstenhulme Jr., have successfully remained afloat via movie and television soundtracks but have yet to reach the level of their first album, “No Name Face.” Experimenting with a more raw and live sound yet staying with the commercial catchy rock ballads that keep them thriving, Lifehouse has sprinkled “Smoke & Mirrors” with tracks that radio stations and fans will surely cling to. And although this album has not dramatically sent them to a different level or sound, it is clear that 10 years later, a more mature band has ascended. The powerful opener “All In” – a perfect foreshadowing for most of the songs that follow – instantly triggered memories of “Hanging by a Moment,” which includes lyrics “nothing left to lose, nothing left to hide.” “All In” says, “all in, nothing left to hide I’m falling harder than a landslide.” This same theme lingers throughout their past and this album. Track two, “By Your Side,” is mysterious, with a taste of Silverchair and a Johnny Lang bluesy instrumental bridge; unique for Lifehouse, exciting for me. In true Lifehouse fashion, “Falling In,” “From Where You Are,” “In Your Skin” and “It Is What It Is” are all very similar to one another, with an upbeat depiction of love going wrong. “Had Enough” (featuring Chris Daughtry) and “Halfway Gone” are slower songs with ripping choruses about missing and denying what will never be. The title track, “Smoke & Mirrors,” is more or less like the others… of a relationship fading away, despite the fact that they remain the same. “Nerve Damage” stands out from the rest (albeit negatively) because, unfortunately, I’m reminded of Britney Spears with its electronic beats and strange effects. It’s about giving power back to men that don’t want to be played by women game players. Sorry, not working. Listening to this album sent me through a pop rock journey of today, and with the exception of “Nerve Damage,” it is quite easy to listen to, as it is cohesive, clean and for the band, a little edgy. Sounds of Nickelback, One Republic and The Frey are heard throughout. But for someone without a keen liking to this band, I did feel like I was hanging by the moment, swinging back and forth, searching and waiting for something different and challenging. It felt like the love they kept crying about – halfway gone, but still too fresh to be given up on. Lifehouse has yet to hook me completely, but through this new album, I do see a progression into a more mature band. Until they start singing about new subject matters, however, I’m not sure I can jump on it. |
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Post by klein on Mar 9, 2010 2:47:00 GMT -5
lol wow! review FAIL
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Post by disarray on Mar 9, 2010 10:28:22 GMT -5
I think he must have been referring to Here Tomorrow Gone Today, not Nerve Damage. What a dumb ass. This review sucks. I'm only sharing it because its hilarious. this guy clearly got his facts and song titles wrong. His observations on " nerve damage" cracked me up www.behindthehype.com/music-reviews/pop-rock-review/lifehouses-smoke-and-mirrors-a-smokey-reflection-of-the-past/Lifehouse released their fifth studio album, titled “Smoke & Mirrors,” on March 2. It is a predictable twelve-song collection sending the listener through a sullen tale of a love once cherished, but now quickly fading… or “Halfway Gone,” the first release to this album. Since releasing their first song, “Hanging by a Moment” in 2001, the two remaining original band members, lead singer/guitarist Jason Wade and drummer Rick Woolstenhulme Jr., have successfully remained afloat via movie and television soundtracks but have yet to reach the level of their first album, “No Name Face.” Experimenting with a more raw and live sound yet staying with the commercial catchy rock ballads that keep them thriving, Lifehouse has sprinkled “Smoke & Mirrors” with tracks that radio stations and fans will surely cling to. And although this album has not dramatically sent them to a different level or sound, it is clear that 10 years later, a more mature band has ascended. The powerful opener “All In” – a perfect foreshadowing for most of the songs that follow – instantly triggered memories of “Hanging by a Moment,” which includes lyrics “nothing left to lose, nothing left to hide.” “All In” says, “all in, nothing left to hide I’m falling harder than a landslide.” This same theme lingers throughout their past and this album. Track two, “By Your Side,” is mysterious, with a taste of Silverchair and a Johnny Lang bluesy instrumental bridge; unique for Lifehouse, exciting for me. In true Lifehouse fashion, “Falling In,” “From Where You Are,” “In Your Skin” and “It Is What It Is” are all very similar to one another, with an upbeat depiction of love going wrong. “Had Enough” (featuring Chris Daughtry) and “Halfway Gone” are slower songs with ripping choruses about missing and denying what will never be. The title track, “Smoke & Mirrors,” is more or less like the others… of a relationship fading away, despite the fact that they remain the same. “Nerve Damage” stands out from the rest (albeit negatively) because, unfortunately, I’m reminded of Britney Spears with its electronic beats and strange effects. It’s about giving power back to men that don’t want to be played by women game players. Sorry, not working. Listening to this album sent me through a pop rock journey of today, and with the exception of “Nerve Damage,” it is quite easy to listen to, as it is cohesive, clean and for the band, a little edgy. Sounds of Nickelback, One Republic and The Frey are heard throughout. But for someone without a keen liking to this band, I did feel like I was hanging by the moment, swinging back and forth, searching and waiting for something different and challenging. It felt like the love they kept crying about – halfway gone, but still too fresh to be given up on. Lifehouse has yet to hook me completely, but through this new album, I do see a progression into a more mature band. Until they start singing about new subject matters, however, I’m not sure I can jump on it. |
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. I'd also like to know if anybody has an HD copy of Lifehouse at Pinkpop 2003. BY far their best concert ever