On 3 Doors Down’s first album in five years, they return with a new, improved lineup but still rocking the same sound they’ve established since their debut in 2000. Trends have come and gone over the years, but 3 Doors Down is still here, perfecting a sound they helped craft that led bands like Daughtry and Finger Eleven to stardom.
The band has united with renowned producer Matt Wallace (Faith No More, Maroon 5) and he has given their sound a bit more punch and kick than on previous records. There are still a few ballads amongst all the rock, but the rockers end up being more memorable. The title track is a memorable throwback to the band’s early 2000s heyday. The chorus sounds a bit like a country song but without all the down home twanginess.
“The Broken” is one of those feel-good anthem type songs that never really goes anywhere and comes off weak and kind of hokey. The album’s main single, the almost icky “In The Dark,” updates the band’s sound for the next generation. The song isn’t bad, but they could’ve done so much better. The album doesn’t contain as many ballads as their last disc in 2011 – and that’s a good thing, because they could’ve ended up sounding like Daughtry, but instead they’ve chosen to turn up the volume and show they can still rock.
“Still Alive” sounds like 3 Doors Down of old and is tailor made to get them back on rock radio, a presence they haven’t had in forever, having been replaced by younger, harder bands. “Living In Your Hell” is the type of song that will become one of the ‘go-to’ tracks on this record, but for the average person, it’s just okay. Nothing really special. “I Don’t Wanna Know” has an interesting beat and is one of the more intriguing tracks here; it’s danceable but not too pop friendly.
All in all, while this is not a spectacular record, it’s a pretty passable disc. I’m glad to see a rock band doesn’t have to turn into Buckcherry or Nickelback in order to stay relevant. 3 Doors Down has always been a pretty reliable group when it comes to songs you remember, and this disc is no exception.