Artist: Filter Album: Title of Record

Year: 1999
Duration: 1:10:35

A Critical Review of Filter's Title of Record

If you are a music enthusiast who appreciates the sound of alternative rock, you might have come across the album Title of Record by the band Filter. The album was released in 1999, and it was the band's second album. The album's music genre is alternative rock, which the band Filter is well known for. In this blog post, we will have a critical review of the album, talk about the history of the band, explore the best songs of the album, and discuss the most innovative parts of the album.

Filter is an American rock band formed in 1993 by Richard Patrick and Brian Liesegang. In the early stages of the band, they were known for their industrial sound. They released their first album, Short Bus, in 1995, which received a lot of success, especially with their hit single Hey Man, Nice Shot. The band took a brief hiatus before returning to the industry with their second album, Title of Record.

Title of Record is a significant shift in sound from their first record, Short Bus. It veers away from their industrial sound and explores different elements of alternative rock. The album contains 11 tracks, and it opens with Sand, which sets the tone of the album. The opening track is a mix of atmospheric guitars and emotionally charged lyrics that flow throughout the album. The album also features prominent guest musicians like the drummer for Nine Inch Nails, Danny Lohner.

The best songs on the album are Take a Picture, Welcome to the Fold, and I Will Lead You. Take a Picture was one of the biggest hits of the album. The song features a catchy melody with a sing-along chorus that highlights the album's theme of self-discovery. Welcome to the Fold is another great track that provides an honest insight into modern relationships, while I Will Lead You takes a slower and more introspective approach.

While the album's overall sound is great, the most innovative parts of the album are the attention given to the lyrics and the song structures. Richard Patrick's writing is raw, honest, and deeply personal. It's clear that he poured himself into the songs with an unfiltered attitude that sets the album apart from others within the genre. The song structures on the album are also noteworthy. They veer from the standard verse-chorus fomat, allowing the music an expansive feel that adds to the album's intensity.

However, the album is not without its faults. One of the criticisms is that the middle section of the album feels less cohesive than the opening and closing tracks. It could be challenging for some listeners to stay engaged with the album's theme for the entire 11 track duration. Another criticism is that the album falls short of showcasing the band's instrumental excellence. Unlike their previous album, Short Bus, Title of Record devotes its energy to showcasing vulnerable storytelling rather than highlighting the instrumentals.

Overall, Title of Record is a prime example of Filter's ability to shift their musical style without losing their edge. The album delves deep into the unfiltered and honest emotions of Richard Patrick, and the overall innovation in song structures and lyrics set it apart from other albums in the alternative rock genre. While the album is not perfect, it's genuinely a worthwhile experience for any music listener who's interested in exploring the intersection of vulnerability and alternative rock.