Artist: Everclear Album: World of Noise

Year: 1993
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: World of Noise by Everclear

In 1993, the band known as Everclear released their debut album, World of Noise. This album put the band and its founder, Art Alexakis, on the map as alternative rock icons. The album is a reflection of the band's struggles, fears, and experiences both in their personal lives and within the music industry. In this blog post, we will do a critical review of the album World of Noise by Everclear, provide a brief history of the band, and highlight some of the best tracks.

Everclear was formed in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, by Art Alexakis. Alexakis, who had been through a tumultuous upbringing, formed the band as an outlet for his pain and feelings of alienation. With the release of World of Noise, the band gained massive popularity and critical acclaim. Their unique blend of punk, grunge, and pop rock was something fresh, new, and exciting. The band members' personal experiences with addiction, divorce, and financial struggles are reflected in the lyrics of the album.

One of the most innovative parts of World of Noise is the use of found sounds and audio samples. The band members had very limited financial resources at the time of recording the album, so they used whatever they could find to create soundscapes. One of the best examples of this is in the song American Girl. A radio broadcast is used to introduce the song, and the sounds of traffic and crowds are used throughout the song to create a sense of chaos and alienation.

The album contains several standout tracks that showcase the band's talent and range. The opening track, Your Genius Hands, sets the tone for the album with its grungy, raw sound and introspective lyrics. Heroin Girl is a bleak but beautiful song that deals with addiction and suicidal thoughts. Speed Racer is a fast-paced, punk-influenced track that shows off the band's energy and attitude.

However, the album is not without its flaws. The production value of the album is not up to par with some of Everclear's later works, and some of the songs feel unfinished. The track The Laughing World feels disjointed and rushed, and the lyrics lack the depth and introspection that is present in other songs on the album.

In conclusion, World of Noise is a fantastic debut album that showcases Everclear's talent, range, and unique sound. The album is a reflection of the band's experiences with addiction, alienation, and financial struggles. The use of found sounds and audio samples is an innovative aspect of the album, and several standout tracks make it a must-listen for fans of alternative rock. However, the album is not without its flaws, and some of the tracks feel unfinished and lack the depth and introspection that is present in other parts of the album. Regardless, World of Noise is an essential album for anyone interested in the history of alternative rock or in Everclear's journey as a band.