Josh
Todd - You Made Me
Label: Todd
Entertainment
Rating:
Not but three years ago, Josh Todd was
the frontman for Buckcherry, a latter-day Black Crowes without the soul
or an earlier Jet without the hooks.
Put simpler, they were a hard rock band
trying to sound like they fell out of the ‘70s.
In their brief 2-year existence on the
national radar, they had a hit song about cocaine, a video with Tara Reid,
played Woodstock ’99, had a song adopted by NASCAR, and then broke up.
Three years later, Todd formed his own
band, but only after being rejected by Velvet Revolver (Better off, I say.
“Set Me Free” was a joke).
So, does Todd’s new band sound like his
old one? In voice only. Otherwise, it’s goodbye Angus Young riff-thefts
and hello nu-metal.
Todd’s joined the scream scene some four
years too late, arming himself with a cadre of musicians that sound like
they just missed playing in Disturbed.
I’m not saying that to be derogatory, “You
Made Me” is a surprisingly solid effort, music-wise. “Broken” is the album’s
pinnacle, hard without resorting to screams, and a clever “pills in your
mouth” refrain.
There are more angsty screamer tracks,
such as “Flowers and Cages,” in which Todd cannot stop wailing “the battle’s
just begun,” but the song is weakened by making no mention of what the
battle is for or who it is against.
Todd’s songwriting falters in places, such
as on “The Walls,” when he uses walls as a metaphor for a bad relationship
in language that makes it sound like it was written by a cover band just
starting to write its own material.
Also, “Lovely Bones,” the album’s closing
track and only ballad, feels tacked-on and doesn’t really hold its own
with the rest of the album. The power ballad is a key contrivance of hard
rock, and if Todd wants to remake a name for himself, one might suggest
that it’s the area in which he most needs improvement.
VERDICT: Todd rocks, but his writing skills
need some tweaking if he wants to be known for more than his voice and
tattoos. Hard to believe this is the same guy who penned such Buckcherry
greats as “Lit Up” and “Lawless and Lulu.”
CD Info and Links
Tracks: Mind Infection
Broken
Walls, The
Flowers & Cages
Shine
Afraid
Blast
Burn
Circles
Straight Jacket
Slave
Wasted
Lovely Bones
Posted by The One:
yeah, but Zak one thing you forgot. THIS ISN"T GOOD MUSIC. Bad Lyrics, bad instruments, bad songs. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. The album was only out about 5 months before Todd walked out it. These musicians SUCKED. They are a product of the bad rock music that has been put out over the past 10 years. They need to listen to some classic rock and get some proper influences. Good thing buckcherry is back together because those musicians know what real rock sounds like. Lets hope Todd works on his lyrics
Posted by Zak:
You guys are idiots. this cd rocks. maybe he doesnt mention what battle. or uses metaphors for relationships, such as the walls. but who really cares? you guys are all too caught up in bashing people to know good music.
Posted by Joey:
Go to the iTunes music store and look at the album notes for "You Made Me". It seems that only friends of the band are the ones that promoted this crashing record. I'd hate to be the one who fronted the money for this pile of crap.
Posted by The One:
Yeah he likes to keep people wondering....wondering why the hell he keeps wasting his time and money making music. Maybe he can get a job at the freak show in coney island with all those tattoo's
Posted by Stacey:
I think your all STRANGE.. Josh Todd ,maybe he just likes to keep people wonderig????
Posted by The One:
Well I guess I was right. Not more than 7 months after the release of the album, Josh Todd (the band) is calling it quits. This guy seriously can't go through with anything. He does have a hell of a voice, he just can't write good songs and his band of nu-metal heads just plain suck. So i guess it's good bye Josh Todd once again.
Posted by yayojo:
man, you must be deaf in both ears, not to realize that Josh Todd is one of the greatest vocalist since Axl Rose and Layne Staley. His days with Buckcherry were monumental, and his solo band is better than any of the crap that floods modern rock today(good charlotte for example) It's just to bad JT doesn't have the support of major labels, otherwise we'd see Josh Todd on TRL every damn day...it would be worthwhile...you ass
Posted by tower girl:
there is not one bad song on this CD. Josh Todd has always been great! He rocked like no other in Buckcherry and now in 'You Made Me'.
Posted by 1meow:
THE NEW CD ROCKS!! i love it the songs are great! and buckcherry rocked too.
Posted by The One:
Honestly this music is typical. from what I understand this band is all 20 something kids who listen to Korn and Deftones. It shows in their music and appearance. The C.d. has been out for over 6 months and no airplay or major record sales. I read an interview with Josh Todd and he said that he is in it for the money this time around. Well I'm sorry Josh, but just ain't going to happen. If it was, it would have already. Nobody wants to hear a 35 year old wannabe axl rose, especially when it is backed with tired distortion. Why do they even have two guitar players in this band ? I didn't even hear anything on the album that needed another guitar, let alone a bass. The bass "solo" (if you can call it that) on "shine" is a joke. As a Bass player I really think that chump on bass should pack his things and go. What a waste. Good luck with the Career Josh Todd and band, YOU"RE GOING TO NEED IT !
Posted by Billy:
Whoever wrote this review doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. I would be hard pressed to find a "weak" song let alone a "bad" one. I don't know what CD this reviewer was listening to, but it couldn't have been "You Made Me". For me "The Walls" and "Lovely Bones" are the clear highlights of the CD...there are no lowlights. I think this reviewer is like all other music critics....ajealous, failed musician ! This CD kicks all form of ass !!!!
Posted by Billy:
Whoever wrote this review doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. I would be hard pressed to find a "weak" song let alone a "bad" one. I don't know what CD this reviewer was listening to, but it couldn't have been "You Made Me". For me "The Walls" and "Lovely Bones" are the clear highlights of the CD...there are no lowlights. I think this reviewer is like all other music critics....ajealous, failed musician ! This CD kicks all form of ass !!!!
Posted by steve4869:
i couldnt disagree more with some of this review...i adore Lovely Bones and The Walls. Hell, they are two of my favs..im a longtime Josh fan..and while i agree that the writing in bc was better, i thought this effort was damn good! different..but still damn good.. buckcherry was a party..this is bang your head!! ive been to buckcherry shows and we would just dance and drink to every song..Lawless and Lulu was a classic..now with JT, you better not have a drink in your hand or it will get spilled or knocked out of your hand..its a whole new experience..but kicks ass just the same..
The skill level was higher with buckcherry but these guys are awesome and deserve credit too..in a few years..who knows how great they will be?
thanks
Posted by www.seasonswilted.com:
Admittedly, I was never the biggest fan of Buckcherry. Not until recently did I realize that I am a fan of Josh Todd, the musician and the band though. As fate should have it, I found myself interested in a certain project that Josh had participated in with some other high profile musicians. Once that ended, I moved on with that project to the search for a singer. On the other hand, on down the line I get an email from a publicist that I have high regards for. She is handling Josh Todd for his new album "You Made Me" and had sent me over a press release announcing the CD and the lineup for the band Josh Todd. I made sure to email to ensure I give this CD a chance with no regards to previous projects of any kind. What I would find would change my outlook on Josh's music forever.
I got the CD in and put it in the player with anticipation for a record sure to satisfy my recent fiending for a good solid rock record with razor sharp punk vocals. What I got was that in which I was hoping for, and more. The album had the neccissary elements of pure hard rock with pop appeal. Josh's vocals maintained the energetic punk fueled raspyness that I desired. The songs contain a certain amount of dark personal trauma that ensures quality meaningful songwriting. This has went far beyond the man that sang to the world of his love for Cocaine. The man has moved on past the addictions to form a band that outshines any prior release featuring Josh Todd. visit www.seasonswilted.com for an interview with JOSH TODD and for your chance to win a copy of this CD for FREE!!!
Posted by Joey f*ckin Saturn:
Todd's solo effort is a good effort the cd is great but its not up to par with his work in buckcherry i would really like too see buckcherry get back together or maybe josh could work with kieth again on his next solo album. the cd does rock though, lyrics, music, and all. it could use some good guitar solos though. well thats my 2 cents. if anyone knows where to find any guiatr tabs from you made me please contact me my email is joeysaturn4444@aol.com.
Rock The F*ck On JT fans
Posted by ROCK FAN:
I am confused when you people say that others don't know what is good music. If this is considered "good", then I don't want to know what "bad" is. The only thing on this record worth noting is this guys voice. It's great, not very original, but very good. The music however is just plain bad. It has Nu-metal written all over it. I thought rock and roll was about good guitar riffs and insane solos, as well as a good frontman. This is in no way a great rock record. I would say mediocre at best. Great would be AC/DC "Back In Black" or G&R "Appetite For Destruction". Can you really put this album on the podium where these GREAT rock albums reside ? No way in hell. I think that Buckcherry Burries this stuff in a heartbeat. At least the band in buchcherry knew what rock sounds like. I think these guys have been listening to too much disturbed, Korn, and Limp Bizkit. Not to mention they all look like they stole their wardrobe from Good Charlotte
Posted by wintermute:
This album was MADE by his voice, the track Shine is remarkable just for the vocal track alone. Josh should really consider an acoustic album.
Posted by Raven:
Josh todd is pure rock n roll, it drips outta the guys pores. I really wouldnt say its, Nu-metal.
He has a killer stage presence, and his voice is unmistakeably recognized as JOSH TODD. I love his vocals, i love his music. As i loved everything in buckcherry.
This CD is another step in the right direction for the rock sence. Music like this and other good hard rock - metal bands need more recognition. Rather then letting crap bands take up all the airplay and mags space.
I'm not gonna fight with dan or anyone else who this this album is bad.
But if your a true hard rock fan, i'd suggest you pick this album up. Its ace.
Posted by Michelle:
Lovely Bones is about the book, and if you had read it you might "get" the song. It's Brilliant, and when they make the film it deserves to be in it. You are an idiot Dan.
Posted by snoopy:
well you know what dan? IM MAKING MY OWN REVEIW SINCE YOU SUCK AT MAKING YOURS. LATER PEANUT BRAIN
Posted by pooky:
dan my main man? whats going on? i dont like you very much because josh todd rocks! you dont know what real music is. well anyways, JOSH TODD IS ALSO PART OF XS RECORDS!! not only todd entertainment..have a nice day butthead.
Posted by rotten fish:
ALL YOU PEOPLE LIKE DAN NEED TO SUCK A D*CK. JOSH TODD F*CKING ROCKS. THEY HAVE THE BEST LIVE SHOWS, BETTER THAN YOU'LL EVER GET TO SEE. IF YOU DONT LIKE HIS STUFF THEN WHY DO YOU HAVE TO SAY SH*T YOU SHOULD JUST SHUT THE F*CK UP. THE ALBUM "YOU MADE ME" IS F*CKING GREAT. PERSONALLY I'VE MET THE DUDES AND THERE SO RAD. THERE REALLY GOOD AND NICE GUYS THAT YOU'LL EVER MET IN YOUR LIFE! YOU SHOULD REALLY GO TO THEIR SHOWS BECAUSE THEY HANG OUT WITH THEIR FANS AND ALL THAT SH*T. AND DAN GO SUCK YOUR MOMS D*CK.
Posted by fred:
dan grote can go suck a c*ck. he has no idea what good music is obviously because JT is an awesome band. i saw them live in hollywood and they kicked ass. if you have the chance you should definetly go see them live because you will never forget what an awesome performance they give and how hard they rock. ROCK ON
Posted by loser:
i think josh todd kicks ass. buckcherry was one of my favorite bands and i was bummed wen they broke up. but i heard josh was coming back with a knew band and im happier than ever! i thought it was going to suck. but josh proved me wrong. i saw them in concert in orlando, and all u people out their really need to go see them because i had the best time in my life and the guys really know how to rock.
Posted by Cherry Pie:
I bought the album when it first came out in March and I love it. All of the songs are great. I love you Josh!!! You're too good for Velvet Revolver!!!
Posted by Wacker:
JT RAWKS!
Posted by Cousin Joe:
JT needs to look in the mirror... get over the nu-metal... he's better than that crap in my book. (and stop being bitter about slash axing him)
Posted by Wes Rains:
That sucks that he didn't try to imporve on the sound, I was listening to Time Bomb, I only listen to it once in a great while, but i thought god this would be a hit right now because of the bands like Jet and the Darkness.
Posted by gregou:
i live it!
It's sounds very good and powerfull!
Musicians are very good too! I'm a french drummer and now i listen josh todd album with great pleasure! As a musician i put the priority on music instead of lyrics!
But his voice sound very good too!
Posted by Incredible:
JT is Amazing - Buckcherry was the best band SINCE the 70s, but timing is everything and it just wasn't the right time in today's music media - to new effort is good - writing isn't as good as it was w/Buckcherry and No Guitar Solos - breaks my heart, but still some of the best music out now - Definitely worth your buck + Great live Showz!
Posted by Incredible:
JT is Amazing - Buckcherry was the best band SINCE the 70s, but timing is everything and it just wasn't the right time in today's music media - to new effort is good - writing isn't as good as it was w/Buckcherry and No Guitar Solos - breaks my heart, but still some of the best music out now - Definitely worth your buck + Great live Showz!
Posted by aG:
Jebus Cripes Dan gave this 3 stars and said good things about it. just because he didn't think it was the second coming like a die hard fan would is no reason to slag him. He reviewed it, it's strengths it's weaknesses. He called it a solid effort but had some problems with it. That's the name of the game. Instead of slagging him why not use this area for what it is meant to be for, tell us why YOU like or DISLIKE the CD. At least Lennon has the sense to take the review at face value and look at it realistically. Hats off to you. As for my review of the CD. Good rocker but it's no "Back in Black". Josh knows what he is doing and does it well. His fans won't be disappointed with this album.
Posted by Lennon:
Good album and i agree i think the lyrics are a little bit off, but really how much of the music comes from the lyrics? i look more for sound over lyrics personally so i dont mind this aspect of the band. personally i feel this CD is awesome, but i also think that critics like Don Gates 1. have their own opinion that should be respected and 2. critics are the way to get better. constructive critisism is a key tool to getting better so i dont think badly of don gates i just dont agree with him and slandering him isnt a very good way of showing that you dissagree with your opinion. infact its very immature. josh todd rocks he'll melt your face!
Posted by All The Time:
You're a dumb ass. This record rocks, and you suck.
Posted by GRIV205:
IT'S A GREAT ALBUM AND THEY TOP IT OFF WITH GREAT, HIGH ENERGY LIVE PERFORMANCES. SEE EM LIVE
Posted by blueskat77:
The cd is PERFECT. Everyone who has listened to it that i know of cant stop listening to it. The lyrics are great caues they are HIS emotions and rage,,not some corprate ahOLE fixin them like the the rest. Passion Rebellion Freedom. That is what this record stand for. Sorry you did'nt feel the same,,, Go watch TRL with carson cause it has some how made a impact on yr review.
Posted by Gordo :
I'm so sick of vague lyrics that sound very rebellious, but in truth have no political or even personal context. If you have nothing to write about, don't write anything. Right on, Dan Grote.
Posted by Dan:
That is the worst/dumbest review I have ever read! Whoever wrote this needs to get a clue on what good music really is. Do us all a favor and quit your job. Idiot.
Posted by tbone:
about 1 1/2 years ago on this same site a review of thier live show at the Cat Club was really good and positive. Now this idiot reviewing the cd is talkin s@#$.
You Made Me is one of the best straight forward rock albums to be put out in a long time. Nu Metal ? Grunge ? 70s rock ? Whats with all the labeling ?? Its just Rock-n-Roll and GOOD Rock-n-Roll at that.
Opinions (critics) are like As@##$es, everybody got one.
Posted by J Stone:
I think the CD kicj=ks ass ..this reviewer has no clue and by far better then Buckcherry...and lovely bones is a killer tune!MF
Posted by fuzzypeach:
this guy is crazy Josh Todd is awesome You Made Me rocks!!
Posted by mindinfection:
i think the cd f*cking rocks!
Posted by educated:
I think Dan Grote is a failed musician who has no touch with whats happening. I have read tons of reviews on this record and they all RAVE about how awesome it is. With one exception. Rolling Stone. Who has consistently been way out of touch with what listeners want. This guy Dan Grote has no clue and it is a shame he is given a typewriter or pen. But everyone is entitled to an opinion. Now we know what his is worth. Next time this guy slags a record go buy it! Love to here what his all time favorite records are. I think that would shine a light on his ability to tell the rest of us what is good and what sucks. In my opinion his opinion sucks and hopefully you will go listen to the samples and hear for yourself what a GREAT ROCK RECORD Josh Todd's You Made Me is!
Posted by atns:
Like you've said the lyrics are weak at some place, but the sound brought up by the whole thing is smashing! If you try to look it from the other way it realy brings heat :)
