A true masterpiece
Extreme's third album is, well, a concept album to the "extreme". It's unquestionably one of my favorite albums, and absolutely the most underrated one, ever. Focusing on a "yours, mine, and the truth" theme, this album seems to have some pretty broad musical and lyrical ideas. The first section is highlighted by both great social commentary and outstanding Nuno guitar work... highlights: "Rest In Peace", "Color Me Blind". The second section is a more personal side to the band, with some excellent ballads like "Seven Sundays" and "God Isn't Dead?", and straight ahead catchy songs like "Tragic Comic". The third section is an absolutely majestic orchestral section, that simply put, has to be heard to be believed. "Am I Ever Gonna Change" is one of the strongest songs I have ever heard, as close as many bands can ever come to being perfect. If you ever see this album in the extremely miserable place of the used CD bin, by all means, GRAB IT!!!!!!!! Or you're definitely missing out on a very adventurous ride!
Rock with forethought: What a concept!
Picture this: A few politically-orientated rockers, a few more soul-searching ballads and pop diddys, an orchestra, one of the most talented guitarists of our time, and the technical cohesivness to blend all these elements together. This is III Sides to Every Story, the best work of a damn good, yet oft-overlooked band Extreme. Warheads, Color Me Blind, Peacemaker Die, Rest in Peace. Full-throttle political rockers such as these make up the 'Yours' section. Stop the World, Our Father, God isn't Dead, Don't Leave me Alone. These introspective tunes round out the 'Mine' section. Everything Under The Sun, however, will simply blow your mind. A mini-rock opera in itself, this orchestra-backed, half-hour, 3 part opus comprises 'The Truth', the final side of the story.
And there you have it. Extreme all but abandons the funk-metal that made Pornograffiti such a success and instead attacks every other style possible, sometimes with mixed results but always done with masterful effort. Listened to in it's entireity, this album is simply amazing, taken in bits and peices, it's pretty uneven, as most concept albums are. The sound is a nice mix of thrash and pomp, but the production, which sometimes falls flat (the vocals are tragically undermixed) keeps this album from being a total masterpeice.
III Sides is Extreme's best work, but only listen to it with an open mind. And do yourself a favor, if you have the option, get the cassette. The CD omits one song worth hearing 'Don't Leave Me Alone'.
Politically charged, yet an
I have a real problem with artists using their public exposure to espouse skewed or "limited" political viewpoints, however this album is timelessly flawless in musical content and delivery. I love Cherone's voice and Nuno's complicated riff structures and time signatures (he is PHENOMINAL). These guys have so much talent, I wish they would reunite and continue the musical bliss...even if it includes political slamming.
I bought this album when I was 17, when it first came out. I loved it but didn't really understand it. I lost it two years or so later and forgot about all the songs except "Tragic Comic". Just this past week I picked it up again for the giggles. I guess a lot of things have happened in the past ten years that have made me appreciate the album for what it is. This is definitely not your sappy love or sex album, and not your 3 minute pop song album. It is a REAL album. Akin to Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in having a concept, but far beyond in depth. As a Christian who struggles with my own sins against God and as on interested in Bible Prophecy, I relate to the third side now more than when I first had the album.
Side 1 - yours
Very nice, good rock, tight and virtuosic. All songs very cool.
Side 2 - mine
Oh so sweet agony. Love and desperation at its best.
Side 3 - the truth
Absoulutely wonderful, full of wonder, sent chills down my spine.
I think the other reviews speak about this album suffieciently enough as far as the details of particular songs, so I won't go into details. But, if you see this album around somewhere, buy it and apprectiate the brilliance and statement of faith this album makes. Enjoy!!!
Extreme
This is the most overlooked band ever! It was a shame to see the music scene change because this CD is a work of art! Nuno is a genius! He and Gary Cherone can sing together so well! I had the cassette but wanted the CD! I bought it and was dissapointed to find there was" Don't Leave Me Alone" missing! I am so glad I kept the cassette! The whole thing tells a story and shows the most amazing talented band!It is a shame this is now out of print. I was so excited when VH1 did the special on Bands Reunited! I really wish they would have gotten back together! Anyway this is a must have! All I can say is get it! You won't regret it! I really wish they were still around!
