Breaking Benjamin – We Are Not Alone
Author: Aidan Gray
Breaking Benjamin return with this Hollywood Records release “We Are Not Alone”. For those familiar with the heavier side of rock, Breaking Benjamin first really popped up as “that band” on “that Godsmack tour” those few years ago in support of their radio friendly hit ‘Polyamorous’ off of their debut full length “Saturate”. Now all settled down on with some airplay under their belt, the band has embarked on numerous tours, sometimes acting as support, sometimes as the headlining act, but what does “We Are Not Alone” spell out in terms of the bands future?
The 1st track, the single, and ultimately the best tune on the entire album ‘So Cold’, would indicate greener pastures. Unfortunately the other 10 songs don’t go down the same path. Even with the writing power of Billy Corgan on 3 of the 11 songs (’Follow’, ‘Forget It’, and ‘Rain’), a horrible smell of Chad Kroeger plus watered down simpleton radio rock lingers in the air. Ben Burnley, the driving force behind Breaking Benjamin, justifiably keeps this album from being dead in the water. Cakewalk guitar playing and nullifying simpleton segments of droning bass/drum tradeoffs leave this at the bottom of the creative pile. Burnley’s talent would be better served in a band with some more force, and power behind it. There are a few decent tunes here and there; specifically 2 of the 3 Corgan tracks (’Follow’ and ‘Forget It’) and Breaking Benjamin’s own ‘So Cold’ and ‘Believe’, but beyond that there really isn’t much.
The bottom line is there are a number of rock artists out there that provide much more value for your hard earned dollar. Try picking up SOiL’s ‘REDEFiNE’, Josh Todd’s latest effort, or even the most recent album from the highly underrated Brand New Sin. If those bands aren’t ‘radio friendly’ enough for you, seek out Jet, Shinedown, or The Darkness. All 6 bands, comparatively speaking, are a few rungs higher on the ladder in this genre.
Rating: 4/10
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