The new Hollywood Undead album Day Of The Dead is a supposed return to form for the band. But is it worth listening to?
Usual Suspects” opens the album with an electronic-infused roll, heavily bringing the wub-wub very early on. “Usual Suspects” was an excellent choice to open the album, it really sets the mood; uplifting, energetic and aggressive – Hollywood Undead is quite notorious for this.
It is no secret, unless you don’t know my weird musical tastes, that Funny Man is my favourite member of Hollywood Undead. The first verse opens with thick raps laid down over the wub-wub, delivered deliciously by the group’s comedian. Danny’s chorus is pretty neat, as well. It was really up to Danny from American Tragedy to bring some melody back into the band, and I think he is still nailing it.
“How We Roll” is currently one of my favourite songs on this album, almost to the point of having it on repeat. Simple, thundering drums – just the way I like it. Rap songs that have simplistic beats usually are the ones where the artist shines due to the fact they can’t hide behind a snazzy beat. “How We Roll” is J-Dog’s introduction to the album, and while he doesn’t usually impress me as much as Charlie, he’s got some awesome flow mixed in with Funny Man.
Once again, Danny absolutely kills it with the chorus. This is the song you’ll want to be driving around with, getting all of the looks from parents. “This isn’t music! I remember when music had talent!” I can hear it now. Johnny 3 Tears, whom I tend to consider the band’s leader, has quite a sexually-laced verse with Charlie Scene. Like I said, party songs are where Hollywood Undead rules.
The first single from the album, “Day of the Dead”, actually kind of disappointed me. I heard it and was kind of on edge about it, although after a few listens it’s gotten stuck in my head. Topics I have heard over the years with Johnny is that he usually involves drugs and murder, so he’s got the rap game right.
Not my favourite song on the album, mostly due to Danny unfortunately. The chorus doesn’t really click with me, and I know it’s probably because I still think the album title is lame.
“War Child”. I pretty much wanted to do the album review because of this song. “War Child” is bouncy, grooving and definitely danceable. If the band doesn’t perform this song live, I will be incredibly upset. Funny Man, once again, makes my day with his narrative style for the first verse. I’ll just say this now, “No Other Place”, is my favourite Hollywood Undead track – now you know why I approve of Funny Man so much.
Danny redeemed himself with this chorus, because I, too, like to get my fade on. The overall impression this song left on me made me feel way more confident when listening to the rest of the album. It’s the album’s dance song, and I am so glad it turned out the way it did.
I suppose you’re wondering what I don’t like about it? Well, for “War Child”, absolutely nothing!
“Dark Places” brings it down to a mellow level, standing in as a track like “Coming Back Down” from American Tragedy and “Lion” from Notes From The Underground. The beats drive this song, because Danny doesn’t really shine for his contribution on “Dark Places”. It’s a track I will listen to, but wouldn’t get excited if it came on the radio.
Ah yes, “Take Me Home” is another one of my favourites. Day of the Dead’s anthem, “Take Me Home” is finally when Danny opens up a bit and steps out of the chorus to deliver the first verse. Vocalizing is a great addition to Hollywood Undead’s style, and adds a nice distinction between verses. I can’t say enough about how cool this song is.
“Gravity” is another track that stands out on this album. It is does, however, deliver those generic “I wish I wasn’t famous” lines.
“I remember lookin’ back, converse and a starter cap.
Now I’m sittin’ wishin’ that, wishin’ I could just go back.
I was happy with no fame.”
COME ON. J-Dog is kind of like that member in your high school group who always lets you down. He does have some SUPER wicked verses, but his last few have barely been passable. Johnny brings back some bad memories with this track, albeit quite briefly. This would have made an amazing track if it was strictly Johnny 3 Tears on all of the verses. I am glad that the group’s rappers are all chiming in throughout the album, but Johnny would have killed it if he was given some more room to elaborate.
“DEITWHTFD”, the album’s eighth track totally confused me. I am all for instrumental diversity, but there are so many different sounds with this song, almost to the point where the music was put under water and then hit record. Lyrically, I didn’t really even want to pay attention while trying to focus on what the hell was going on with the bass.
“Disease” starts off the way EVERY song should. My favourite thing about this song is that the yelping is continuous, and it’s added throughout the song in unexpected spots. My problem with this song is the effect they added to Johnny’s voice, with the addition of subtle static. Johnny, you have an awesome rapping flow – don’t ruin it with static!
Also, if you like Marilyn Manson – “Disease” is almost identical instrumentally to 2003 Manson. Not complaining, but it did make my eyes roll. J-Dog, once again, punches the song in the balls with his uneasy flow. Words. It’s just words. I still like you, J.
It actually surprised me that Hollywood Undead wrote a song about my life. “Party by Myself” sounds like it could have been LMFAO’s heroic comeback. I said it a hundred times and I’ll say it again, Funny Man deserves a high five for his verse. I enjoyed the build-up to the chorus, going into a deep EDM vibe that carries Funny Man gloriously.
Charlie Scene makes an absolute flow that would make vodka jealous. Flow that makes a river mad. I think you get the point. Charlie delivers with a rapid flow that speeds up along with the beat, adding to the coolness of “Party By Myself”.
“Live Forever” gives me hope that J-Dog will improve with time. THESE are the raps he needed to bring to the table in previous songs, because he has a flow that works well with the beat.
I would also like to acknowledge Da Kurlzz for every song up until now, because his beats are top-notch. Aside from “DEITWHTFD”, because that still blows me away how they thought that sounded good.
Day of the Dead ends with “Save Me”, which has a throwback to the emotional side of the band. J-Dog makes an excellent ending to the album, having another verse that is groovy. Danny has a pretty neat chorus, too, who sounds like he’s asking for help in a “I don’t need your help” way.
Johnny has a tight verse as well, but it ends as quickly as it begins. Johnny needs to have more rap time. I’ll start a petition for their next studio album. #J3TMoarRaps
Overall, Day of the Dead is a step-up from Notes from the Underground due to the band’s ability to produce some rad beats. This makes me want to be a rapper, just so I can jam yell my problems over a funky beat. Lyrically, I believe it could use some work, but I am thoroughly impressed with Charlie, Johnny and Funny. I don’t believe there is a single song on this album that I would skip, and yes, I will still jam “DEITWHTFD”.
HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD – DAY OF THE DEAD
7/10
