Album Review: Shinedown – EI8HT (Atlantic Records)

Shinedown are back with their biggest and most ambitious record yet. It’s called ‘EI8HT’ and it out on May 29th via Atlantic Records.

Love them or loathe them, nobody can deny the impact Shinedown has had on the rock scene, and even at this stage of their career, they are still taking risks. After all, what band in their right mind would release something that is eighteen tracks long!?

It’s a ballsy move, and inevitably, does mean it’s an album with some filler, but far less than you might think. Shinedown were clearly in a creative song writing place when it came to crafting this album and the result will please their extensive fanbase, and maybe even win them some new ones.

Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

I’ve never been wowed by this band, and at best have been able to muster up a hearty meh in response to much of their music. I just find them a bit boring and safe, but I recognise that I am in the minority here and Shinedown’s fanbase is extensive and varied, commanding a lot of love and affection all over the world. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? That is why, even though it’s an eye-watering eighteen tracks long, I went into EI8HT hopeful.

The result? I appreciate them a bit more and consider myself pleasantly surprised by the overall quality of the album. It’s very strong in places, delivering an array of ear-pleasing efforts that range in style, all while being undeniably radio rock fodder. You won’t have to listen to too much of the record to find hits.

Hits that range from energetic, chorus driven efforts that will get arenas dancing, to big, infectious efforts that will rock stadiums, to intimate melodramatic efforts that will touch souls. Shinedown specials, as you would expect, and they certainly deliver on expectations. However, it’s when they do the opposite that I find my ears perk up. When they veer off in unexpected directions, add some unfamiliar aspects, and take a few more chances with their sound that growth becomes clearer.

Isn’t it nice when even a band the size of Shinedown isn’t afraid to try some new things?

Don’t get me wrong though, we’re not talking experimentation here. If you’re expecting anything out of the ordinary, you’ve come to the wrong place. I can’t stress enough that EI8HT is Shinedown through and through and if you’re mileage for what they do is limited, you’re still going to struggle with this.

Eighteen tracks. Unsurprisingly, fatigue sets in, and I think even the most ardent of fans will struggle to get through the entre thing in one sitting. It is, by far, my biggest complaint about the album. Especially as there are several tracks that really should have ended up on the cutting room floor.

Still, I must say that I am impressed by the fact that Shinedown managed to hold my attention as much as they do here. Considering my lack of excitement for their music, I found EI8HT to be an engaging listen with plenty that can be enjoyed and plenty that the fanbase is going to well and truly eat up. It’s rock music for the masses, and in this regard, Shinedown do not disappoint.

Shinedown – EI8HT Track Listing:

1. At the Bottom
2. Dance Kid Dance
3. Burning Down the Disco
4. Three Six Five
5. Young Again
6. Dizzy
7. Imposter
8. Machine Gun
9. Outlaw
10. Safe and Sound
11. Searchlight
12. Bear With Me
13. Deep End
14. Killing Fields
15. Back to the Living
16. Wide Open
17. So Glad That You Asked
18. The Pilot

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