Search - Fuel :: Sunburn

Don't just Tan, Get Sunburn

P Dubbs | Fargo, ND | 09/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fuel's first album, titled Sunburn, speaks for itself as to why it has sold so well. Every song on the album has a special sound that makes each a unique experience. It has done so well since was released in 1998 that it has spawned a remade version that includes two bonus tracks. If you are questioning whether or not to purchase this cd, please read my review before you decide to pass up on this great sounding band that is in its prime.



The second and third songs on the album, "Bittersweet" and "Shimmer" are songs most people have heard, but probably don't know who even plays them. They've been played numerous times on the radio and still get airtime because each one has such a catchy beat with incomparable vocals. Their fourth song, "Jesus or a Gun" is a heavier song with well thought-out vocals that is also engaging once you hear it. That's the case with almost every tune in this twelve song collection. Each one is attractive to the ear in its own way. The fifth song, "Sunburn", is far and away the best song on the cd and is one of my favorite songs I have ever listened to. It flows from a slow beat with smooth vocals to a heavier one that will capture your interest instantly. You won't have to worry about getting too much of this song either; the words and the tone of it stay with you and beg your senses to hear it over and over again.



Those four songs are a good enough reason to purchase this album. But remember there are still eight other songs to listen to! If you're a fan of modern-day rock, you owe it to yourself to give Fuel's debut cd a shot. I waited a long time to buy it for myself, and being stubborn paid off because I purchased the remade version with better quality sound and the two bonus tracks. They aren't going to remake it again, so now's the time to get your hands on this surprisingly superb album. Your ears will thank you."

Great album by a great band

P Dubbs | 08/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thanks largely to the sheer popularity of the single, "Shimmer", Fuel is no longer a band that no one knows about but rather a band that continues to grow in terms of fan base due to word of mouth and their exciting, energetic live shows. But beyond their powerful live performances, there is some real magic to be found on the studio album as well. In truth, this album has something for everyone from deep, brooding ballads like "Shimmer", "Hideaway", and "Sunburn" to full-on, all-out intense rockers like "Ozone", "New Thing", "Jesus or a Gun", and "Mary Pretends". It is important to note that this album is not flawless and as expected, some of the songs do not always glitter with originality. None could be more true an example than the aforementioned rocker "Mary Pretends". Its main guitar riff, its weak, repitive lyrics all sound eerily close to the tune "Stage" by Live, from their masterpiece album Throwing Copper. Still, this is a debut album and therefore a band that is just finding its sound may be prone to stealing riifs or even song structures from other bands. Still, that being said, much like Live, the album itself connects on many levels most notably in terms of its energy, honesty and real emotions. Brett Scallions, the band's lead singer has a very impressive vocal range. It is not uncommon that he will murmur some beautiful words one instant and erupt with rage and raw emotion the next. Still, their sound is not to be confused with Nirvana's soft loud soft/verse chorus verse leanings nor really any other modern rock act. The guitars do roar, the vocals do resonate and captivate but the real trump card are the band's lyrics, which are penned by Carl Bell, and for the record are more coherent and cohesive than anything Nirvana ever wrote. A song like "Song For You" for example is an excellent song both lyrically and musically. The guitar riff is rather catchy and the lyrics only help to catapult the song past the usual standard lamenting song of lost love. The itself is about a relationship that fell short on both ends, but despite the hurt that has followed, the general sentiment is that it is all "for the best", and that regardless what happened, he just wants the woman to enjoy all that is good, even if it is not with him. Certainly not the typical bitter love song, and Fuel is not your typical love-torn, angst laden rock band. What merit is found on a tune such as "Song For You" can be found numerous other places on the album as well. The word "filler" does not exist here. Every song is solid and carries some serious weight. Even more impressive is that this is a debut album. Some bands might strain their entire careers to put forth something this solid, and Fuel has done it on their first try. In terms of landmark major label debuts, this album is on par with Pearl Jam's "Ten", Nirvana's "Nevermind", Jimi Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?", Rage Against the Machine's self titled debut and Green Day's "Dookie". An aptly named band who is full of energy whose prowess and talent are no longer a secret, Fuel's engine is revved up and their tank is full and they are ready to leave their skidmarks on the rest of the field."

Even if it doesn't sparkle, it sure Shimmers!

JohnnyDoolittle | United States | 08/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Shimmer" received an incredible amount of radioplay, and that was far from an accident; it was poppy, it was fun to sing along to, the guitars were quite supportive (even if sounding a bit optimistic for lyrics of a relatively depressing nature), and of course, the production... well, the production was just what a late 90s alternative song SHOULD sound like, and the entire album had it.It's songs like "Bittersweet", "Jesus or a Gun", and "Mary Pretends" that represent the album at the top of its game; hard rockers with a bit of angst, but not enough to keep the listener from headbangs and smiles. However, "Sunburn", despite its mellowness and beauty, is just so solid and honest that tons of hardrockers or metalheads could stop and listen/sing along to the lyrics.Sunburn is a solid, solid album... perhaps too solid. None of the songs are anything original or never-before expressed... the topics, instruments, lyrics, and vocals (however smooth they may all be) are pretty much the same 90s rock we've all gotten used to and enjoy. Of course, the album's still good, if not great... great enough to purchase, and great enough to rock out to for the many years to come."