Search - Rob Zombie :: Educated Horses

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Jay65 | UK | 04/04/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I know Rob's fans are a rabid lot (I know cos I count myself among them); so it pains me to say this new album is a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it's quite enjoyable.. but nothing special. I had reservations before the release having read an old interview where Rob apparently says he doesn't give a s**t about music anymore, he's into making films now. Fair enough, he's been making music a long time now. Maybe it's understandable that he's tired of it and more interested in doing something new... Okay..so stick to the movies Rob. This album sounds tired and uninspired to me. Was it a contractual requirement ? I don't know. Even the artwork for the cd is lacking.. Remember how you could pour over a White Zombie / Rob Zombie cover/booklet for ages ? Maybe I have it all wrong.. I just don't feel any heart in this latest album. If Rob does continue to make music, I hope it rocks better than this.."

Flat...could/should be better!

T. T. Heglund III | Dallas, TX | 04/11/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I like most of Rob & White Zombie's stuff. Maybe I'm getting older and heading in a different direction than Rob, but this is just NOT impressive. Where is the punch, drive, or energy? I can't see the old or recent Zombie fans giving this impressive reviews. 3 decent songs on the disc is not worth the $$."

All The Zombie Trademarks With Some Fresh New Elements; Grea

Stephen B. O'Blenis | Nova Scotia, Canada | 05/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A slight departure for Rob Zombie, "Educated Horses" veers away from the electronic effects and the sampling, that were so prevelant on classics like the "Hellbilly Deluxe" album, on most of its songs, focusing on a driving, hammering, metal assault led by great distorted guitar-work and Zombie's distinctive (and increasingly versatile) vocal performance. The electronic/sampling elements are still present, popping up to fine effect on tracks like "Let It All Bleed Out", while techniques not usually associated with Zombie - like soft/acoustic guitars - turn up fairly frequently. The atmospheric instrumental "Sawdust In The Blood" - both haunting and menacing - opens up the album and segues right into the instantly memorable future classic "American Witch".



Most of the lyrics on "Educated Horses" are on the vague side, sounding kind of like songs based on horror movies yet to be made. Creepy, well-crafted, and sometimes with a lot of between-the-lines subtext, they're the kind of songs you can something different out of on subsequent listens. The song on here based on a horror movie that Has been made, is of course "The Devil's Rejects", based on the second of Zombie's 'Firefly family' films. It ties in to the movie in a disturbing way, seemingly a reflection on how the Rejects see themselves and the world around them. "Foxy Foxy" and "The Scorpion Sleeps" are also standout tracks that deserve a special mention, although there's not a weak song on the disc. It's still got pretty much everything that made the previous albums work, but expands with new angles. I think there's a definate influence from '70s classic rock on here, although that influence has been fed through a steam-powered grinder to come out distinctly Rob Zombie. "Educated Horses" is a 4.5 star album containing much of Zombie's best music to date."