RED – Innocence & Instinct
Jun 8, 2009 CD Reviews
Red
Innocence & Instinct
Essential Records
Grade – A+
After releasing a superb debut album that got nominated for a Grammy, RED followed up with another amazing album that is probably better than the first. Joining forces once again with producer Rob Graves, the album does not fail to entertain. The band still infuses strings into its alternative metal sound to give them a powerful feel.
The whole album is influenced by Dante’s Inferno and deals with the fight between doing what is right and wrong. “Never Be The Same” deals with letting go of someone whom you love. “Start Again” talks about realizing how one screwed up a relationship and wants to go back and fix it. “Confession” is about how ashamed one is for the evil and anger he has stored in his heart. Red teams up with Benjamin Burnley of Breaking Benjamin on “Shadows” which cries out about sin and asks God for salvation. “Overtake You” expresses weakness yet a strength that comes from God to overcome Satan.
This second release by RED debuted on the US Billboard 200 chart at #15 selling almost 40,000 copies its first week. It only takes one listen to realize why.
Josh B.
Tags: RED
RED – Innocence & Instinct
Apr 6, 2009 CD Reviews
RED
Innocence & Instinct
Essential
Grade – B
Innocence & Instinct is the sophomore project from Christian rock band RED. The album is already doing well on the charts as the first single “Fight Inside” debuted at No. 1 on Radio & Records Christian Rock chart back in November 2007.
While there are at least a half-dozen catchy rock-radio-formatted songs, the one that I like the most is the Duran Duran remake, “Ordinary World.” It’s a survival song that goes well with the theme of the album. As described by the band, “A lifetime is spent in this internal tug of war between who we really are and who we hope to be.”
Personally the sophomore album has not had as big an impact on me as their debut, probably because of the familiarity of the sound from their debut (which is still high on my favorites list). However, that’s not to say that the new CD is not fresh. The new songs are just as powerful with their big sound and redemptive message. The big guitars and added orchestrations are very moving when combined with the commanding vocals. I think Innocence & Instinct is a solid project and a great addition to RED’s repertoire.
- Ken W.
Tags: RED
