Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
chronicles of life and death = amazing, 2 Jan 2005
I very rarely come across an album in which I can sit and listen to it right through, and I have to say this album does just that and more.
At least 12 of the 15 tracks on this album are amazing, and the other 3 are pretty good too!
Many people (including me) were put off by the fact that good charlottes music has changed so radically from being high spirited punk rock, to gothic (perhaps even a little depressing) rock, but I was totally shocked at the originality of this album.
I must warn you, that if you're looking for an all guitar rock fest of an album, this may not be for you, as GC have toned down the guitars a bit and introduced a more orchestral aproach to the album. I'm not saying that there aren't any guitars at all, but there certainly aren't as many as before.
I'd recommend this album to any one looking for something different in a modern rock band, the vocals of the madden brothers are filled with enthusiasm and emotion and in my opinion the band as a whole deserve the highest praise possible. Before I heard this album, to me, GC were just another band. It is rare that an album totally changes my view on a band, and that is why I'd seriously recommend this album.
I hope my review was helpful to you.Buy the chronicles of life and death!!!
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A change in direction..., 28 Oct 2004
Good Charlotte have definately grown up in their few short years that they've been around and this album signals a new beginning for them. The Chronicles of Life and Death is so completely different to their previous two albums you could be forgiven for thinking you might have picked up the wrong album in the shop. For one, it opens with a strange but oddly compelling track sung in Japanese to which music the album also closes on. There are a few references to classic GC ('The Chronicles of Life and Death' and 'Secrets') but for the rest of the album they do a bit of genre hopping. Track 5 'I Just Wanna Live' sounds like they've spent too much time around NERD as they try their hand at a bit of amateur rap whilst also poking fun at their previous hit 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'! My personal favourite track is 'In This World Murder', it's dark but also thought provoking and sounds like they've may have finally found their forte.All band members try their hand at something different on the tracks and the production of the album. Guitarist Billy has started making his name as a top class artist after recently designing the layout for their last interview with Kerrang! and also the inlay booklet to the album. Joel's voice has matured since 'The Young and the Hopeless' and isn't so monotonous as he stretches his range. Check out 'We Believe' to hear him hit the highest note you've ever heard! This is also the first album that drummer Chris has appeared on and has done an adrirable job. If you're not sure whether to buy the 'Life' or 'Death' version because of the bonus tracks I would recommend buying the 'Life' version. The extra track you get is more remminiscent of their first album and sounds like they haven't tried too hard and have come out with a cracker! There's also a hidden track after the bonus track on both albums called 'Wounded' which is very depressing but relaxing at the same time because of it's slow tempo acoustic sound. If you like listening to an album of complete diversity and passion then this is the album for you!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favourite album ever.....despite what everyone else says, 23 Jul 2006
The first time I ever heard Good Charlotte was when 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous' came on Kerrang! I thought they sounded pretty cool so I bought their second studio album 'The Young and the Hopeless'. Shortly after, I started to really tire of Good Charlotte. I had two friends whose conversation topics didn't exist besides Good Charlotte and I generally thought they were getting overplayed. After that, I think I threw the album out. Or scratched it, I don't remember.
'The Chronicles of Life and Death', the CD I am reviewing, was released in October 2004. It wasn't as heavily advertised as 'TYATH', so I kinda forgot about it until I saw it in a store. Initially, I bought it for my friend, but as I was on holiday, being incredibly bored, I decided to open it for a little preview....initially, I remember being a little confused by the opening track and being immediately taken by the title track. Nearly two years on, and awaiting the band's fourth studio release, here is my review of 'TCOLAD'
1. (Once Upon A Time) The Battle Of Life And Death
This song is heavy on the string section, and has Japanese women singing the Japanese vocals. You can't tell that it's Good Charlotte from listening to it, but it's a beautiful, orchestral song.
2. The Chronicles Of Life And Death
This is the song on the album that is the most straight up Punk-Pop, and is most reminiscent of The Young And The Hopeless. It has a real hook and gets stuck in your head right away.
3. Walk Away (Maybe)
As it says in the title, this song tells it like it is. How you should really face and deal with your problems, but how everyone finds it so easy and tempting just to walk away.
4. SOS
Joel Madden has said that this song is the prequel to 'Hold On'. And you can tell from listening to it, it's very angsty and is somebody crying for help. Great song. Has a really cool solo in the middle too.
5. I Just Wanna Live
By far the most poppy track on the album, everybody I know likes this song. Once again, it's got a real hook and gets straight in your head. Sends a powerful message too.
6. The Ghost Of You
One of my favourite Good Charlotte songs ever, and probably my favourite song on the album. A really beautifully written, sad love song about losing someone and them not coming back. You need to listen to this.
7. Predictable
The first single off TCOLAD is once again very angsty, and has a heavy bass riff. Joel's vocal breakdown in the middle is also really sad. A real turning point for Good Charlotte.
8. Secrets
Probably my least favourite song on the album, but still great. Just a little weaker lyrically than the other tracks.
9. The Truth
This song is so simple, but so sad. Joel's vocals are heart wrenching, and I guarantee this song will make you cry.
10. The World Is Black
The title sums it up, this song opens with a funny synth, but the lyrics aren't as playful. It sends a real message about the world, and is a great song with a great melody
11. Mountain
Similar to The Ghost Of You, as both songs are co-written by guitarist Billy Martin, this song sways between fast pace and slower pace, and does it well. Lyrically very strong, also. A love song.
12. We Believe
The most different song on the album, whereas many other tracks are heavier and darker this one seems to offer a ray of light. Great track.
13. It Wasn't Enough
A really strong song, lyrically with a really cool vocal/piano break in the middle with a cool piano effect.
14. In This World (Murder)
Joel's vocals go all whispery on this song, and it'll send chills down your spine. In This World ends with the same orchestral music that the album began with, which may suggest reincarnation.
15.[Life Version Bonus Track] Falling Away - Another straight up pop-punk love song about somebody fading away and becoming out of reach.
15.[Death Version Bonus Track] Meet My Maker - One of my favourites, Meet My Maker closes the album incredibly respectively, with a great melody and lyrics that really make you think.
[Hidden Track] Wounded - The most untextured song on the album, but it is simply stunning. The lyrics, save for the part about bleeding on a rug, are really simple and hit you where it hurts.
I would recommend this album to any Good Charlotte fan =]
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![Chronicles Of Life & Death [Life Version]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41J9ASY93NL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
