Flyleaf - Memento Mori (14 tracks) +Album Reviews

"There's some strength left in us yet" (3.5 stars)

Andrew Estes | Maine | 11/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Four years after the release of their highly successful self-titled album, the most prominent Christian rock band from Texas -- Flyleaf -- have reunited with producer Howard Benson to dish out their long-awaited sophomore effort, "Memento Mori." While the first album had more of a garage band edge to it, the follow-up finds the band shedding away some of their punkier second-rate Nirvana influences in favor for a much more polished and radio-ready sound. This should come as no surprise though, as Flyleaf are one of those rare rock bands nowadays who can sell a record and since their debut was a bit raw and immature.

Touring heavily with the likes of Korn and Disturbed has done little to soften the band's strong Christian themes. In fact, on "Memento Mori," such moments are much clearer than ever. For some this could be a turn-off, but for the (ahem) faithful followers, it may be a plus. Put plain and simple, Lacey loves Jesus and wants to make sure you know all about it. Putting that aside, though, the album is certainly a notch above the first as far as musicianship goes. While the band has yet to establish a distinctive style, they back up Lacey's broad themes and unique voice well, and Benson's improved production only serves to give the whole affair more bombast and sonic improvements. Put simply, this is the same Flyleaf you know already, just marginally improved and perfected.

If "Memento Mori" has one fatal flaw, though, it's that the songs tend to blend into one another without a single moment sticking out. While there isn't necessarily a bad song to be found, it can be an overall taxing album to listen to and certainly begs the question of whether or not it will continue Flyleaf's string of success. At the end of the day, their second effort improves on almost all fronts, leaving memorable song-writing on the back-burner. Chalk it up to a burnt-out producer (seriously, what album HASN'T Howard Benson produced this year?) and a slightly immature band. Hopefully album number three irons out some of the wrinkles, but in the meantime, this will suffice.

"

Wow!!!

Michael Davis | 11/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was eagerly awaiting the release of this record so I could buy it because I loved Flyleaf's first album. The version of the album I have actually has 22 songs because I bought it initially off Itunes to get the two itunes exclusive tracks. I then came back on here and found out there were five more Amazon exclusive tracks. There is not a bad song here. Lacey's voice never ceases to amaze me. Also, the lyrics on this record are awesome. I like the musical style too. I know that the overtly Christian lyrics my be a bit of a turn off to some of the band's non-Christian fans, they are the opposite for me. I love my savior Jesus Christ, and what he has done for me, and I love how Flyleaf expresses that they feel the same way. Give this record a try. You won't be disappointed."

The wait was well worth it

Mark | CT | 11/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every so often, I come across an album that excites me more and more as I listen to each song for the first time and leaves a smile on my face when it's over. This is one of those albums.

"Memento Mori" is a concept album that explores light and dark and reminds the listener to live while being mindful of death. It should come as no surprise then, given knowledge of the band members' faiths, that the lyrics have a strong Christian theme running through them. While Flyleaf's debut had its share of Christian references, they are much more pronounced and in abundance on this album. The lyrics are meaningful, deep, honest, and blunt. You won't find them in the CD booklet. Instead, the booklet contains a series of journal entries (one for each song) that give insight into the meanings behind the songs, written from the point of view of the commander of an army.

The album is full of original, infectious melodies that have enough variety to carry it through from beginning to end without it becoming boring. There is a nice balance of heavier and lighter rock. The songs are arranged well, starting with an upbeat anthem and ending with a hopeful and haunting closer. Lacey pours her soul into every song she sings. It's clear that the band put a lot of effort into the album, and it paid off.

Although I purchased the deluxe edition of the album, I decided to base my rating only on the main album so I wouldn't have to deduct any stars from the final score for the mini-CD. The extra four-song CD isn't bad, but it's nothing special. It lacks the creativity and diversity of the main album, and doesn't really warrant the hassle of having to pop it into the CD player after the main album is finished. It sounds more like a mini b-sides album with its somewhat forgettable melodies. I was also unable to download the songs from it into my iTunes library (though I did not deduct any stars because of this, since I don't know whose fault this is). Unless you are a serious fan of the band, I would recommend the regular version of "Memento Mori" over the deluxe version.

"

Living Out Loud

Jamy | NC | 11/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so proud of this band! These people don't label themselves a "Christian band" because they don't believe in playing the God card as a means of making money. Just like most amazing artists/musicians out there, they lay out their lives through music. Why else write, if its not true to you? Music is suppose to be our outlet and our way of getting what matters most to us out without speaking. It truly reflects the heart. And this is their heart, so they really can't NOT talk about God. But they don't sing about God for the sake of money. That's why they don't promote themselves as Christian. You only know that through their lives that they graciously share with us. It upsets me to read the negative comments people leave about what this band has to say through their music, and how they want to just listen to it for their own enjoyment, without hearing "all this hypocrisy" as one person put it. What about the band's outlet? Why should they have to write about things that are a lie to them. This album is their truth, it's The Truth! And because of that, they have enough love for people, to at least try to open their eyes and bring hope. Which is more than many care to do. It always seems that whenever God is placed into the equation, people are told to shut up, or what they're saying is offensive. But when it's all about darkness no one says a word. They are praised for digging so deep to get those raw feelings. When really, it doesn't deserve any praise. Life is dark! Everyone struggles with the negative emotions, so it's nothing special or new. People tend to want to sit in that mindset, so they are really just praising those people for keeping them there. What should be praised is when people like the members of Flyleaf dig as deep as they have, that they find themselves digging towards the top of the other side. They know and enlighten others that there is something worth fighting for, and encourage us to keep digging through the dirt of our lives. They know the best way to come out clean is to completely sift through the mess, but they don't leave us there to do it alone. They bring people to the One waiting to wash all the dirt off once we make it through. How on earth is that offensive? It's comforting to know I am still so loved even if I am a mess! The only reason someone would be offended by what they have to say is because they don't want to fight and they don't want to know the Truth because ignorance is bliss, right? Then you're not held accountable. That's how it is in life, if you didn't know then it's not your fault. But unfortunately at the end of this race, we all will be held accountable and no one will be excused for simply "not knowing". I encourage everyone of us to open our minds a bit, and really take to heart what is exposed on this album because just by listening to it you have been made aware of the true "Commander" aka "Comforter" and will be held accountable for what you do or don't do with that knowledge. So stop complaining, and be thankful that you are loved this much, that God used a band He knew YOU loved to shed a little light on the subject. He came to you through your music, that's how much you matter to Him. He wants to see you at the finish line so you can finally just collapse in His arms after such a long, hard race. Life is hard with Him, so why make it any harder without Him? And thanks to Flyleaf for such honesty and strength in this album! It was well worth the wait!! Much love and many blessings!

Jamy"

Memento Mori

Shane Hughes | Edmonds, WA USA | 11/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album took a couple of listens for me to really get a good feel for it. It's packed full of Christian inspired lyrics throughout. I was happily surprised that they didn't go the usual route of trying to appeal to the masses by writing songs about teenage angst. These are very deep and personal lyrics that you can tell mean a lot to the members of the band.

But enough about the words, the music is also great on this CD. Their are plenty of nice riffs and breakdowns on a lot of the songs. A few of my favorite off of the regular track list are Again, Chasm, In The Dark, Swept Away, Treasure, and Arise. The bonus songs are really growing on me too. There really isn't a single bad song on here although I could have done without the interlude "Melting" but that's only about a minute long anyway.

Lacey's voice is really amazing and it is definitely something that sets Flyleaf apart from other bands in the same genre. I'll be listening to this CD for a long time."

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