Hoobastank - Reason

2003 release includes 2 UK only bonus tracks, "Never Saw It Coming" & "Out Of Control" video. Album Description

 Huh?
"I'm not a perfect person"?? If there's an award for the most inane lyric of all time, this has got to be the winner.

Not only is it stupid, but it's whiney. Oh, and the tune is really monotonous. Why is this song so popular? It was in heavy rotation four years ago, and I just heard the damned thing on the radio again yesterday. I'm guessing it's because of aggressive marketing, particularly on MTV. May 9, 2008

 Catchy, if unremarkable....
To begin, if you've only heard the song "The Reason", I'd recommend listening to "Same Direction" and "Out of Control" because those two songs fit the overall sound of the album better than the title track. Most of THE REASON (the album) would sound great on any rock-format station, with heavy rock songs containing loud, anthemic choruses and quiet verses. The overall sound is a cross between alternative metal and 1990s alternative rock a-la Matchbox Twenty. Pretty much every song is structured the same way, with tight-wound production and the aforementioned quiet-loud dynamics.

Certainly nothing on here will change your life, but one must realize that this band is not trying to be anything other than a catchy and listenable pop-metal band. The title track (which was a huge hit about four years ago, come to think of it) is obviously strategically composed to resonate with pop-radio audiences, and so is the atmospheric album closer "Disappear". Lead vocalist Doug Robb sounds good on every song, and while his lyrics are somewhat vague and repetitive, they sound inspired enough to be likable. There are some weak spots; I couldn't tell if "Unaffected" was supposed to be a power ballad like the reason or just a slow rocker with long power chords; for the most part, though, this is a fine album that is tight and listenable. Buy it and enjoy it for what it is--a strong, if unremarkable listen that can serve as light listening for the hard-rocker or something heavy for the contemporary music fan. March 29, 2008

 Out of control...wow
This is a very good track, and I really liked all of the songs, but the one that hit me hardest was out of control, which had the same effect on me as Taking Back Sunday's Error Operator, pure amazement. It's a must buy. August 1, 2007

 Never get tired of it
I've spun this disc twenty times at least, and every time it's just as fresh as if I just bought it. These guys are polished, tight, just great. The title track is great, but not the best on the disc in my opinion. "Disappear" is a beautiful, powerful love song, and would be great for a wedding. "Never There" is a rocking good tune about a bad relationship. Just get the disc; it's worth it. July 24, 2007

 The Reason
It is refreshing to hear a band come along and destroy the airwaves with a fresh brand of alternative punk-rock. The single 'The reason' was their biggest (and only) hit in Australia and introduced me to the band. I was a little hesitant to buy an album from a band that I had never heard of before on the strength of only one song but I am so glad I did. The album is packed with more potential hits and while 'The reason' is probably the standout track on the album, songs such as 'Same Direction', 'What Happened To Us?', 'Unaffected' and 'Disappear' are right up their as memorable songs on the album too.

I imagine the band would sound awesome live, and I can only hope to see them live in Australia some day. If you are thinking about buying this CD, I highly recommend it. It will not go down as one of the greatest albums of all time or anuthing like that, and nor will the band be remembered as legends of rock n' roll, but this is high quality music, and an album which is good to listen too from beginning to end. December 3, 2006

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