10 Years - Division

Creativity isn't manufactured on an assembly line. It can't be scheduled or forced and when it's not coming there's nothing to do but wait. That's what the members of Knoxville, Tennessee quintet, 10 Years, discovered when they started writing songs for their second album, Division, the follow-up to their debut The Autumn Effect. Having spent the better part of two years on the road, the band members planned in October 2006 to take a month off and then dive back into writing mode. They aimed to re-enter the studio in early 2007 and have their second album done by that spring. But just a few weeks after they started coming up with riffs and melodies, it became clear they were going to have to throw away the calendar.

"We could have met our deadlines and gone into the studio in January," clarifies singer Jesse Hasek. "But we decided early on that we weren't going to allow ourselves to run through the motions. We felt like we really needed to challenge ourselves and do something fresh and different. And that took a little longer than we expected."

As it turned out, Division was well worth the wait. Musically eclectic, technically adept and emotionally poignant, the songs shatter preconceptions, revealing a tapestry of previously unexplored influences and a larger array of stunning melodies. Like The Autumn Effect, the new album is filled with enveloping textures and heart-stopping dynamics, but the arrangements are more developed and the songwriting more mature, revealing a cavalcade of styles including metal, hard rock, punk, alternative pop and even classical. Album Description

Pretty good

This is 10 Years' fourth album, technically. First two aren't that well known at all...and they changed lead singers after their first album. Anyways, I was very excited when I heard about this album. I have been a fan of 10 Years for a long time. The first time I listened through this album, I absolutely loved it and I still love it. I love the subject matter, music, and, of course, the vocals of Jesse Hasek.

The album is diverse enough sound-wise to keep me interested the entire time through. In my eyes, there is only one weak track on the album and that's "Picture Perfect." Other than that, the album is solid. As much as I love this album, however, I think "The Autumn Effect" is much, much better overall.

The main problem with this album is that the song structure is very *yawn*. Every song follows the V1-C-V2-C-BR-C-C pattern. It get very boring after awhile. Thankfully, the vocals and the lyrics are good enough to cover up the boring structure of the songs.

If you liked "The Autumn Effect," I'd suggest this album. If you've never heard "The Autumn Effect," but that first.

P.S. If you can get a hold of the special version with the two extra tracks...do it; They're my favorites on the album, actually.
September 20, 2008

Solid and Transparent.

As a an unexpected purchase, I was pleasantly surprised by this cd. Despite what others say, I don't hear Keenan's voice at all in 10 years lead. Honestly he's just not on that level that Keenan is, and to compare is doing Keenan a great disrespect. He sounds more like Taproots lead to me, and the music is about on par. I don't really think you're going to find anything highly original in this cd, but you will find a solid rock cd, with transparent lyrics, solid vocals, and a little mix of all kinds of rock genre sounds. If you're looking for some music that you can easily identify with, that isn't too far off from the norm, this is the one for you. September 3, 2008

SOLID FOLLOWUP...

to "The Autumn Effect"...Didn't run out to buy right away,even though I was very impressed by the previous.But after hearing "Beautiful" several times,it has won me over.Sorry I waited so long.Solid from beginning to end...Actions & Motives,Beautiful,11:ooAM(Daydreamer),Russian Roulette,Drug of Choice & So Long-Goodbye highlight this real fine album.If you are like me and hesitated on this album,don't wait any longer.Get it now!!!!! It is intense... August 31, 2008

Classic 10 Years...

This album is just a great as their first...would recommend to anyone who likes their sound. August 30, 2008

Awesome

This entire CD is great. Refreshing sound, and thoughtful lyrics. We love it. August 26, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...