Candlebox is one of the major bands from the grunge era and achieved tremendous success in 1993. Their debut sold the entire four million and they became one of the biggest bands in the style that destroyed the success of 80’s glam and melodic rock. Is personally a fan of both eras and is happy what happened back then since we today got a lot of cool bands like Nickelback and Creed that got a bit of both styles.
Candlebox with Kevin Martin in the front has not been especially productive since their start and has "only" released five albums. This is very dependent to a ten-year break between 98 and 08 where Kevin had his own band Hiwatts and released an amazing album, perhaps the best he has done in fact.
Did like the bands comeback album Into The Sun produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Matt Nathanson, Days of the New), released in 08. The band was not as grunge-oriented as in the 90's and had more of a clean and updated rock sound. This without losing their own style and I think it was a smart and natural step for the band.
The band is now back with another album in Love Stories and Other Musings and where they have worked with the hero Ken Andrews. Is pretty surprised that they worked with him since he normally works with more alternative bands. But it’s great choice since he’s very talented and should get be of the hottest producers very soon. Stylistically the album follows the same line as Into The Sun with a straight rock format with both a little tougher tracks and more semi-ballad like ones. The tougher “Youth In Revolt” and “Believe In It” shows the best of the band and will be great live tracks for the band. But since I’m a sucker for the more melodic side of the band I prefer the radio friendly “Sweet Summertime”, “Turn Your Heart Around” and “She Come Over Me” that all most be candidates for being singles.
Overall this is to me a better album than Into The Sun with a better line-up of songs. It feels more complete and I really think that it can do well on the charts since it got a handful of songs that can do well on radio. Great album that is a safe buy!
