Customer Reviews: Read 25 more reviews...
 1995 was just an odd year for music January 17, 2006
The_Sink (Minneapolis, MN USA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
At a time when grunge was certainly in decline, and hard rock/heavy metal acts like Korn, Pantera, etc, were growing in popularity, Candlebox was unfairly neglected by radio, music lovers, and MTV. Despite the hugely successful self titled release two years prior, lucy was discarded by everybody as soon as it was released. And it was their finest work.
Many people complain that Candlebox didn't have a "defined" sound, which was perfectly reflected in lucy. I disagree with those people who see a dramatic shift between the band's first and second albums, but I suppose that is mainly subjective. Lyrically, lucy is simple; Kevin Martin chooses rhyming over substance in many songs, which is fine for the time period when everything was so serious and bleak. I don't see the overall bleakness of lucy like others, although uplifting is not a word one would use for the album or the band itself.
Musically, lucy is defined by the standouts: Simple Lessons, Understanding, and Butterfly (Reprise). Not the radio friendly music the self titled release contained, musically lucy is more "in your face" and raw. Combined with Martin's emotional yet simple lyrics, lucy is a powerful album. Unfortunately the emotion and power was lost on a generation of confused music listeners and has fallen into oblivion. But this is definitely an album worth buying if you're a fan of the first Candlebox album, Our Lady Peace, or Seven Mary Three.
Casual listeners need not apply nor understand October 6, 2000
Mike Stuker (Rochelle, IL.)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
First off, Candlebox were one of the most under-rated bands in the 90's. And this is one of the best albums of the 90's. Unjustly labeled post-grunge, Candlebox definately have their own distinct sound.Now on to the album. The first track, Simple Lessons is rockin' and reminiscent of their debut but that's where the similarities stop. This is an album you have to listen to all the way through a couple times to appreciate it, but when you do it is definately worth it. My favorite song is Butterfly. It is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever head. That song has to have the most breathtaking chorus I've ever heard. The Reprise version is similarly great and a little more trippy. Other great rock songs include Drowned, Best Friend, and It's Amazing. Some mellower, but equally enjoyable songs include Lucy, Become (To Tell), and Vulgar Before Me. If you like their debut because of Kevin Martin's voice, you won't be disappointed. He sounds better than ever.
Lucy-One of the BEST albums of the 90's! October 5, 1999
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This album is great in the form that it's mellow; a nice change. I thought this album sucked until I actually listened to it. Kevin Martin is by far the best lyricist out of the 90's. The best songs on this album are"Simple Lessons," "Drowned," "Lucy," and "Vulgar Before Me." If anyone thinks Candlebox have lost their edge, they're wrong!! In the words of Peter Klett:"We can be mellow, but we can also rip their faces off."
 Very different sophomore effort, expansion to excellence. November 22, 2000
Chris Coburn (St Louis Area)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Candlebox unfortunately is one of those groups that continue to make excellent music after achieving success, but people almost refuse to embrace it. This almost always happens when the band decides to venture into a wider eray of sound. No one likes change, especially not in music. Its really sad that if a band wants to change with the weather of there life they are crucified. Lucy shows a bit more of an introspective, and more melodic-funky Candlebox. I'm sure many ignorant metal heads in the stew of gnashing teeth hate this album. Especially in comparison to the hard edged first album. But I take both of these albums to heart. This album finds you being compelled more emotionally while still riding the groove of thumping bass and crunching guitar. Yes, its a more subdued album. But music goes with emotion, and this is just how they felt at the time. Congrats guys, do what you love, despite your popularity, just do what you love. Because there are many of us who also love it.
Underrated February 28, 2007
R. Guilbault (Medway, MA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a really solid collection of songs. I know some people do not like the album, because it doesn't have many up-tempo selections like the debut self-titled album, but I think this album has a nice combination of melody and raw rock music.
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