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Here is a rundown of the track list:

1. Hands Off the Wheel
The first single and a good choice for the opener. Good vocals and lyrics I can completely relate to. Just picture yourself in a sticky situation in which you not only have no say at all, but also one that could potentially alter the course of your entire life.

2. Don't Break My Fall
Hard rocker with explosive guitars throughout the whole song. One of the more aggressive tracks on the record.

3. Fountain & Vine
This song immediately stood out from the others. It begins with a bang and contains the type of melody that will permanently stick with you. The lyrics paint in my opinion a very vivid picture of the world as it is today - dominated by greed and corruption, and there is no escape. My favorite track on the album.

4. 30 60 90
This song begins with a cool bass line that prepares you for something big. Lyrically speaking, it sounds like a message against those who whine about self-abuse.

5. Rainy Day
Ironically, the opening riff made me conjure up a peaceful, sunny image of a beach on the Pacific Ocean. One of the more relaxed tracks on the album.

6. Off & On
Another heavy and aggressive song. Good lyrics, reminded me think of how the real world really makes my head spin at times.

7. Better Luck Next Time
A mid-tempo song with an instantly-hummable melody. I interpreted the lyrics to be a reminder to those who struggle to achieve their goals to aim a little bit lower and raise the stakes at a gradual pace - a good message.

8. Joyride
A fast-paced song with somewhat distorted lyrics at the chorus. Very catchy, kind of sounds like the kind of song that could find its way onto the soundtrack of an action movie.

9. King of Good Intentions
This one begins with a cool drum solo and turns into a song with great vocals and melodies. Lyrics get a little ironic in the chorus, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

10. Leave It All Behind
A more relaxed song, opens with soft guitars and good use of the ride cymbal before getting heavy around the chorus, during which Flowers' voice is at its strongest. Couples having problems might be able to relate to this song.

11. Runaway Train
The most relaxed track on the record. Flowers hits his notes with the kind of effortless precision unattainable by most artists today, and it complements the guitar work perfectly. Definitely the best way to end the album.

This is Oleander's most mature and memorable effort so far. Very highly recommended.


Return to form   April 5, 2003
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I have enjoyed Oleander since their first album "February Son" came out. That was a great rock album from front to back. I felt that their second album, "Unwind", lacked a lot of the power of the first. It felt more experimental, but they couldn't pull it off very well. Guess it just wasn't their style. But now, with "Joyride", Oleander has found their niche.

This album has the power of February Son and the creativity of Unwind, but it's put together much much better than either of those two albums. From the fast and rapid fire "Don't Break my Fall" and "Joyride" to the more somber "Fountain and Vine" and "Leave it all Behind", Oleander has found a great combination of hard rock and pop (I only say "pop" because of the catchiness of the songs, not a reference to cookie cutter corporate manufacturism).

The lyrics are overall much darker than the last two albums. Maybe as a result of being dropped from their label after the second album. Some songs have an uplifting theme (Rainy Day), and others are a rant against the way things are in one's life (Don't Break my Fall).

The instrumentation is excellent as always. Ric doesn't play too many solos, but the ones he cranks out always enhance the song. The drummer makes the most of any drum fills he gets a chance to add, and the singing is great as always.

Favorites include: Don't Break my Fall, Rainy Day, King of Good Intentions, and Leave it all Behind.

Good hard rock isn't always easy to come by, so grab this quick.


best oleander album, great rock album   April 22, 2003
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

"Joyride" is what grunge music was supposed to sound like way back when it was popular. The only problem is, it's not so popular anymore, meaning that this album won't sell very big.
I think lead guitarist Ric Ivanisevich had a wake up call and put some serious effort in this album. He literally makes the whole band sound better and allowing Thomas Flowers unique voice sound better than before. "Joyride" has quite possibly the best sounding guitars I've heard from an album since Slash tore it up w/ Guns and Roses. That may be far-fetched (which most likely it is) of course, but listen to some of the songs, they are really amazing.

"Joyride" far exceeds oleander's previous 2 efforts, and although both were pretty good, this one has really made up for any negativity received by the band.

"Better Luck Next Time" and "Leave It All Behind" could have been on "February Son" and "Runaway Train" and "Rainy Day" may have easily made marks on "Unwind". The sad thing, is that all four of these songs are just backup to the overall performance of this album. They also are the dreaded, "fillers" of the album, but hey, they are still awesome. The rest is simply mind-blowing and pure rock.

The first single "Hands Off the Wheel" has this sort of dark image to it, which sort of is the mood for the rest of the album. It gives an attitude and raw power, and is a good first song. If you've ever heard of the band Econoline Crush, you'll like this song. "Don't Break My Fall" sort of follows up the first song, and acts like an encore for the beginning of the album. Again, sounds like Econoline Crush.

The cornerstone of the album "Fountain and Vine" is obviously the best song on the album. It gives you this creepy feeling and is pretty hypnotic. Sounds something like what Nirvana tried to accomplish when they were alive, but never could put a song together as good as this.

"30 60 90" believe it or not folks, gives you the impression that you're listening to an Alice in Chains album. The guitars, vocals, and even drums do sound like something off of "Dirt" or "Facelift".

The song "Off and Gone" is the typical Oleander song on steroids. It's hard hitting, in your face rock, but yet still has the lasting Oleander beat to it.

If you like any of STP's music, then the title track "Joyride" will sure be a liking to you. Flowers voice in this even sounds similar to somthing like STP frontman Scott Weiland. It's really quite scary. This is probably my favorite song on the album. It simply is rock to maximum force. The lyrics are nothing special, but just repetitive like many of the old 90's grunge songs popularized. Quite frankly, this far exceeds any song on the album in sheer power and hard rock.

"King of Good Intentions" is "Off and Gone" part II. Oleander on steroids. This however, makes Oleander 10 times better. They finally realized their potential to be a great rock band instead of some alt/pop band trying to compete in the market.

Overall, this album is the best Oleander cd. It's great. If you are a fan of grunge rock or hard rock, then buy this. Don't buy the other two. If you like the "Unwind" sound, then this may not be for you except only one or two songs. If you like the "February Son" sound, get ready for a revamped sound, which is heavier and more powerful. If yer just an Oleander fan, I highly reccommend this album. "Joyride" is a rock and roll joyride.


under the influence...   March 15, 2003
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

musical influence that is...whether intentional or not it seems as if all their musical influences are present here. each track reminds me of another band. i hear lots of stone temple pilots, alice in chains, third eye blind, incubus, lit and of course nirvana which seems to be their biggest influence on all their releases. this is not really a bad thing, but it seems as if they sound like everyone but themselves. still, joyride is a good third effort and i do respect the fact that they went for a heavier sound. i really really dig on unwind, so maybe i just need to give this one time to sink in.


Awe inspiring   June 8, 2003
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

while on the surface it sounds like a slight departure from earlier works, this album is honest to "essence" that is the most under-appreciated bands in rock! A good mix of acustic ballads, and guitar heavy uptempos. Even casual listeners will be awed by "Runaway Train," "Rainy Day," and the unique sound and lyrics of "Fountain and Vine"