| Revelations | 
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| Artist: Audioslave
Label: Sony
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy New: $3.78
You Save: $15.19 (80%)
New (70) Used (28) from $3.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  139 reviews
Sales Rank: 1904
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 97728
UPC: 827969772829
EAN: 0827969772829
ASIN: B000GW8B08
Release Date: September 5, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Revelations 4:11 | | • | One And The Same 3:37 | | • | Sound Of A Gun 4:20 | | • | Until We Fall 3:51 | | • | Original Fire 3:41 | | • | Broken City 3:49 | | • | Somedays 3:34 | | • | Shape Of Things To Come 4:35 | | • | Jewel Of The Summertime 3:53 | | • | Wide Awake 4:26 | | • | Nothing Left To Say But Goodbye 3:33 | | • | Moth |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The novelty of Audioslave has had time to wear off. The grouping of ex-Rage Against the Machine members and ex-Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell is no longer new; and time has long since come for the band to live or die based solely on the merits of its music, not on the reputation of its members. The good news is that, at least for now, the group is in a position to do exactly that. On Revelations, the band channels and updates the unapologetic boogie of Ian Gillan-era Deep Purple on tunes such as "One and the Same," "Shape of Things to Come," and "Wide Awake" with ease, inspiring awe and genuine surprise. Guitarist Tom Morello has rarely sounded as fresh as he does on the stomp-and-stammer "Original Fire" and the otherwise disposable grunge retread "Somedays." Not every track here can be as good as the opening title cut and a few--the should-be moving ballad "Until We Fall," the closing "Moth"--fall painfully short. But there is enough strength here to suggest that Audioslave's ability to deliver jaw-dropping albums remains intact and its ability to live up to the hype is lagging just a step or two behind. --Jedd Beaudoin
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| Customer Reviews: Read 134 more reviews...
How to get over the sophmore jinx w/o really trying. September 6, 2006
49 out of 58 found this review helpful
Out of Exile was a disappointment to me and I wondered if it would be the end of Audioslave. I was happily proved wrong yesterday with the release of Revelations. This album ROCKS HARD! Lots of hooks, catchy head bobbin' rhythms, good if not semi great lyrics, and at least 3 hit bound tracks make this a GREAT Audioslave record. They are sounding less and less like RATM with every release and that is a good and bad thing. I really liked RATM's sound, heavier and angrier than Audioslave. Revelations is less heavy and angry but cathcy and tuneful in a pop sort of way. More FM radio friendly if you will. They still have an edge thanks mostly to Tom's guitar chops. If you liked the 1st Audioslave record, you will dig this one as well.
Why can't I buy a disc with THE WHIP on it? Why, why, why? Peace Out!
A funky, hard rockin' good time September 7, 2006
44 out of 60 found this review helpful
The fifth track on this album, entitled "Original Fire," finds singer Chris Cornell wailing lyrics like "The original fire has died and gone/But the riot inside moves." One can't help but wonder if Cornell is referencing his band here, and is suggesting that the inspirational spark has been extinguished. In 2001, after his first band (the seminal, hugely popular Seattle rock group known as Soundgarden) split up, Chris joined forces with three members of Rage Against The Machine (the instrumentalists-guitarist Tom Morello, bassist Tim Commerford, and drummer Brad Wilk) to form a band called Audioslave and record the group's debut. Now, five years and millions of records later, Audioslave are, hands down, rock's best and most powerful active supergroup, and one of the biggest forces to be reckoned with in music today.
If this is what it sounds like when the "fire has died," then one can only guess what it would be like if it were still alive (the music would probably be wild and out of control). All four members sound as strong and committed as they ever have, making "Revelations" a more energetic, organic-sounding, and harder-rocking effort than the band's past disc, last year's "Out Of Exile." Morello's exciting six-string acrobatics (i.e. trippy, synthesizer-esque sound effects and emphatic, wailing solos) help contribute a great deal to the record's convincing funk vibe. And Cornell, who delivers his vocal parts with a lot of care and soul, only furthers his status as a great singer. Cornell might be hinting at retirement, but on "Revelations," Audioslave prove these guys clearly still have a lot of fire left in them.
Audioslave specialize in controlled intensity. Every song on here frequently sounds like it's just seconds away from exploding and skyrocketing in volume. Guitarist Tom Morello is more-or-less the band's backbone because he bolsters the rhythms so strongly, it's seemingly up to him to decide how heavy the song should get. For instance, a song might begin as a ballad, but no one knows if or when Tom is going to mix things up by unleashing a hefty, bullying riff. Thus, Audioslave's sound is very dynamic, unpredictable, and keeps the listener interested. Plus, the above-mentioned restraint is a blessing because it helps the band distance itself from RATM comparisons. But, as was the case with "Out Of Exile," a couple of these songs don't fully detonate. This is a negative quality because the listener is sometimes (though very rarely) left wanting something more from an ending (like a bigger, more memorable climax). Luckily, Morello's rejuvenated guitar work adds a substantial amount of punch and/or crunch to every song, so "Revelations" never becomes bloated, plodding, or uninspired.
Not all of the songs are great, but none of them are remotely bad, either. Even the fairly conventional parts and tracks which sound too much like stereotypical Audioslave are very decent and tolerable. On opener "Revelations," Cornell's crooning voice floats effortlessly over a semi-heavy, staccato rhythm and an oh-so-catchy riff. The extra funky "One And The Same" is the first "feel-good" song you encounter ("Somedays" and "Jewel Of The Summertime" follow suit later on). It begins with superbly rhythmic, wah-wah guitar licks before breaking for Tom to lay down a bubbly, melodic, fairly long solo over gluey, humming bass notes. Even with a propulsive bass line and a crazy guitar solo near the end, "Sound Of A Gun" is a very laid back track, and "Until We Fall" is even more mellow. But following that, the next two songs, "Original Fire" (which includes an unexpected hand clap pattern), and "Broken City" (which is highlighted by staccato, skipping hooks and sweet, limpid singing) are both up-tempo and help to bring the mood back up again.
"Shape Of Things To Come" is another glowing standout because it offsets melodic, dwindling strings in the verses with chunky, guitar-driven choruses. Unfortunately, two tracks later, "Wide Awake" slows down the album's momentum significantly (despite an impressive, lung-stretching performance by Cornell), and "Nothing Left To Say But Goodbye" all but kills it. But all is well that ends well: the surprisingly explosive "Moth," which is fueled by a simple yet momentous, massive, and relentless stair-step riff, delivers a perfect, much-needed energy boost, and makes sure the album ends on a strong, memorable note.
Chris Cornell is currently busy writing songs for a solo project, meaning Audioslave have no foreseeable plans to tour, and thus, the band's future together remains somewhat unclear. But you can either waste time worrying about what tomorrow holds, or put those fears to rest (at least for now), and spend that time jamming to this C.D.! "Revelations" is a very good and entirely solid effort which makes for many enjoyable, infectious listens. All Audioslave fans (especially those who favored the debut over "Out Of Exile"), and all fans of the band's individual members should readily add this to their collection.
 Well, two out of three ain't bad. September 5, 2006
22 out of 69 found this review helpful
If you're looking for another balls-to-the-wall Audioslave album with heavy melodic riffs and thunderous songs, this probably ain't gonna do it for ya.
This is fairly mellow compared to the previous two Audioslave CDs. The songs are decent enough on their own but pretty pedestrian compared to the best parts of the first two records. There isn't another "Show Me How To Live", "Your Time Has Come", "Set It Off", or "Cochise" here. Not much to really drive this CD to the level of greatness of their previous work. There just aren't enough interesting melodies.
It is definitely the least satisfying disc of the band's catalog.
Hate to say all this too, mostly because I've become a big fan of the band and want to feel predisposed to liking whatever they put out.
But "Revelations" ultimately disappoints on a few levels. Betcha you won't disagree.
 I Won't Fly Around Your Fire Anymore September 7, 2006
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
This is another solid album from Audioslave. After a few spins I think this is actually better than their previous album 'Out Of Exile', which is Kind of ironic seeing as that album took 3 years and this album only took 1...
This album is definitely the funkiest album they have done, some real grooves going on, especially in 'Jewel Of the Summertime' and 'Broken City'. Some people have complained this album isn't heavy enough, and although their debut is heavier, this album is by no means a soft album. It's a surprising complaint to make because this album is heavier than 'Out of Exile' just not as fast. Some monster riffs can be found, most notably in 'Sound of A Gun' and 'Moth'...
...Aah yes; 'Moth', and what a track that is! 'Moth' is the standout track on this album, it is the 'Bring Em Back Alive' of their debut, the '#1 Zero' of 'Out Of Exile', it is something special. It has more emotional delivery in the vocals, epic guitars and a great structure. Interestingly enough it doesn't have a Morello solo, but I didn't even notice until the 5th or 6th time I listened to that track. Over favourites of mine are 'Jewel Of The Summertime' which is a really funky trip. When I first read the title I thought it would be another 'Dandelion', but it was a very nice surprise. I also love 'One And The Same' which combines Audioslave's heavy riffs and funkier sound to great effect. I think perhaps the title track would have made a better choice as first single, not that 'Original Fire' is a bad choice.
However this album also contains possibly the worst Audioslave song they have ever put out; 'Somedays'. An embarrassing song which gets old before you've even got to the end of it once. It sounds like something a big hair metal band of the 80's would do, oh well...
Overall the band seem tighter, the band are even providing backing vocals on several tracks, which works surprisingly well. The bass has more emphasis on this album, probably due to the fact that they wanted a funkier sound. It's another very well produced album despite Rick Rubin not being involved this time. I would have given this album 4 and a half stars, second place behind their debut with 5 stars, and 'Out Of Exile' 4 stars.
In an industry where these days albums are often taking 3, 4, 5 + years to come out, this is quite amazing considering it only took them 1 year to bring this out. Well done, it's much appreciated. I just hope you continue to make some of the best hard rock music out there. I hear Cornell may be doing another solo album next, let's hope and pray Audioslave will be back at some point in the future. Until then I won't fly around your fire anymore...
A Revelation Indeed... September 5, 2006
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
At first listen, Revelations might sound a bit weird, and a bit funky. I know it did to me. Alot of other people I've talked with felt the same way. But trust me, the more you listen to Revelations the more you will like it. It is tremendously addicting. I havn't been addicted to a album like this for quite awhile. Suffice to say, Revelations is a remarkable album in all aspects. Audioslave continue to refine their sound and create wonderful music. This time around they have incorporated alot of funk, & rythym and blues into the album. Bottom line to me, if you liked the first two slave albums, there is no reason in the world that you shouldn't like this one.
A interesting note about this album is how it was recorded. The band went directly from touring to the studio to record it. There was no lull or lapse of time inbetween like there was inbetween the first two albums. The band wanted to establish a continual cycle of touring, recording, touring. They even recorded some somes out on the road and played them. I know Wide Awake, and Sound of a Gun were played at some of the later shows. They toured for quite awhile and then officialy went into the studio to record the whole album. I think this is a really good idea, as they had alot of fresh and exciting ideas that they wanted to experiment with. The quality of "Revelations" speaks volumes as to how effective this process was for Audioslave.
The thing I noticed with this album is that the chemistry between the band just keeps getting better and better. Remember, Brad, Tom, and Tim have been playing together for over 14 years. The first RATM album came out back in 1992. With Audioslave, and Chris, they are really gelling as a band, & they have even mentioned that in different interviews. Technically, I find Revelations to be one of the stronger albums that Audioslave has done. I'm not going to say its better than the other two, because I hold those albums up very high, but Revelations is no doubt their equal on many levels, dare I say stronger in some areas. I love the song structures on this album, they seem to be more complex and interesting. For instance, at the start of Sound of a Gun (which is a continuation of Drown Me Slowly btw) it almost sounds like it might be a softer, slower song. But then it kicks in and is a really fast, uptempto track. This adds alot of depth to the album, and helps keep it from getting old. You find new things to appreciate each time you listen to it.
Already, Revelations contains some of my favorite Audioslave songs. Revelations contains alot of funky and groovy tracks, stuff that you can bob along too. It works surprisingly well. Tom had previously described the album as, "Earth Wind and Fire meets Led Zepplin." After actually hearing the album, that desription is accurate, and it sounds amazing. Its not a drasticly different sound as you might think it would have to be, but it is new and exciting in many ways.
My favorite tracks are the title track, One and the Same, Sound of a Gun, The Shape of Things to Come, Jewel of the Summertime, and Moth. I won't bore with a analysis of each track, but they are all very well done, very polished and sound great. I had high expectations for this album, and Revelations far away exceeded them, and thats no easy task.
It seems to me that so far the reaction for this album is mixed. My advice is to give it a honest listen. If your not a Audioslave fan already, I doubt this album will win you over. But if you are a Audioslave fan, this album has tremendous amount to offer. This will be a album that fans will remember for years to come. We just might have Audioslave's greatest achievement and defining album, but only time will tell.
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