Swan Songs

Carson gave this album on2009-01-27.

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The tracks on Hollywood Undead's Swan Songs are good blendings of Metal and Rap from a group that does not take itself too seriously.

While many of the tracks are about sex, alcohol, violence, and social issues a few of them - most notably "No. 5" and "Everywhere I Go" joke about the band. "Everywhere I Go" describes the exploits of band member Charlie Scene and his member while "No. 5" talks about various members being "complete catastrophes" and how they act while drunk.

While it is clear that Hollywood Undead has a sense of humor and can take a joke at their expense, it is equally clear that they do not appreciate people attacking their music. For instance, in "No. 5." they say "if you hate on Undead, that's a party foul.". Also, the entire song "Undead" is directed towards their detractors.

Besides self-mocking - and humor in general - another common theme is the problems with society. "Youth" discusses the issues that affect the younger members of society including the state of the world that they have inherited. In this regard, it is like an response to White Lion's "When the Children Cry" delivered by the generation that the song was alluding to. "The Diary" is the story of someone whose life has become a wreck through a series of poor choices and wants to change, but finds it difficult. While "Paradise Lost" tells of someone who is feeling guilt and desperation over their past.

Sex, drugs, and Hollywood Undead is another overarching theme, especially in "California", "No. 5", and "Everywhere I Go". Also, "Bottle and a Gun" introduces the band members and, in my opinion, should have been the first track for this reason.

Musically, there is a great variety with sung, spoken, and shouted vocals as well as an assortment of instruments. "Undead" features a synthesized version of Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" throughout the background which is a great blend of metal and electronic music. On the other hand, "Youth" has an almost entirely Metal sound. While the lyrics in "No. 5" are delivered as rap.

Fans of The Bloodhound Gang or System of a Down should numerous tracks. Many in the former group should enjoy "Everywhere I Go", "No. 5", and "Bottle and a Gun". For the latter group, I would suggest "Young" and "City" because of the message and music.

Track	Name		Carson	Katherine		Track	Name		Carson	Katherine
1	Undead					8	This Love, This Hate
2	Sell Your Soul					9	Bottle and a Gun
3	Everywhere I Go					10	California
4	No Other Place					11	City
5	No. 5					12	The Diary
6	Young					13	Pimpin
7	Black Dahlia					14	Paradise Lost