The band Three Doors Down has been predominantly known by a number of fans of their rock music for the radio hits “Kryptonite” and “Loser” on their multi-platinum debut album The Better Life. Although I admit that “Kryptonite” and “Loser” are great songs, it is best to judge the true quality of a band’s music by an entire album, not two of its best known songs. In my opinion, the songs “By My Side,” “So I Need You,” and “Life of My Own” better showcase the versatility and talent of these Escatawpa, Mississippi natives.
Like The Better Life, Three Doors Down’s newest release, Away From the Sun, should not be considered only in terms of its self-titled song “Away From the Sun.” Produced by Rick Parasher—who helped launch the careers of Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nickelback—-Away From the Sun reflects a more polished and cleaner sound than The Better Life. The songs smoothly blend together to present a compelling story of adversity and loneliness.
If you decide to purchase Away From the Sun, I encourage you to get the limited edition of the album. The limited edition includes a very cool bonus DVD with music videos of “Kryptonite,” “Loser,” “Duck and Run,” and “Be Like That,” the making of Away From the Sun, and live versions of “Dangerous Minds” and “When I’m Gone.”
Away From the Sun is the first album that I have listened to in recent years that does not contain a single song that I don’t enjoy.
The pure alternative rock style of Away From the Sun is somewhat mellower than The Better Life, but that quieter style is more than offset by the band’s stronger dynamics and spirited, catchy lyrics. The lyrics on the album mostly focus on what the group learned about life during the time they spent touring on the road after the release of The Better Life. “On tour, you really have nothing but time on your hands. I was feeding off those feelings of isolation,” noted lead singer Brad Arnold on the band’s website.
“When I’m Gone,” the opening track, is a song about a relationship filled with discord. It features absolutely flawless transitions between heavy and soft sounds, and an expert use of background echoing. “When I’m Gone” has received two nominations by the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.
After the phenomenal success of The Better Life, high expectations were put on Three Doors Down to avoid falling into a “sophomore slump” with their second album. Away From the Sun has definitely exceeded those expectations. No modern rock collection is complete without this album.
