Album Review: 3 Doors Down – Time of My Life

After 2008’s self-titled album, which was relatively canned by fans, 3 Doors Down have returned this year with a new album entitled ‘Time of My Life’. The album marks a return to form for the band that brought the music world the massive hit ‘Kryptonite’ way back in 2000.

The album opens with the title track ‘Time of My Life’, a typical rock song, and if nothing else, a driving track. It opens with a swirl of guitar effects and then signals the start of a pure rock anthem that could be more at home in a stadium than through the speakers in a bedroom.
However, for those who enjoyed tracks like ‘Here Without You’ on previous albums, you don’t need to wait too long for something you’ll love. The start of second track, and lead single, ‘When You’re Young’ is a very slow ballad-like affair. However, this doesn’t last too long, with a heavy chorus lending itself perfectly to Brad’s voice and the overall sound for the album.

The album continues in this fashion with ‘Round and Round’, ‘On The Run’ and ‘Believer’ all continuing the sound of an old-school 3DD album. At the same time though, tracks like ‘Heaven’ and ‘Back to Me’ show the band’s softer, more commercial based side.

My only complaint for the album is that some of the ballads are a little too similar to the older songs. Yes, they sound good on the album, but they also sound similar to the ballads that the band have already released.

Overall, this album is a complete return from a band who, personally anyway, were almost on the brink of losing my full support. Even the ballads are powerful and belong on the album, but this time it’s all about the heavier tracks. This is also definitely an album for the summer, with driving anthems and huge hits just waiting to be poured over. If you have any appreciation for 3 Doors Down, this is an album you must buy.

Rating – 8