This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
WHO ARE THEY? The hard-working Canadian post-grunge quartet let by ambitous, visionary singer-songwriter Raine Maida (aka Mr. Chantal Kreviazuk). This time out, the boys introduce new guitarist Steve Mazur, replacing Mike Turner, who departed over the usual “creative differences” but plays on three tracks here.
WHAT’S THIS? Their fifth album, and an apparent return to a more immediate, personal and mainstream sound after last year’s hyper-ambitious concept album Spiritual Machines.
HOW IS IT? Melodic, moody and mainly ballads. As much of a bring-down as its title, Gravity finds Maida in a gloomy place, venting about his tortured soul (“I crawled out from the pain of yesterday”) over jangling acoustic guitars and pools of shimmering reverb, with only the occasional crunching arena-rock chorus (expertly polished by producer Bob Rock) to lift your sprits.
WHERE TO LISTEN TO IT? Dude, on the rec room sofa with your bros.
WHY BUY IT? To wonder what bitter songs like All For You, Do You Like It, Not Enough, Sell My Soul and Sorry reveal about his life.
