Trapt "No Apologies"

They have never apologized for the music they have set out to make and have kept  a similiar style. Maybe because they were trapt in that style, but have been getting better at their craft while at the same time trying different things as well. The self-titled debut was filled with a blend of modern rock and nu-metal that we have heard before, which would probably satiate the fans of P Roach and the (in)Famous Nickelback looking for music that is new, yet sounds similiar to music they have come to love. It included the anthem for the headstrong, in this still frame where we hear an echo. The latter would be my favorite of those singles, and the game they spoke of was not really an enigma, but helped make the album more interesting.  Then what the singles or the stories people spread would have you believe. The next record had "Someone In Control,' and they had made sure that the album was really consistent and far from a flop. The album was very consistent and I had a lot to like even if the sound was radio-ready and mainstream, but the songs were strong: such as the opening track, that had me waiting for more to follow whether I felt disconnected or not. Another one of my favorite tracks had some attitude and a punky sound that was more than just skin deep, metaphorically speaking. I was not a victim of being blindsided or falling for the weighty chorus in the song, but my influence was its honesty and that track's anthemic, yet lightweight sound; not held down by its self importance. The rest of the album was good too, but these were my favorites and most memorable. The third record asked who's going with you tonight which was a very catchy single that was not so caught up in the angst. It followed the very anthemic and bouncy opener which amidst the musical wasteland that is the majority of modern rock/nu-metal there are many a black rose without thorns. The record included three songs that were addictive even though they didn't change much in sound, but the little things they did to cover up this fact reminded that curiosity kills in some situations, and maybe it's not a good idea to follow that unbelievably gorgeous vixen wherever she goes. I did like the reggae-tinged song that really does help you forget about the rain. So in this record we can safely say that they have borrowed their "Sound Off" their last few records while refining it. The opener starts off with an great groove and rythym that leads to a pretty catchy chorus and a nice backing riff with a mean yet leaner attitude?(not so much angst) The next song's chorus is the best part, and the rest of the song sort of makes Chris Brown (not that one) sound like a 'Drama  Queen,' but not nearly as much as his girl. I must be at the 'End of my Rope' to describe their I feel the need to 'Get Up' off the ground when I hear the rhythm section on this track, as well and I'm not ashamed to say this song reminds me of one by Pillar, but is more polished and hooky. The song's lyrics are inspirational, as inspirational as they can be, and like a Pheonix rising from the ashes, instead of waiting for someone to help; because it deals with self-doubt from people who are more than capable, but don't believe. I  have 'No Apologies' for saying that you make me sick, or that the title track may be one of the best songs instrumentally. Ever feel like a "Stranger in the Mirror?"  There have been times where I have an out-of-body experience, and i fee like someone else looking at me through the mirror. Many of us struggle with the mirror; either by truth it reminds us of, or lies it helps us believe. The lyrics are very relatable, especially the opening stanza, but no matter how far you run, you cannot escape the trials the mirror creates. Even though there is no song that sticks out like a sore thumb, this next track is a "Beautiful Scar" that you cannot ignore; it's lightweight in sound (no overbearing angst!), bouncy, punky, and perfect to dance or bob your head to. "Are You With Me?" Will you stay with me until the end? didn't think so, but this song is about the trials and tribulations that often attack a relationship, standing together through thick and thin, or it could be the invitation into a relationship unknown by putting one's heart on the line(and confessing one's love to another can be hard as f*** to be Frank, or Jerry). "I want it all/But most of all I want you" is the stinging confessional before going into the chorus one last time. The last album had a song concerning metaphorical and literal weather, and now this song . It has a similiar message, but a more pliable  rock based rhythm that not even "The Wind" can blow over. Maybe I'm just "Overloaded" with all of this music I listen to, and therefore have nothing to say; remember that silence can  sometimes speak higher decibels. It's not that I am speechless because I'm amazed, it is because I am speechless.So this final song has this death-metal dirge to complement the nu-metal sheen, but i really didn't like it. The lyrics make you wonder: Am I telling the truth or am I just a 'Storyteller.'  Sound Off, Get Up, No Apologies, Beautiful Scar, and The Wind.