The Sea of Memories
The Sea of Memories is the fifth studio album by English post-grunge band Bush, which was released on September 13, 2011.[1] It is the band's first studio album in ten years, since 2001's Golden State, and the first to be recorded with Chris Traynor and Corey Britz, replacing Nigel Pulsford and Dave Parsons on guitar and bass respectively. This is also be the first Bush album released on E1 Records, marking their first venture away from Interscope (or Atlantic), who handled all of their previous releases.
Background and production
Originally intended for a fall 2010 release, the working title for this album was Everything Always Now. The Sea of Memories was produced by Bob Rock, who has produced or engineered albums by numerous notable acts, such as Metallica, Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Our Lady Peace, David Lee Roth, American Hi-Fi, and The Offspring. The album took about more than a year to materialize with pre-production beginning in June 2010 and recording sessions wrapping up twelve months later.
Promotion and release
In an exclusive partnership with Electronic Arts, the band announced that they are offering a free download of "All My Life" which was made available on the videogame's website and another song by the band is set to be featured on the soundtrack to NHL 12 where it will be released on July 25, 2011 as another exclusive free download "The Sound of Winter" but you can also download it from the US iTunes.
Many of the songs from The Sea of Memories are on the soundtrack for Ski Channel film tour film Winter starring: Ted Ligety, Simon Dumont, Sean Pettit, Sarah Burke and numerous other action sport stars. The Sound of Winter is the title track for the film which is directed by the founder of Tennis Channel Steve Bellamy.
Reception
Commercial Perfomance
The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200, #20 on the Top Digital Albums, #5 on the Top Independent Albums and the Top Modern Rock/Alternative Albums and #8 on the Top Rock Albums.[2] The album's lead single "The Afterlife" reached the top 40 on both the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks (#34) and Alternative Songs (#22). The album's second single "The Sound of Winter" faired greater on the charts in North America reaching the top ten on both the U.S. Active Rock chart (#4) and the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks (#3). The song topped the Alternative Songs on October 18[3] and later topped the Rock Songs chart, becoming the band's first #1 single on the chart.[4] In Canada the song also had good success reaching #2 the Canadian Alternative Chart,[5] #4 on the Active Rock Chart[6] and #97 on the Canadian Hot 100.[7]
Critical Reception
Since its release the album has been met with mostly positive reviews. Allmusic gave the album 4 out of 5 stars (the band's best rating since their debut album) stating "The Sea of Memories is easily the most enjoyable collection of songs released under Bush's name".[8] Rockfreaks.net praised the album and the tracks ""The Sound of Winter", "She's a Stallion" and "Stand Up" stating "The Sea Of Memories" is every bit as good as classic Bush".[9]IGN gave the album 7 out of 10, stating "Ultimately, Bush's return is far from perfect, but still proves to be a welcome return."[10] Love-It-Loud.com gave a positive review, saying: "Whether the songs edge towards the old Bush alternative rock style or go for more of a pop-rock approach, they remain catchy and full of hooks, with Rossdale’s voice at the forefront, as strong as ever."[11]
Track listing
All songs by Gavin Rossdale, except where noted.
| 1. |
"The Mirror of the Signs" |
4:19 |
| 2. |
"The Sound of Winter" |
3:28 |
| 3. |
"All My Life" |
3:22 |
| 4. |
"The Afterlife" |
4:45 |
| 5. |
"All Night Doctors" |
4:17 |
| 6. |
"Baby Come Home" |
4:15 |
| 7. |
"Red Light" |
3:31 |
| 8. |
"She's a Stallion" |
4:36 |
| 9. |
"I Believe in You" |
3:11 |
| 10. |
"Stand Up" |
4:19 |
| 11. |
"The Heart of the Matter" |
4:22 |
| 12. |
"Be Still My Love" |
4:48 |
| 1. |
"The Year of Danger" |
4:37 |
| 2. |
"Ghost" |
4:54 |
| 3. |
"Lay Down Your Guns" |
4:12 |
| 4. |
"The Sound of Winter (Junior Sanchez Remix)" |
6:22 |
| 5. |
"The Afterlife [Remix by Washroom & Bass Over Babylon]" (Featuring Cecile) |
5:03 |
| 6. |
"All Night Doctors (Remix by Renholdër)" |
4:13 |
| 1. |
"The Year of Danger" |
4:37 |
| 2. |
"Ghost" |
4:54 |
| 3. |
"Lay Down Your Guns" |
4:12 |
| 4. |
"The Sound of Winter (Junior Sanchez Remix)" |
6:22 |
| 5. |
"The Afterlife [Remix by Washroom & Bass Over Babylon]" (Featuring Cecile) |
5:03 |
| 6. |
"All Night Doctors (original version)" |
4:13 |
| 7. |
"Landslide [Live from Bridge School Benefit]" (Fleetwood Mac cover) |
4:21 |
| 8. |
"Float (Acoustic Version)" |
4:12 |
Personnel
Chart positions
References
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| Studio albums |
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| Live albums |
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| Compilation albums |
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| Singles |
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| Related articles |
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