Breaking Benjamin- "Phobia"

The only song by Breaking Benjamin that I had heard prior to this album was the single "So Cold" off of their first album. I liked that song a lot, but I figured they were a one-hit wonder as I never heard another song by them. Then recently I saw the video for their newest single "Diary of Jane" and decided I should check out their new album.

Overall, this album is disappointing. The band definitly is heavy and loaded with talent, but I just don't think they've found their niche yet. The single, "Diary of Jane," is excellent. As is the acoustic version that is also on the album. In fact, the acoustic version really shows off the vocal range and talent of the lead singer, and is quite soothing. The songs "Until the End" and "Dance With the Devil" are also quite good. Beyond those few songs, there is nothing really exciting on this album.

Breaking Benjamin is a good band. Vocally, they are very talented. I love how the lead singer can sing notes and then scream his head off without his screaming sounding like the pussy emo bands that dominates today's rock radio. "Phobia" is not a great album, but its not terrible either. I probably wouldn't have bought it though had I actually paid for my copy. To summarize, I'll quote a good friend of mine whose opinions are almost always accurate. When I asked him what he thought of this album, he said, "Its not bad, but it doesn't go anywhere." Right on, rock on