"Candlebox's" self-titled debut album, released on July 20, 1993, is a significant entry in the rock landscape of the early '90s.
As one of the last bands to ride the massive Seattle grunge wave, "Candlebox" positioned themselves at the forefront of the post-grunge movement. This album is a testament to the band's ability to blend hard rock and blues with post-grunge elements, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Formed in late in November 1990, "Candlebox" originally consisted of lead singer Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado, "Candlebox" took its name from a line in a "Midnight Oil" song. Their rise to fame was rapid, thanks to a demo tape that found its way to Madonna’s "Maverick" label, securing them a record deal in 1992. Despite some criticism from grunge purists and their leaning more towards classic rock, blues and hard rock, "Candlebox" persevered and honed their craft until their big break with this debut album.
Although it took over a year for the album to enter the Billboard 200, it eventually sold over 4 million units in the US. Despite its commercial success, the album often gets overshadowed by other Seattle grunge releases. However, tracks like "Far Behind" and "You" have left a lasting impression, ensuring that "Candlebox" remains a memorable name for those familiar with '90s rock.
As a Seattle band that was formed in the early 90s, it was not a surprise that they where influenced by the grunge era. Their debut album took a bit of the heaviness of "Soundgarden" and the cool riffs of "Pearl Jam" but they added other elements from hard rock and blues, so there are moments in this album reminiscent of "Led Zeppelin" and the "Black Crowes".
The album opens with nervous laughter before blasting into "Don't You" with a heavy hard rock riff and powerful drumming turning into a "Pearl Jam"-like jam during the verse. No doubt that this track sets an energetic tone to the rest of the album.
Then comes "Change" which undoubtedly "changes" the vibe of the album. This was the album's first single and it showcases the band's ability to blend moody, reverb-drenched guitar notes with strong, dynamic choruses. The use of contrast in dynamics adds depth, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. Kevin Martin voice is so versatile and this song is the perfect example, showing his ability to change from the soft law verses to the high screams at the choruses.
The third song "You" was the second single from the album and was a minor radio hit. This song features deadened guitar notes and a rotating shuffle. The sustained-notes guitar lead towards the end, combined with Scott Mercado's choppy drumming and Kevin Martin's almost rap-like lyrical rhythm, makes it memorable. In this song "Candlebox" frontman Kevin Martin shared his experience with drug addiction during his youth and this song reflects his journey to overcoming dependency, as he states in his own words:
"Come around town, steal another dime, don't you push your drugs in my face
Yes, I feel it, feeling fine
Don't you push your drugs in my face or I'm gonna put you in your place
Fuck you, I don't want it no more"
Martin revealed that he stole money from his parents to support his habit. His turning point came on his 18th birthday after seeing Peter Garrett of "Midnight Oil" perform, which inspired him to quit drugs. He repaid his parents and has avoided hard drugs since.
"No Sense" shows the great potential of "Candelbox" and its unique style. The Boss-Nova driven drums and interesting guitar and bass interplay make the song very promising. Even the guitar solo goes in this interesting path. However, in the end, it unfortunately falls into a typical grunge formula, making the initial promise feel somewhat unfulfilled.
"Far Behind" is undoubtedly the standout track of the album and one of the greatest songs of the early 1990s. "Far Behind" is a heartfelt tribute to the late Andrew Wood of "Mother Love Bone". Kevin Martin, Candlebox's vocalist, first met Wood while working at a Seattle shoe store. Wood encouraged Martin to pursue his music despite any negativity. Wood's death deeply saddened the Seattle music community. Initially, the song's lyrics directly referenced Wood, but Martin changed them in the studio to make the meaning less obvious. This led many to interpret it as a love song, rather than one about death and loss. Kevin Martin's intense vocals, the crisp opening riff, and Peter Klett's fantastic middle lead all contribute to its powerful impact. The song peaked at #18 on the U.S. charts in 1994.
After this album's standout track, the album fails to reach the level of creativity. Although the rest of the songs on the album are good, "Candelbox" fails to reach its peak and deliver the greatness of the first half of the album. "Blossom" is slow and methodical, featuring good bass accents by Bardi Martin. Despite falling into the grunge formula, it remains one of the better songs on the album due to its strong composition. "Arrow" goes towards hard rock showcasing the band's raw edge. "Rain" is a bluesy track where Peter Klett's guitar playing really shines. It is the most experimental and longest song on the album, pushing the seven-minute mark. "Mother's Dream" starts with an "Alice In Chains" "Would?" bass line but is lacking the focus needed to make a strong impact. "Cover Me" was the last single from the album. A refreshing slow ballad featuring great strumming and picking by Klett. It stands out as a moment of calm and introspection on the album, following the typical hard rock ballad pattern.
The album concludes with "He Calls Home" - A melodramatic ballad about a homeless man, carried mainly by Martin's vocals and Peter Klett's guitar playing, providing a reflective end to the record.
In conclusion, "Candlebox" is a perfect representation of the transition period in 1993 between grunge and post-grunge, when alternative rock began to dominate the mainstream. The band achieved both critical and commercial success, with "Far Behind" standing out as a defining song of the decade and with other great tracks like "Change", "You" and "Cover Me". While the rest of the album, though solid, often feels like it is reaching for greatness but falls just short, it still showcases the band's genuine care for their music. Unlike many later post-grunge acts, "Candlebox" effectively uses influences from the Seattle scene without turning into copycats, adding blues and hard rock influences.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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