I've never posted before, but I felt the need to convey my thoughts about Shinedown's music, especially "The Sound of Madness" Cd.

Please allow me to give a bit of my background concerning Shinedown and where I come from. I live in a small town in Iowa, am 34 yrs old, married, and have 2 children(15 and 10). Up until a couple years ago...I'd never heard of Shinedown, or any of their songs..EVER. I've always been a country music fan, some soft rock from the 80's, some Nickelback songs, but pretty much country music based.

During one of my memberships to an online gaming forum, I became friends with this 18yr old boy from Pennsylvania(GO STEELERS! LOL), who was into "heavy metal", like Ozzy, Nine Inch Nails, Metallica, etc. He had me listen to different kinds of music/bands and I would, then have to tell him I hated it. lol I'm VEEERY picky on my choice of music, what can I say. lol Finally he told me to listen to this song "Burning Bright" by Shinedown. Wow, this song was calming and not the "headbanging" music I despised. lol Ok, let's try another one of their songs..."Save Me". Faster paced, but still kick ass. So that was two songs I liked...but I never listened to again, but the kid felt like he'd completed his mission of converting a country fan and *gasp* a mom! lol

Zoom forward to last year...I was battling an awful depression and doing things that were destructive and totally out of character for me. I had everything in the world to be happy about, but I was miserable and didn't know why. During one of my random web surfings, I came across Shinedown's song, "Burning Bright" again. Something clicked. The phrase

quote:

There's nothing ever wrong, but nothing's ever right

made complete sense to me and it made me realize in that moment, that:
1. I wasn't alone
2. If I wasn't alone, then there was something more wrong then just being "sad".

I went to the dr. and discovered I was bi polar and a manic depressive, two separate illnesses rolled into one..guess if Im gonna be depressed, may as well do it big! lol Seriously though, during the trial and error of meds, that song got me through, helped me to hang onto hope a little bit longer. So did the song "Save Me", because that's all I wanted was for someone to save me from this darkness I was living in. Those songs were what helped me hang onto my life... my sanity...no country song could ever have done that!

Seeing how those 2 songs helped me and how much I loved them, I bought the Shinedown cds and started listening to other songs on them. There were only a couple more that I could relate to but they didn't compare to "Burning Bright" in my heart and soul.

I don't believe the reasons a song were written, have to be the same reason why or fit how individual people interpret it...all it has to do is speak to my heart and touch my soul...if it doesnt, it isn't worth my time. I think that's why I've always liked country music, 9 out of 10 songs are personal experiences, expressing feelings you have, but can't put into words. So many bands, don't have soul in their music..not like blues soul, but THEIR souls. You can hear it in their voices and in the way they play...you can spot the ones who are just singing a song for money/fame...and the ones who are singing about something that truly touched their souls and it's those songs that reach out and touch MY soul. It's the songs that make me close my eyes and feel the music surround me in a cocoon, that's music with a soul. "Burning Bright" has that...SHINEDOWN has that.

Then, "The Sound of Madness" cd came out. Now remember, country girl here...lol My first reaction to the cd was iffy. Compared to "Burning Bright".... "Devour", "Sound of Madness", Son of Sam" etc..those songs were too hardcore in my opinion. So, I'd skip over all those songs to get to "Breaking Inside", that was me..I related, it touched my soul. As that part of the cd got wore down, I ventured to other songs, "Call Me", "What a Shame"..I fell in love. I came back to "Sound of Madness", I liked, I related. "Devour", I seen an interview explaining exactly what the song was about...yeah, enough said there...I loved it and agreed! lol One by one, I fell in love with each song, with this entire cd and more so with the band. That had NEVER happened before. How often can you say you like every song on a cd? "Son of Sam" was the last one I liked, it is my least favorite, because I can't personally relate to it..but the passion and soul that's put in it, makes up for that.

After that, I went back and listened to the other cds again...I found more songs I liked, but there were still songs on the others I just couldn't "bond" with...that's what makes "The Sound of Madness" cd so special to me...I love them all! Of course with "Mom" listening to this wonderful cd/band, my kids thought I was cool and demanded a cd of their own...then hubby did too!(He's a complete fan of Ozzy and Metallica by the way. lol) No one around here had really heard of Shinedown. None of my teenage daughter's friends had or any of my friends...now they do and now they love them as well! It's amazing what word of mouth can do...but what's more amazing is what a voice/song/band can do.

I don't really know the band members from before and if someone asked me out of the blue what the names of the current members are tomorrow, Im not sure I could name them off without really having to think about it.(No offense guys ) But what I AM sure about is...if they played a SHINEDOWN song...I would know it in a heartbeat!

I know everyone has their favorites and opinions about band members that are in Shinedown and those that have gone, but all I know is the music. I don't just hear Brent's voice, Eric's bass, Barry's drums or Zach's/Nick's/Jasin's guitar...I hear the heart and soul that each one is putting into that song at that very moment. That's what makes Shinedown so special and more unique then other bands...it's not about the individuals, it's about the music. The only time Shinedown will truly fail, is if one or all, stop putting their souls into their music. Every person who is in this band, or who used to be in it, they've each left their mark and a piece of their souls...that is a true legacy and one that each should be proud of and something Im thankful I got to be a part of as a fan.

Although I may not be classified as a hardcore fan...hell I have yet to get to a Shinedown concert(Bring the show to IOWA more guys!! Just come before the rains hit!! lol) I still know something special when I hear/see it...and you guys really are quite special! Keep it up and thanks for the music!

Can I just say that this is what I think being a Shinedown fan is. This was amazing posting, and this is why I came here in the first place was to be drawn to others like you. I think thats why we are all here seeing this band has hit us at the heart somehow. Good luck to you and all your endeavors and believe me, if you get a chance to see them live DO IT!!!

Thanks for sharing such touching thoughts....
I hope everyone that comes to these forums reads this post.

quote:

Seeing how those 2 songs helped me and how much I loved them, I bought the Shinedown cds and started listening to other songs on them. There were only a couple more that I could relate to but they didn't compare to "Burning Bright" in my heart and soul.

I don't believe the reasons a song were written, have to be the same reason why or fit how individual people interpret it...all it has to do is speak to my heart and touch my soul...if it doesnt, it isn't worth my time. I think that's why I've always liked country music, 9 out of 10 songs are personal experiences, expressing feelings you have, but can't put into words. So many bands, don't have soul in their music..not like blues soul, but THEIR souls. You can hear it in their voices and in the way they play...you can spot the ones who are just singing a song for money/fame...and the ones who are singing about something that truly touched their souls and it's those songs that reach out and touch MY soul. It's the songs that make me close my eyes and feel the music surround me in a cocoon, that's music with a soul. "Burning Bright" has that...SHINEDOWN has tha

Wow! What a story. I am so glad you have found
Shinedown and hope you are doing better with your illness. Music helps a lot in so many ways. You will just love them more and more.

You gave the perfect definition for what Shinedown really is. Their music isn't just music it's more than that and only a few bands are just playing more than music.

Like you I fell into depressions too a few years ago. My parents said you have to go to an doctor ans so I went even if I thought it wasn't necessary. In the end this was a toal waste of time, because he just said after a few weeks I distress myself. I knew the was wrong, but first I made nothing and of course the depressions were still there, but than I found Shinedown.

Their songs gave me so much and really helped me and now I think I am sane again. Without them it would be possible that I am not able to write this post. The give me the strengths to make my way.

The helped you, the helped me and I think the helped and will help many others too, because they put thoughts and imagination in words, notes, drum beats like no other is able to do it. Thanks you Shinedown for your music, your passion, your love, ... thank you for everything.

Just like everybody else has said Shinedown has also helped me through some very dark times.and that's what everybody needs to realize it's about the music period all the other bullshit doesn't matter.thank-you for your post and maybe opening some eyes. hey i love them so much i got their logo tattooed on my foot and then Brent and Barry autographed it and i had that tattooed on there too, it is to me my most special tattoo of all.so here's to everyone just focusing on the music.

Thank you all so VERY much for your kind words! To be quite honest I was a little worried about how my post would be perceived and received. lol But it truly was from the heart and I just had to say it out loud because of the impact the band/music has had on me and my life...and even my family. I spread the word about Shinedown and their music every chance I get!

The best part about their music is, it's sooo diverse. They have the loud, fast paced songs if you just want to dance around the house and be crazy(shhh no one knows I do this! lol) and they have the softer, more personal songs for when you need to feel like someone understands and sympathizes with you. This sounds really corny, but it occured to me just now...but...their music is like a best friend. It's there when you're in a great mood and just want to party...and it's there to surround you in a comforting embrace when all you want to do is cry. I can't think of a single band out there who can do that for me...so yeah, that's something special.

As for a concert...I keep checking their tour dates/places...so far the closest ones are over 4 hours away...not sure my 10 yr old could handle a drive that long. lol But one of these times, they'll be close enough...and the whole family will be there!!

As for my depression, yes Im doing a 100% better. Between a combination of depression and bi polar meds, plus a sleeping pill at night(It was also discovered I was only getting to Stage 2 of sleep...there are 4 stages..so basically I was "cat" napping the whole night instead of getting a restful sleep.) my illness(s) are completely under control and Im finally living my life.

addicted2sd ~ Have you posted pics of the tat? I would love to see! I can't believe how addictive tattoos are...when I got my first one, the artist told me I'd be back..and I was. lol

Thanks again everyone, for your comments and making me feel so welcome.

Firestorm welcome to the board . You know the true meaning of Shinedown . I also feel like there music is my best friend.

Welcome to the board Firestorm, I really enjoyed reading your story.

I'm excited for you to see Shinedown perform live, you'll have to let us know when you get to see a show. :-) They are amazing!

Terry