The Other Side doesn’t look that bright

The Other Side

Godsmack

Universal/Republic Records

GameCube

…

The Other Side

Godsmack

Universal/Republic Records

GameCube

There comes a time in every band’s career when they feel they need to “mix things up a little.” Some bands opt to put out a greatest hits compilation, while others release a live album. Godsmack is no different when it comes to changing the pace of their music. They’ve recently released The Other Side — a seven-song acoustic album that’s a large departure from their normal hard rock sound.

Three of The Other Side’s seven songs have been previously released on earlier Godsmack albums — “Re-align” from the 2003 release, Faceless, “Spiral” from their sophomore album, Awake — and another has been “repackaged.” “Keep Away” from their multi-platinum self-titled debut LP. “Asleep” — originally the title track of their second album, Awake, has had a slight face-lift and is now presented in a “nicer” format.

The newer, slower version of “Keep Away” is lacking when compared to hard-riff-driven original. The originally angry line, “Do like I told you, stay away from me / Never misunderstand me, keep away from me” just isn’t the same with guitarist Tony Rombola playing unplugged.

“Asleep,” previously named “Awake” and released from the album of the same name, has received a facelift. Besides having been slowed down, some lyrics from the track have been slightly altered. The line, “Wait another minute / Can’t you see what this pain has f—ing done to me?” has been changed to “Wait a minute / Can’t you see what this pain has done to me?” Subtle changes like this make “Asleep” lack the anger the original possessed.

One of the new songs, “Touche,” showcases the vocal prowess of lead-singer Sully Erna as he wails “And I only would do for you what you do for me, yeah.” However, one can’t help but wonder what the song would sound like if it were a full-fledged rock version.

While The Other Side isn’t a bad album, it doesn’t show the “real” Godsmack. The band had better turn things up before the end of this month when they join metal-gods Metallica for a short U.S. tour.

If not, James Hetfield and company are sure to school Godsmack on how to rock.