The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)
| The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) | ||||
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| Studio album by Limp Bizkit | ||||
| Released | May 2, 2005 | |||
| Recorded | October 2004–February 2005 | |||
| Genre | Alternative metal[1] | |||
| Label | Flip/Geffen | |||
| Limp Bizkit chronology | ||||
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The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) is the fifth studio album[1] by Limp Bizkit. Released in 2005, it is the first release by the band to feature guitarist Wes Borland, as he had left the band in 2001, and a previous album, Results May Vary, was recorded without him. However, drummer John Otto was absent for much of the album, and Sammy Siegler took over drumming duties for the band.
The album differs from the band's established sound and lyrical subject matter by focusing on darker subjects and featuring a more experimental sound. The album's lyrics focus on subjects such as Catholic sex abuse cases, terrorism and fame.
While the album was released without advertising and promotion, The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide, peaking at #24 on the Billboard 200. However, reviews were mixed. Borland's return to the band was generally appraised, as was the new musical direction, which was considered to be ambitious. Criticisms were aimed at Fred Durst's lyrics and performance.
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[edit] Background
In October 2001, Durst released a statement on their website stating that "Limp Bizkit and Wes Borland have amicably decided to part ways. Both Limp Bizkit and Borland will continue to pursue their respective musical careers. Both wish each other the best of luck in all future endeavors."[2] Subsequently, the band recorded Results May Vary with Snot guitarist Mike Smith, but later had a falling out with Smith.[3]
In 2004, Borland rejoined Limp Bizkit, and the band announced that they would begin recording a new album, The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1).[3] Sammy Siegler took over drumming duties for the band for much of the album.
[edit] Music and lyrics
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The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) focuses on darker lyrical subject matter than the band is generally known for, including Catholic sex abuse cases, terrorism and fame.[1][4]
IGN reviewer Spence D. described the album's sound as being "sinister", calling Wes Borland's guitar playing on "The Propaganda" a "skirling swirl of darkness".[4] Allmusic reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the album's music as "neo-prog alt-metal".[1]
"The Truth" strongly derives from industrial influences, while "The Key" features a funk-based sound.[1][4] "The Surrender" features Fred Durst singing against Sam Rivers' minimalist bass lines and ambiance provided by DJ Lethal.[4]
[edit] Release and reception
| Professional ratings | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
| IGN |   [4] |
| Martin Charles Strong | [5] |
The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) was released as an underground album, without any advertising or promotion.[6][7] Borland disagreed with the decision, suggesting that it was "self-sabotage": "Maybe he was already unhappy with the music, and he didn't really want to put it out there."[7] Despite Borland's contentions, the album sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide, peaking at #24 on the Billboard 200.[8][9]
The album received mixed reviews. Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that the music is "a step in the right direction -- it's more ambitious, dramatic, and aggressive, built on pummeling verses and stop-start choruses." However, he felt that the band was being "held back" by Durst, who he called "the most singularly unpleasant, absurd frontman in rock."[1] In his book The Essential Rock Discography, Martin Charles Strong gave the album 5 out of 10 stars.[5]
IGN writer Spence D. wrote, "Given the components of the band—live Limp Bizkit is one tight, intense sonic unit that delivers bristling renditions of their catalog—one would hope that they had chosen to go off the musical deep end and deliver an album that dares to explore rather than rehash. Sadly, only a few brief moments of The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) exhibit this kind of much needed direction. Here's to hoping that Part 2 expands on the potential hinted at here."[4]
[edit] Track listing
All lyrics written by Fred Durst, all music composed by Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, and Sammy Siegler except where noted.
| No. | Title | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Propaganda" | 5:16 | |
| 2. | "The Truth" | 5:28 | |
| 3. | "The Priest" | 4:59 | |
| 4. | "The Key" | DJ Lethal | 1:24 |
| 5. | "The Channel" | Borland, John Otto, Rivers | 4:41 |
| 6. | "The Story" | 3:56 | |
| 7. | "The Surrender" | Durst | 3:59 |
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Total length:
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29:43 | ||
[edit] Personnel
- Musicians
- Fred Durst - vocals, guitar
- Sam Rivers - bass
- DJ Lethal - keyboards, samples, programming, sound development
- Wes Borland - guitars
- Sammy Siegler - drums, percussion
- John Otto - drums, percussion on "The Channel"
- Other personnel
- Wes Borland - cover art
- Fred Durst - executive producer
- Jordan Schur - executive producer
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Unquestionable Truth, Pt. 1 - Limp Bizkit". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r740966. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
- ^ "Borland bids adieu to Bizkit". CMJ New Music Report (CMJ Network) 69 (737): 6. October 29, 2001.
- ^ a b D'Angelo, Joe (August 16 2004). "Wes Borland Back With Limp Bizkit". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490229/wes-borland-back-with-limp-bizkit.jhtml. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Limp Bizkit - The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)". IGN. News Corporation. May 3, 2005. http://music.ign.com/articles/609/609754p1.html.
- ^ a b Strong, Martin Charles (2006). "Limp Bizkit". The Essential Rock Discography (8th ed.). Open City Books. p. 638. ISBN 1841958603.
- ^ Harris, Cris (November 18, 2005). "Music Ruined Wes Borland's Life, So He's Formed A New Band". VH1 (Viacom). http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1514094/20051118/limp_bizkit.jhtml.
- ^ a b Harris, Cris (March 17, 2006). "Bye Bye Bizkit? Wes Borland Says Limp Are Pretty Much Done". MTV (MTV Networks). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1526158/borland-casts-doubt-on-limp-bizkits-future.jhtml?headlines=true.
- ^ Moss, Corey. "Limp Bizkit: What Happened?". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/limp_bizkit/news_feature_052305/. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
- ^ "Limp Bizkit - Charts & Awards". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/artist/limp-bizkit-p213327/charts-awards. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
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