3 Doors Down � Seventeen Days
Label: Universal
 

Jen Procop's review - she gave it a rating of 
 

3 Doors Down has always been a bit of a hybrid band�a cross section of southern rock mixed with ample guitar licks and blended occasionally with a heartfelt ballad. They had some success in showcasing the �depth� of there talents with the hard wheeling �Kryptonite" and the softer, more subtle �Here Without You�. In their new release, Seventeen Days, the winning combination that they had found in previous offerings becomes an absolute blur of direction on this record. 
 
The band seems to lack any continuity here, ranging from rough grungy undertones to simple and uninspired lovesongs. This is never more evident than on �The Real Life� where Brad Arnold�s vocals go from a serenade in the park to a howl at the moon. Are you the Scorpions? Are you a power ballad band? I doubt they know.

As you continue down the track list, one thing becomes evident- everything sounds the same. From the very first song ("Right Where I Belong") to the eventual end ("Here by Me") the monotonous, predictable and unavoidable pattern remains. "Landing in London" is about the best you�ll see on this album where they finally appear to have a path.

Seventeen Days is a disappointment although hard-core fans will always find something likeable about this album. Unfortunately this is a long and drawn out �Seventeen days�
 

antiGUY's Review - He gave it a Rating of 

If you look at 3 Doors Down's first two albums you see that they found success in two different arenas. Their first album was a straight ahead rocker that made them stars and their second album saw them tone things down quite a bit and deliver Matchbox-20 like middle of the road numbers, both having a pull at different audiences.  The good news for the band's third time is that they have managed to bring together both worlds . 

On the plus side that means that fans of both of their previous album will find something to like with Seventeen Days. On the other hand, some may feel that they are only getting half of the album that they want, depending on their taste. The perfect fan will love both side equally, but I find myself gravitating towards the rockers more. And the band pleases right out of the gate with "Right Where I Belong," a riff happy rocker that is heavier than what you would expect from this band. But then the band throws a speed bump up next with "It's Not Me" which sounds a little like a rehash of "Loser", but has its charms including some real lead guitar.  

"Let Me Go" is a pretty standard love song. One thing about this band is that their albums have always had what some would consider filler, but they more than make up for it with their strong songs. "Real Life" falls into the filler category, it's a bit too predictable.  The soulful and plaintive "Be Somebody" and melancholy "Landing in London" should keep fans of the mellower side of the band happy as both are exceptional showcases of 3 Doors Down wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Again on the Landing, the band aren�t afraid of using their lead guitar chops, even if they are understated. The guest appearance from Bob Seger doesn't hurt either.   

"Behind Those Eyes" harkens back to yesteryear when guitar based ballads were expected from every rock album. "Never Will I Break" starts with 3 Doors Down's signature guitar sound and makes way for a bluesly rocker that lifts the temperament of this album. "Father's Son" a bit too formulaic, but the addition of strings and Brad Arnold's emotional vocals are sure to endear this song to many fans.  

"Live For Today" was a bit of a surprise. The verses are pretty standard but in the choruses Arnold breaks out with Cornell like screams, making this a definitely highlight of the album where the band step outside of the box.  "My World" follows the light verse to heavy choruses but sounds pretty standard. Of course, the band ends off with a ballad, perhaps the best one on the album with scaled back instrumentation.  

In the end, 3 Doors Down have brought together the elements that made their first two albums work. While they don't approach the brilliance of their debut, the fans of their heavier side will find a couple of solid songs on Seventeen Days. For those that enjoyed the band's second album more, you will find more to love here.   If you use a baseball analogy with the band's debut being a homerun, then Seventeen Days is a double play.  If you enjoyed either of the band's previous releases, you should definitely check out Seventeen Days. 
 

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