On their fourth album, these Florida rockers muster up anthems that would embarrass a Hallmark Card hack: "Bully" sides with schoolyard outcasts, "Unity" big-ups concertgoers, and "Miracle" — well, the wonder of that song's all in the line, "My Mona Lisa's making me smile." These dudes are more earnest than emo boys put under oath. Their sound — post-grunge buffed free of anything remotely grungy, and then often embellished with a 30-piece orchestra — matches thebombast of their sentiment. The combination overwhelms, especially when the saccharine turns bitter, as on the F-bomb-equipped kiss-off "My Name (Wearing Me Out)." Worn out yourself? At least you know they feel your pain.
Listen To Shinedowns' "Unity":
Related• Photos: Random Notes
