Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - "Don't You Fake It"

I've been meaning to post a review for this album ... forever. I just haven't gotten to it yet. So, finally, here's a review for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' Don't You Fake It.
Many of the songs on this album are re-released tracks, which made their debut on the band's first self-titled studio effort. However, if you're like me, you hadn't even heard of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus until Face Down made mainstream success two years later.
I've posted about Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' most popular singles from this album, Face Down and Your Guardian Angel previously on this site and, after listening to those two songs, I figured I had a pretty good idea of this band's style. However, when I listened to their second album for the first time, I was completelly shocked. The other tracks on the album were, for the most part, much more in-your-face screamo style; not so much the nondescript rock styles of their mainstream hits. And I liked what they had to offer on the other ten tracks on the album.
Here's a song-by-song review of Don't You Fake It.

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It (2006)

1. In Fate's Hands - The band starts off fast and strong with this track. Not much in particular stands out about this song, maybe, except for the echoeing vocals in the second verse. The screaming vocals in this song are a change of pace of anyone who'se only been accustomed to the band's mainstream hits. All in all, a good first track, but not stellar.
2. Waiting - A slightly softer track with more melodic verses and a passionate chorus. The lyrics in this track catch your attention and give you a feel for the emotion behind the song; especially in the bridge. The background vocals in the chorus and plenty of guitar riffs throughout keep the band's rock essence alive.
3. False Pretense - The group picks up the pace again on their third track. Softer verses lead up into a catchy chorus you can't help but tap your toes to. Overall just a nicely executed track; maybe it's the clapping during the guitar solo or the steady symbol crashes, but something about this relativly short track makes it stand out.
4. Face Down - If you listen to the radio, you've heard this song at least once in the past year or so. Steady guitars hold the rhythmn while the lyrics speak of finding strength in an unbearable situation. Again, the combination of lyrics and instrumentals deliver the effect of this song perfectly. There's just enough screaming in the bridge to keep to the band's style while still allowing the song to make mainstream success.
5. Misery Loves Its Company - When this song begins, you think a more acoustic track is to follow. But, as soon as the electric guitar and deep screaming lyrics kick in, you realize differently. Overall, the fifth track is still a softer one, but it definitly still has a hard rock feel. The lyrics in this song are some of the most powerful and heartfelt on the album.
6. Cat And Mouse - A piano ballad! The keys paired with the snare drum in the opening measures immediantly give you a feel for the emotion in the song. Backing vocals are present throughout the duration of the track, and the piano keeps tapping out a melody the whole time. The lyrics are bittersweet and presented beautifully.
7. Damn Regret - The group picks it up again for the seventh track. This song is immediantly fun and catchy, from the very opening guitar parts. The lyrics tell a story of freedom and living life without regrets. This song seems more technical than some of the album's others; taking it down a notch for a softer, more passionate bridge was a good move, as was changing up the style of the last choruses. All in all, definitly a stand out; one of my favorites on the album.
8. Atrophy - The band reverts back to the no-nonsense screamo style for the opening vocals of this song before changing to more melodic verses. The second verse combines both styles of vocals to great effect. The chorus is heavy in symbol crashes and guitar parts. The bridge slows us down again and delivers the desired feel. More technical aspects are added at the end of the song when three different vocal parts are sung at the same time.
9. Seventeen Ain't So Sweet - A bittersweet track with plenty of emotion, this song is another of my favorites. The lyrics are very deep and are delivered well, especially in the chorus. It's a more simple song than the others on the album ... and that's what makes it so appealing. The honesty and passion in the lyrics make this song what it is.
10. Justify - The guitar parts throughout this song are very, very good; my favorite is during the verses. The vocals alternate between a softer style and the punchy screamo this band loves. The chorus flows well and the entire feel of the song is great. Not a stand-out, but a good track nonetheless. I love the bridge.
11. Your Guardian Angel - The band's other mainstream hit. This song opens with acoustic guitar strumming and lyrics that break your heart - in a good way. The backing vocals are amazing; more harmonic than any others on the album. The entire essence of this song is just beautiful, and as the electric guitar and drums break out at the end of the track, you get the full feel for the passion behind it. Just a beautiful way to end the album.
(Hidden Track) Grim Goodbye - Why the band decided to make this a hidden track is beyond me. It is by far one of my favorites on the album. There are so many aspect to this track; the vocals are amazing, as are the guitar and drum parts. I feel this song is so much deeper than any other on the album. Softer at points and then swelling dramatically to harder parts, this song really tells a story.

You've read my review; now form your own opinions.

Check out the band's official website.

The lyrics to all Red Jumpsuit Aparatus' songs can be found at this link.

And don't forget to check out other posts on music.is.life regarding this group.

Finally, I'll leave you with the lyrics and music video for Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' False Pretense. I hope you enjoy!

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - False Pretense Official Music Video

False Pretense
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Oh, it's time to let it go

The world's got a funny way of turning 'round on you
When a friend tries to stab you right in the face
Losing faith in everything I thought I hoped I knew
Don't sweat it, {it was} set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

All along you know you thought you got the best of me
{But} you were wrong and I'm laughing right in your face
I cannot believe you claimed you were my family
Don't sweat it - it's set on false pretense

Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
And it doesn't seem likely to fade
Betrayed but not gonna be willing to change
'Cause you know ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

[Spoken:]
Guitar ...

Oh, it's time to let it go

I can't seem to understand it how you turned out to be so cold
You tried but were caught red handed, are you happy with your role?
It's funny to me how you've turned into such a joke ...

It's sacrifice
False pretense you'll hurt again
Stop pretending to deny
False pretense you'll hurt again

So play the game until you run out
And play the game into my hand