THE RAINMAKER

This is The Flower Kings sixth studio album, and it might be one of their worst ones. Even though this is one of, what I think, is their worst album it still brings a lot to the table. Its tracks, for the most part are very solid except for the occasional two or three. I bought this album in CD form and I was very happy, but after listening to it for a little while I realized that it was not their best work. I also realized that it was a lot darker than the others I had. Now onto the music :

1/11 Last Minute on Earth: Groaning vocals in the beginning made me wonder about where this song was going. But it saved itself by going into an awesome chorus with drums and guitar. One really cool thing about this song is that it keeps the same kind of riff, but it changes a little bit each tome they play it. That offers this track a very different feel. There were some very good instrumental parts in the middle and end that transfer into piano to round out the song. It is easily the best song on the album, and a very classic TFK song.

2/11 World Without a Heart: An acoustic guitar opens the song but it soon goes to Roine Stolt on the electric. The vocals are pretty good and the harmonies really add to it. The lyrics actually relate to the title, unlike many of the of the songs The Flower Kings put out. Vocals fade out than come back in, but they are distorted a bit and it detracts from the total of the song.

3/11 Road to Sanctuary: Starts with keys and drums that slowly flow into a good instrumental chorus. Synths start in, and the chorus alters slightly giving the track the same kind of feel from "Last Minute on Earth". This song relies more on synths than the other ones but the guitars bring it up. Vocals in the middle aren't the best and their sense is lost on me. Then the piano comes back in along with a varied chorus. Two thirds of the way through the song they totally switch it up to the point that it doesn't even resemble the beginning. Near the end of the song everything drops out except for piano and the riff appears again. Although I really enjoyed it the song seemed to drag on.

4/11 The Rainmaker: The title track to this album disappoints majorly. It is an instrumental, but I am not sure if you can even call it that because it lacks skill and sound quality. The song would be okay if it weren't the title track, but title tracks are supposed to be the center piece.

5/11 City of Angels: Synth guitar starts right out than it lowers and the vocals take part. It has a good riff and instrumental chorus. The voice chorus is very catchy too. Tomas Bodin plays a very important part in this song especially in the instrumental outro. Definitely the second best song on this CD.

6/11 Elaine: Vocals start off the song with guitars in the background. It tells the story of a boy who wants a girl and shows his life. The vocal harmonies are very good and sax is present on almost this entire track.

7/11 Thru the Walls: An organ makes its presence heard in this song, but other than this new instrument this song is a disappointment. The vocals are a bit lame, but they go along with the simple drumming.

8/11 Sword of God: Gospel singing gives this song a change of pace in the beginning. The guitaring from Mr. Stolt sounds a bit slippery sounding but it goes good with the changing vocals. Vocals fade into an instrumental part to end the song.

9/11 Blessing of a Smile: A trumpet blares in the beginning which really jolts you out of yourself. The trumpet soon dies away giving you an eerie feeling, but it is taken away when more classical instruments join in. the end saves the song from being totally lost.

10/11 Red Alert: A very happy song contrasts majorly from "Blessing of a Smile". It sounds like it is an add on from "Road to Sanctuary" with the same type of riffs and instruments.

11/11 Serious Dreamers: This song is very pop sounding which is a major change from the other tracks. The chorus has a syncopated rhythm and sounds really good with Roine singing. The harmonies blend in really well and Mr. Bodin is showcased in the ending.

It's a classic Flower Kings album that is very synth driven and has some very catchy vocals. If you really want to get into this album I would listen to the first and fifth songs first since these are the best. Overall it is good, but some of the songs aren't needed. The Rainmaker earns a 3.5.