Bad Religion

Stranger Than Fiction (1994)

Ryan

Well here we are in the year 2002 and one of the most anticipated albums this year is none other than Bad Relgion's "Process of Belief." These guys have been playing some of the best music ever heard for 20 plus years. And it appears they are not done.

The song that got me into Bad Religion was one that you people may have listened to before. It's a little song known by most as "I Want To Conquer The World," played fast, hard, but yet still to this day one of the most catchiest songs I've ever listened to. Bad Religion's early work could be found on Epitah Records, but in 1993 they switched things up by moving on to Atlantic with the album ". Many fans thought this album was a bit slow compared to early realeses such as "Suffer," and "No Control." Although this was the case, most opened up their minds and realized that it was the same BR and still some great music. There have been many people looking forward to "Process of Belief," but lets lay that to rest at this time and take a couple steps back to "Stranger Than Fiction."

"Stranger Than Fiction" is the second realese by BR on Atlantic as mentioned before. This album is definetely not as fast as their previous albums, but still packs a punch. The vocals done by Greg Graffin are very distinctive and catchy. Just like records before he has a certain flare to his voice that never makes it boring. The lyrics are very well put and to the point yet are very meaningful and original. Instead of ending this review right here this cd is worth a play by play so "let's go."

Incomplete -Pretty fast musically, but rather slow sung. Very good and catchy song, but not the best song on this record.

Leave Mine To Me -About the same speed as the second song, but to me not as catchy. Still a great song, and not one that you want to skip.

Stranger Than Fiction -A little more poppy than most BR songs, but a very cool song in it's own way. It has and up and down beat to it with some cool drumming.

Tiny Voices -This fast song has some very good guitar riffs in it and the lyrics are outstanding and some of the best on the album.

The Handshake -This track often switches speeds which never makes it boring, and like many other songs has a cool solo guitar in the middle, but the lyrics don't do it for me.

Better Off Dead -Wow. This to me is one of the better songs on this album because of the musical change. Plus the lyrics are very well thought and when sung very catchy. As far as speed its not fast but it keeps up the pace.

Infected -This song could be classified as a slow song, but it is the best on the album. With lyrics that will make you think and music that will make you want more. Very cool song and sure to be in my top rated songs of BR. Simply the best.

Television - Tim Armstrong in this song talks though verses and Greg Graffin sings the chorus. Some cool guitars, but in my opinion a weak point on the album as it does get annoying.

Individual-Another strong point on the album making up for "Television." Fast and the drumming in this track is pretty flat out amazing as are the lyrics.

Hooray For Me- Another poppy sort of track but who is complaning. Very good song, and sounds quite different from the rest of the album. The lyrics are actually quite nice. "Hooray for me, and fuck you!"

Slumber -A very slow song but very well pulled off. For some reason (and I know for a fact that people will get pissed at this) the beginning of this song sounds a lot like Weird Al's song about the chick ice skater and Loraina Bobbit. Or not. Anyway aside from that a good song to listen to, not fast but very catchy.

Marked -One of the faster songs on the album and sounds more like old BR. Got to love it.

Inner Logic -This song is a beautiful showcase of the songwritting abilities that BR has. Very awesome song. Definitely not one that you will skip.

What Is It -A rather slow song even musically but a very unique song on "Stranger Than Fiction." Oh and not to mention some cool guitar solos.

21st Century (Digital Boy) -Ahh this is the song that you will be singing all day in your head. Such a good song that will hook you from the beginning and never let up.

Well there it is and if you do not own this record I suggest you go and get it, and add it to that BR collection. Definitely one of thier best. Let's just hope they can keep it going.