First off, I think it should be noted that I am by no means the target audience for a new Celldweller album. Well, Celldweller in general really. That being said, I am not afraid to admit that I like Celldweller and always have. Or that I have been secretly awaiting a proper follow-up to 2003′s self-titled debut. For those of you unfamiliar with Klayton’s(Celldweller)work, you may be more familiar with the material he put out partnered up with mindfreak Criss Angel(no relation) as the group Angeldust. Their music was featured in Criss Angel’s magic shows and television specials.
While Skrillex was just a twinkle in dubstep’s eye fronting the emo band From First To Last as Sonny Moore, multi-instrumentalist Klay Scott was already experimenting with dubstep, electronica, rock, and several other musical elements to create a highly unique sound. Celldweller’s self-titled debut proved him to be quite skilled at flawlessly blending several genres together. His style has been called metalstep which actually seems to be pretty spot on. Celldweller’s music can incorporate so many different things into one song while still being just that, a song. I’ve been hooked ever since that first album, and Wish Upon A Blackstar has proven itself to be worth the wait. All of the elements of Celldweller are intact and further fine tuned.
On this album the dubstep has been inevitably cranked up more, but still never so much it just sounds like an extended Autobots circle jerk session. It can also be said that this album is fun. It’s not often that I get to say that about albums that I review, but that’s just what Wish Upon A Blackstar is. Sure, songs like “The Lucky One” and “The Best It’s Gonna Get” get a little cheesy, but they are still decent tracks and fun to listen to. There honestly isn’t anything that completely takes away from this album. It all flows and works together the entire way through. Each song is unique and makes this an album that you can easily listen to the entire thing in one sitting without feeling musically fatigued or bored.
I’d be hard pressed to name one song from Wish Upon A Blackstar that isn’t catchy as hell. ”Louder Than Words” and “Gift For You” really stand out to me, though. I dare you not to sing along to this album. Despite your best efforts it will happen. If not on the very first listen then surely the second. Wish Upon A Blackstar is the perfect summertime album. It’s just feel good all around and has enough to offer that almost anyone can enjoy it. It’s also a great driving record. Some of the beats make me feel like I’m inside some old arcade racer as I barrel down the highway.
If you’ve never liked Celldweller, then I highly doubt that this album is going to change that, but if you’re into it at all you’ll find this to be a great album. I think either way it’s definitely worth giving a chance.
Rating: 8/10
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