The Shadow Side (Album by Andy Black)

When I was in middle school, I started listening to a lot of rock bands. One of them was Black Veil Brides. I loved their music and I still do. I didn't fangirl over them like I do for most bands. Honestly, I could name their songs and albums faster than I can name their members. But, hey, that's how I am for All Time Low and Hot Chelle Rae. Love the music, never really got into the band members.

However, I will admit I had the biggest crush on the lead singer of Black Veil Brides, Andy Biersack. He is hands down one of my favorite singers and let's just state the obvious and get that out of the way: the man is beyond gorgeous. Honestly, I was saving pictures of him for this post and it took all of my self-control to not just save every picture I found on Google. The crush has died, but I can still appreciate that he is, in my opinion, the most attractive man on Earth.

So I want to talk about his solo album The Shadow Side. To be completely truthful, when I first heard some of the songs when the album was coming out, I didn't like them. But that was during a time when I was being a hipster asshole wannabe. I have since seen the error of my ways.

After not having WiFi for a month, I have had this album on repeat a lot and I have fallen in love with it. It's a different sound then what I normally listen to. I have been trying to figure ot why I really like it so much, besides the fact that I have been in love with Andy's voice since I first heard it almost ten years ago. But I don't know. I just love the album.

The only reason I really listened to this album in full is because I have been listening to the same music I listened to in middle school and some new artists. But since I used to listen to Black Veil Brides almost religiously, I started listening to them and I was reminded that this album exists and I should listen to it so I did. And I LOVE it.

Also, if you haven't seen American Satan, starring Andy, I HIGHLY recommend it. I finally got it and watched it and fell in love. I have watched it almost every day. It's such a good movie. It does deal with sex and drugs, so there is your warning. It is NOT family friendly. I'll most definitely write a post about it because I love it so much.

Anyway let's get back to the album. This is the part of the blog when I give you the tracklist.

There are thirteen songs on the album:

1. Homecoming King

2. We Don't Have to Dance

3. Ribcage

4. Stay Alive (ft. Matt Skiba)

5. Love Was Made to Break

6. Beautiful Pain

7. Put the Gun Down

8. Drown Me Out

9. Paint It Black

10. Break Your Halo

11. Louder Than Your Love

12. Broken Pieces

13. The Void.

I don't have a least favorite song. I would have to say though, the least played song for me is probably "Beak Your Halo", but not because I don't like it. I think it's a good song. Honestly, all of these songs are gems. My most played and favorite off the album is "We Don't Have to Dance". It was actually the first song I heard off the album that made me really want to listen to the full album.

As much as I can praise the album, I will be honest. Not everyone who likes Black Veil Brides will like this album. It took me nearly two years to finally give in and listen to it and it was an acquired taste at first. I feel like the songs are pop-ish. Like I could hear some of these songs playing on the radio.

My music taste is weird and includes a wide range of genres so I am well aware not everything I like will also be liked by other people. But personally, I do love the album and I recommend it. Even if it's not something you usually listen to. Broaden your horizons.

Show Andy some love. And support Black Veil Brides!