10,000 DAYS

I remember the first time I listened to this album like it was yesterday. I had just finished listening to Tool's entire discography, in chronological order from Opiate to Lateralus. I liked Tool by this point, but wasn't necessarily their biggest fan. Then, 10,000 Days came along. I didn't like it, didn't think it was anything special. I thought Vicarious was kind of catchy and cool, but other than that, I thought it just didn't live up to Lateralus. It took me a few times of listening through this album to realize that it is an absolute masterpiece that I think everyone should hear. The lyrics are above and beyond the best in Maynard's career with Tool, especially on Vicarious and Right in Two, which is probably my favorite song by the group. The only song on this entire album that I don't listen to over and over again is Jambi because it can get a little repetitive, but I can't not acknowledge the amazing talent of Danny Carey on this track or the weird rhythm of the riff itself. The high point of this album is definitely the Wings for Marie suite; it is just so masterfully constructed. After 10,000 Days comes probably the most accessible track on the album, The Pot, which completely turns the album in a new direction. Other high points include the mysterious build-up of Lost Keys (Blame Hoffmann) and the industrial Intension. This record has to be listened to as a whole to understand the strange, religious trip that it is. After countless replays of this album, I can honestly say that it is one of the most intelligently constructed albums that I have ever heard. Justin Chancellor and Danny Carey make one of the greatest, most unique rhythm sections of all time. Tool is a band that sounds like no one else, and no one else sounds like Tool. I recommend this album to anyone with whom I discuss music.