No Substance? Not quite.
09/19/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Bad Religion is back. After 1997's live "Tested," only available on import, and 1996's poorly recieved (for the record, I loved it) "The Gray Race," they left more than a few fans disappointed. Fortunately, for those lost along the way and those of us who will always remain, Bad Religion have returned to once again educate and inspire with "No Substance." This is what we have come to expect from chief songwriter/singer Greg Graffin and company. For the first time in years, the band worked on the album as a whole, rather than having Graffin write the songs and then go into the studio. They holed up in Ithaca, NY, where Graffin lives and owns a studio, and came out a few months later with their self-produced new release, "No Substance." There is, however, plenty of substance on this album. From the opening blast of "Hear It," to the anthemic "Raise Your Voice" and the anti-nuke song "The Biggest Killer in American History," Bad Religion pull no punches musically or with their subject matter. Brian Baker and Greg Hetson's guitars provide the framework, the bass lays down a rock solid foundation, courtesy of Jay Bentley, and Bobby Schayer's drumming drives each song with authority. By taking on the lack of individuality in society ("In So Many Ways") to warning listeners of lies and politics ("Shades of Truth," "State of the End of The Millenium Address"), Bad Religion show that they haven't lost their knack for writing catchy songs with a serious message behind them. And yes, they use plenty of five-dollar words on this one too. Consult your dictionary! So, if you want some intellectual stimulation mixed in with your punk rock, "No Substance" is the album for you."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1