Sophomore Surge
Josh Dubin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA | 04/07/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Great second album from a great band! Everything you liked about "Between the Senses" is here, this time even more tightly refined."
Stunning Sophomore Effort
Nathan Kremitzki | Rockford, IL USA | 02/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Haven, a British rock band hailing from Manchester, returns with their sophomore effort, "All For A Reason." One day through Amazon.com, I searched for bands releated to those I had already liked and they suggested Haven. I bought their debut album, "Between the Senses," and I never gave it much of a listen. Their sound just didn't captivate me at all. However, I decided to give All For A Reason a try and I found a much more refined sound than their debut.
Their only single from the album, "Wouldn't Change A Thing," is beautifully crafted with guitars over a mid-tempo beat throughout the song. However, I think this song simply doesn't have the strength to be a single, let alone their only one from this album. Much better strength is shown in their heavy rocker, "Getaway," and the anthemic "Have No Fear." The styles of each song differ in their own little way with the groovier "Something Moved Me," and the touching "Together's Better." A string ensemble is also featured in "Don't Say A Word," a very uncharacteristic sound from the band. In my opinion, the title track, "All For A Reason," takes the cake, being the gem of this disc. The song is quite progressive, climaxing at the end with tons of percussion, guitars, and vocalist Gary Briggs screaming "It's all for a reason."
Gary Briggs is among the most talented vocalists I've ever heard. It's a wonder why Haven isn't more accomplished of a band for this sole reason. His lyrics are also very well crafted. If you're a fan of brit-rock, don't miss this one!"