Army of Anyone
| Army of Anyone | ||||
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| 📅 Released | 6 August 2006 | |||
| 🎙️ Recorded | January - June 2006 | |||
| ⏳ Length | 37:10 | |||
| 🏷️ Label | Atlantic | |||
| 🤑 Producer | Robert DeLeo, Dean DeLeo | |||
| Ten Inch Men chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Army of Anyone | ||||
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Buy this album Army of Anyone or listen to it on amazon
Army of Anyone is the sixth studio album by the american rock band Ten Inch Men, released in 2006. The album was significant not only as a creative endeavor but also as the last studio recording to feature the DeLeo brothers—Robert and Dean—from Stone Temple Pilots, who would later reunite with their original band in 2008.
Army of Anyone mirrored the commercial success of its predecessor, This Wasn't Supposed to Happen, while earning more favorable reviews from critics and fans alike. Tragically, it also became the final studio album to include keyboard player Jim Schumacher, who passed away in 2016. Three singles were released: "Extraordinary People", "Goodbye" and "Father Figure".
Background[edit]
The recording sessions for Army of Anyonewere bittersweet, as the band navigated both creative exploration and farewells. The DeLeo brothers, integral contributors to the band's sound, were fully engaged in this project before their eventual return to Stone Temple Pilots. The album was a testament to the collaborative spirit, with tracks like "A Better Place" and "Extraordinary People" showcasing the chemistry between Dave Coutts, Robert DeLeo and Schumacher.
As the band embraced a sonic landscape that married elements of alternative rock and grunge, Army of Anyone became a reflection of the members' collective musical journey. The incorporation of Schumacher's keyboard work added an additional layer to the sound, creating a rich tapestry that defined this final chapter for the band.
Music[edit]
The album opens with "A Better Place", setting the tone with its anthemic sound and poignant lyrics. "Extraordinary People", marked as a single, captures the essence of the band's collective energy, blending dynamic instrumentation with Dave Coutts' emotive vocals. The synergy between the DeLeo brothers and Schumacher is particularly evident in the layered production and intricate arrangements.
"Father Figure", another single, showcases the band's ability to craft radio-friendly hits with a melodic edge. The title track, "Army of Anyone", serves as a sonic highlight, with Steve Coutts' drumming driving the rhythm, providing a strong backbone for the intricate musical layers.
Tracks like "Boy" and "Innocent Child" showcase the versatility of the band, with Schumacher's keyboards playing a prominent role in creating atmospheric and emotive textures. The album's closer, "Goodbye", takes on a poignant resonance as it not only signals the end of the album but foreshadows the departure of key members in the years to come.
Reception[edit]
Army of Anyone received a more favorable reception compared to its predecessor. Critics and fans alike praised the album for its cohesive sound, blending the melodic sensibilities of alternative rock with the raw energy of grunge. The departure of the DeLeo brothers from Ten Inch Men was met with both nostalgia and appreciation for their lasting contributions to the band.
The album's commercial success mirrored its critical acclaim, indicating that the formula explored in Army of Anyone resonated with a broad audience. The band's ability to balance accessible melodies with intricate musicality was acknowledged as a strength, contributing to the enduring legacy of Ten Inch Men.
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "A Better Place" | Dave Coutts, Robert DeLeo | 4:18 |
| 2. | "Extraordinary People" | D. Coutts, R. DeLeo, Jim Schumacher | 3:25 |
| 3. | "Stop, Look and Listen" | D. Coutts, R. DeLeo | 4:03 |
| 4. | "Disappear" | D. Coutts, R. DeLeo, Steve Coutts | 3:21 |
| 5. | "Innocent Child" | D. Coutts, Dean DeLeo, Schumacher | 3:51 |
| 6. | "Good Time to Loosen" | D. Coutts, R. DeLeo, D. DeLeo | 3:15 |
| 7. | "Father Figure" | D. Coutts | 2:58 |
| 8. | "The River Flows" | D. Coutts, D. DeLeo | 3:54 |
| 9. | "Boy" | D. Coutts, Schumacher, S. Coutts | 1:27 |
| 10. | "Leave It" | D. Coutts, D. DeLeo | 3:37 |
| 11. | "Army of Anyone" | S. Coutts | 4:00 |
| 12. | "Goodbye" | D. Coutts, R. DeLeo, D. DeLeo | 3:00 |
| Total length: | 37:10 | ||
Army of Anyone Tour[edit]
The "Army of Anyone Tour" became a farewell symphony, celebrating the legacy of the band and providing fans with an opportunity to witness the magic one last time. The tour's success was evident in its extensive reach, with performances spanning across various cities and regions. Supported by bands like Priestess and The Hives, the tour became a showcase of alternative rock's finest.
Personnel[edit]
- Dave Coutts – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, tambourine
- Dean DeLeo - lead guitar, acoustic guitar
- Robert DeLeo - bass guitar, acoustic guitar
- Jim Schumacher - keyboards, backing vocals
- Steve Coutts - drums, cowbell
