Album Review — Candlebox

Candlebox — Wolves

Candlebox is back with their seventh studio album, “Wolves”, which was released on September 17. It’s their first album since 2016’s “Disappearing In Airports”.

Candlebox’s debut record was released in the height of grunge back in 1993 and being from Seattle they were lumped in with the grunge bands of the time. But the band was always quite melodic even if the guitars were tuned down a bit to fit the style of the day.

“Wolves” isn’t too far a departure from the band’s original sound. The heavier tracks are not quite as heavy as they once were but they are still present, but this time with a little more of a bluesy feel to them, especially on the two opening tracks, “All Down Hill From Here” and “Let Me Down Easy”.

But the record really shines on the more straight ahead rockers. “My Weakness” is a contender for song of the year for me. Singer Kevin Martin has said the song reminds him of his youth listening to Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams. Martin’s vocals have a similar rasp as the two rock legends and the song has that same feel of driving down the highway with the radio cranked up. Such a fantastic track.

“Lost Angeline” has a similar feel to it and would fit right in on any Bryan Adams record. These two tracks alone make this record a must listen.

“Riptide” is a little more mellow and reminds me of an early Matchbox 20 or Tonic feel. The strings that run throughout the song really make the track.

“Trip” is another driving track that builds and although it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the best tracks, it’s still a quality tune.

The album closer, “Criminals”, is a moodier track that slowly builds and sounds like something off the first record in the chorus.

“Wolves” is a nice surprise. I hadn’t heard much of anything from the band since their debut record. For whatever reason, even though they were releasing music, it never made it into my hands. But a couple of listens into “Wolves” makes me want to go back and check the other records out.

This is a solid record that has tremendous highs that make it a must own for me. “My Weakness” is worth the price of admission all on its own. It’s at least worth downloading the top few songs but if you liked the band at some point it’s definitely time to give them another go.

90 out of 100

Track Listing

1. All Down Hill From Here
2. Let Me Down Easy
3. Riptide *
4. Sunshine
5. My Weakness *
6. We
7. Nothing Left To Lose
8. Lost Angeline *
9. Trip *
10. Don’t Count Me Out
11. Criminals *

*Best Songs