FEB. 2008

On "Ties That Bind" and "Come to Life" singer Myles Kennedy seizes control, refusing to let current shackles and domineering people dictate his future. One of those oppressors is alcohol, the master of "a wasted life" that he desperately wants to escape ("Buried Alive"). A prodigal preaches reconciliation on "Coming Home," while "Before Tomorrow Comes" challenges the indifferent to seize the day ("Will I be defined by things that I could have done?"). "Rise Today" puts out a call to world-changers and peacemakers. Other tracks honor soldiers who have died in Iraq ("One by One"), or recommend perseverance with the hope of healing ("Brand New Start," "White Knuckles," "Wayward One"). Ultimate healing is the focus of the title song, an aching, melancholy prayer for a terminally ill friend ("Know that you've made such a difference/... Let the wind carry you home/Blackbird fly away/May you never be broken again").

Songs use the phrases "d--n it all" ("Before Tomorrow Comes") and "d--n you all" ("Ties That Bind").

Despite expressions of inner turmoil, Alter Bridge maintains a positive, at times vaguely spiritual outlook on life. Blackbird is the second release from this band, made up of Kennedy and former members of Creed. Except for two senseless profanities, it's a winner.