Breaking Benjamin - Saturate (2002)^{Release ID: 42857}

As I've said before, Breaking Benjamin is one of the first rock/metal bands I had slight interest in over a decade before this review when my brother was (and still is) listening to this band and other bands. I mentioned that their debut Saturate had a post-grunge/hard rock sound, but I think this was only based on a few tracks I still remembered. With this album now fully in my mind after thorough listening, I've realized that it's a little more than just those two genres...

This was back when the nu metal scene was still on top, and Breaking Benjamin was part of it. However, they sound heavier than the songs from nu metal bands that are played on the radio, while their choruses are still worth singing along to.

"Wish I May" starts heavy before a Linkin Park-like singalong chorus. "Medicate" is similar, but closer to a grunge vibe. "Polyamorous" is the album's first single. It shows vocalist Benjamin Burnley having his ability to sing and perform background screams. A catchy tune that I still remember throughout all these years! "Skin" is more radio-friendly, once again mixing heavy and catchy in the choruses.

Modernizing the Bush sound of post-grunge is "Natural Life". However, the best song here for me is "Next to Nothing", despite sounding softer, which deserves as much fame as those 3 singles. I should also note that two of those singles ("Medicate" and "Polyamorous") were originally in the band's 2001 self-titled EP, and another one of the songs from the EP is "Water". This one starts with an experimental intro that almost made me think this would lead to an Atheist-like track, but it leads to this band's usual sound that's like a heavier Matchbox 20. Another song from the EP, "Home" is a heavier track I still remember and enjoy, with lyrics based on the Wizard of Oz.

"Phase" is a little more stripped down while still shining in heaviness, with a bit of tribal percussion. "No Games" has more of the mainstream Lifehouse/Calling side. That's the kind of style I want when balanced with the heavier stuff. "Sugarcoat" has more of that heavy potential. "Shallow Bay" is the last song to be re-recorded from their EP and the best of the heavier songs, which I still remember today. "Forever" is a soft hidden track ballad that's OK, but kind of an afterthought.

Saturate is a pretty good start to Breaking Benjamin's active career (active despite their hiatus throughout the first half of the 2010s). They have a great amount of songs with potential, though some of them miss that mark. This is worth picking up for the highlights and playing it loud and proud....

Favorites: "Wish I May", "Polyamorous", "Next to Nothing", "Home", "Phase", "Shallow Bay"