The Nightwatchman - One Man Revolution | Moiz Khan

The Nightwatchman - One Man RevolutionFiled Under: Media

Here it is folks, my review of One Man Revolution, the acoustic side project of Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave’s guitarist. Morello does pretty much all the work on this album, much like Serj Tankian did with his Elect the Dead, though this album is quite softer (as far as sound goes, lyrically it is just as harsh). This album review won’t be as in depth as the last, but I will follow the same format, just less to say about it…as the words essentially speak for themselves. Here we go:

1. California’s Dark

The opening track is a strong opening, though not the best of the tracks, it is a solid one. Here is a great excerpt from the song

“I heard a clear voice
I looked at my choices
And I made a choice
Smoke and ashes
Tonight hide the stars
The stop lights are red now, love
We’ve come for what’s our”

Rating: 3/5

2. One Man Revolution

The song that bears the title of the album is where this album really gets interesting. The song is inspiring to any young fellow, as it calls for some good old fashioned political activism. Those who stay complacent end up with nothing, those who stand up for they want, get everything.

Rating: 5/5

3. Let Freedom Ring

Morello follows his title track with another great one. It is a rather somber song, but has an aura of hope around it especially in the parts where Morello sings “Let Freedom Ring”.

Rating: 4/5

4. The Road I Must Travel

This song reminds me a bit of RATM’s work as far as its message goes. The song gives me the impression of “a never ending quest for freedom”…the road (literal or not) is quite rough and will have difficulties for anyone who wishes to cross it….but the prize, (freedom) is well worth the travel.

Rating: 5/5

5. The Garden Of Gethsemane

Honestly don’t really have much to say about this song, is a solid song, also has that somber like mood to it. I don’t really like the song, nothing sticks out about it…maybe I am missing something…but until I find it…this is the worst track on an otherwise solid album.

Rating: 1/5

6. House Gone Up In Flames

One of the best songs of the album, House Gone Up In Flames is also my personal favorite. Morello uses a little Guthrie and Dylan here, and does so masterfully and powerfully. What I think this song is about is “starting fresh”, to start fresh one must “burn” everything they had (whether it be material possessions or personal beliefs). An incredible song, and everyone should check this album just for this song.

Rating: 5/5

7. Flesh Shapes The Day

A great song right here, a bit of humorous twist to it and lots of passion as well. “…That Jesus, Mary, Joseph And the Apostle Paul were black…”… ” Yeah, I support my troops, They wave black flags, They wear black masks”…. those two excerpts being shining examples of the humor. To end off this song review, I’ll show how Morello ends off this song… ” It doesn’t matter who you are, Does not matter what the fuck you say, Flesh shapes the day”

Rating: 5/5

8. Battle Hymns

I suppose this song rather speaks for itself. I don’t really have much to say about this one either…though it is a pretty good song in which Morello uses his harmonica while playing the acoustic.

Rating: 4/5

9. Maximum Firepower

I think this is the one exception to the “self explanatory” theme of this album. I think it may be about how awesome Morello is…and how he fights for what he believes in.

Rating: 4/5

10. Union Song

This has a sort of “Marxist” theme to it. Reminds me of the quote that Marx said…”Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your shackles.”…Basically this is for the every day fellow who works his ass off and sees nothing compared to his greedy boss who can probably take showers in money.

Rating: 4/5

11. No One Left

This continues with that self explanatory theme…its basically about all those who die…”Each one had a father…each one had a name, a mother”. A good song, somewhat repetitive but solid nonetheless.

Rating: 4/5

12. The Dark Clouds Above

Another self explanatory song, it really does speak for itself so it makes it rather difficult to make a reaction or interpretation on it…since its right there in front of the listener.

Rating: 3/5

13. Until The End

The final track of the album is basically in the perfect position…as it concludes with the perfect summary of the album. The album is called “One Man Revolution”…that revolution being…bringing forth radical change everywhere that needs it. This is the case with the current state of politics in America, and this song is about doing everything possible to return America back to a proper state, one without the heavy corruption that is synonamous with the Bush administration.

Rating: 4/5

Overall, I really do enjoy this album. Morello’s voice is a bit different to what I normally listen to…as I don’t really listen to any folk type of music…but his voice is quite good. His guitar skills are top notch…he obviously isn’t just a electric “effect” guitar player. Morello recently stated “Bad presidents make for good music”…that is the perfect way to describe this album in my opinion.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Next up: Either Lateralus or 10,000 Days by Tool

External Links:

The Nightwatchman’s Official Website

Buy One Man Revolution

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