Icon for Hire (album)

Last updated

Icon for Hire
Icon For Hire Album Cover.jpg
Studio album by
Icon for Hire
ReleasedOctober 15, 2013 (2013-10-15)
Recorded2013
Studio NRG Recording Studios, North Hollywood, California
Genre Alternative metal
Length42:49
Label Tooth & Nail
Producer Mike Green
Icon for Hire chronology
Scripted
(2011)		Icon for Hire
(2013)		 You Can't Kill Us
(2016)
Singles from Icon for Hire
  1. "Cynics & Critics"
    Released: August 16, 2013
  2. "Sugar & Spice"
    Released: October 3, 2013
  3. "Counting on Hearts"
    Released: January 14, 2014[ citation needed ]
  4. "Sorry About Your Parents"
    Released: September 8, 2014

Icon for Hire is the second studio album by American rock band Icon for Hire, released on October 15, 2013, through Tooth & Nail Records. It was recorded with producer Mike Green (All Time Low, Pierce the Veil) at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California. It is a musical departure from the band's debut album Scripted (2011), incorporating elements of hip hop, electronica, dubstep, and post-hardcore into the band's previously established hard rock style. [1] [2] The tracks "Cynics & Critics", "Sugar & Spice", "Counting on Hearts" and "Sorry About Your Parents" were released as singles. Upon release, the album received largely positive reviews and debuted at No. 66 on the Billboard 200.

Contents

Release and promotion

The album was officially announced with a lyric video for first single "Cynics & Critics", released on August 15, 2013. [3] Preorders for the album were made available the following month. [4] A short clip of the song "Sugar & Spice" was released on October 3, 2013. [5] Tooth & Nail announced they would be releasing another single, "Counting on Hearts".[ citation needed ] The final single was announced on September 8, 2014. The song was revealed to be "Sorry About Your Parents".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [6]
CCM Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Christian Music ZineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
CM AddictStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
HM Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Mind Equals BlownStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [1]
New Release TuesdayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [12]
Outburn 8/10 [13]

Icon for Hire received mostly positive critical reception. William James of Outburn said that the band "courageously bucks the standard female fronted act comparisons" with the release, and noted how the group "wisely self-titled this record, confidently assuring listeners that this is their definitive work." [13] At CCM Magazine , Matt Conner felt that the band was "clearly up to the challenge" with the album that proves "the best is yet to come from Tooth & Nail's young anchors." [7] Mary Nikkel of New Release Tuesday described the album as an "edgy masterpiece in the tradition of Nine Inch Nails or Linkin Park," praising the lyrics for their "delicate balance between honesty...and hope," and declaring the album "a milestone moment, both for the band and for their genre as a whole." [12] AllMusic's Matt Collar praised the band's "passionate, high-energy music" and Ariel's "resonant vocal chops". [6] Micah Garnett of Christian Music Zine stated "this album takes the best features from Scripted and improves upon them substantially." He concludes his review by saying "this is one of the best rock albums of the year." [8] Kelcey Wixtrom of CM Addict called it "an impressive album." [2] From Mind Equals Blown's Jeremy Vane-Tempest: "If you want a tonne of fun ... listen to Icon for Hire." [1]

By contrast, Jesus Freak Hideout's Michael Weaver declared that the album "finds the band trying too hard: Trying too hard to be different, trying too hard to be hip, and trying too hard to be cute and interesting lyrically," and labeled it "the very definition of sophomore slump." [10] Second Opinion reviewer Cortney Warner further noted that the lyrics "can come across as snarky and defensive, which can sometimes make it difficult to appreciate and empathize with their music," and felt it to be a "step backwards from their debut", despite praising the "diverse" music as a highlight of the album. [11]

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of November 2, 2013, Icon for Hire was the No. 66 most sold album in the entirety of the United States by the Billboard 200, [14] and it was the No. 4 Top Christian Album sold the same week. [15] On the other charts, it was the No. 20 most sold album on Top Rock Albums chart, [16] the No. 16 Top Alternative Albums, the No. 8 Top Hard Rock Albums, [17] and it came in at No. 11 on the Independent Albums chart. [18]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Icon For Hire.

No.TitleLength
1."Cynics & Critics"3:22
2."Nerves"3:15
3."Sugar & Spice"4:02
4."Hope of Morning"3:49
5."Sorry About Your Parents"3:17
6."Pop Culture"3:23
7."Watch Me"3:34
8."Slow Down"3:46
9."Rock and Roll Thugs"3:36
10."Think I'm Sick"2:54
11."Fix Me"3:47
12."Counting on Hearts"3:59
Total length:42:49

Personnel

Icon for Hire

Additional personnel

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [19] 66
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard) [20] 16
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [21] 4
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard) [22] 8
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [23] 11
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [24] 20

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Project 86</span> American rock band

Project 86 is an American metal band from Orange County, California, formed in 1996. The band has released ten albums, which have collectively sold nearly 500,000 units worldwide, two EPs, two DVDs, and one live album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Almost</span> American band

The Almost is an American rock band from Clearwater, Florida, fronted by Underoath drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie. Formed in 2005 as a solo project by Gillespie, the band currently includes guitarist Jay Vilardi, bassist Jon Thompson, and drummer JJ Revell. They released three albums via Tooth & Nail Records: their debut Southern Weather (2007), Monster Monster (2009), and Fear Inside Our Bones (2013). Following a hiatus in 2015, Gillespie revived the project and released a fourth album, Fear Caller, in 2019 through Fearless Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Icon for Hire</span> American rock band

Icon for Hire is an American rock band from Decatur, Illinois. Formed in 2007, the band's current lineup consists of singer Ariel Bloomer and lead guitarist Shawn Jump. They released two EPs independently before signing to Tooth & Nail Records, through which they released their first two albums: Scripted in 2011 and Icon for Hire on October 15, 2013. Their third album, You Can't Kill Us, was independently released on November 25, 2016. Their fourth album, Amorphous, was released on February 19, 2021, also independently. Their fifth independent studio album, The Reckoning, was released on September 30, 2022.

I Am Empire is an American rock band from San Jose, California. Formed in 2008, the band currently consists of Austin Lyons and Joshua Case. The band's first label release, Kings, was released by Tooth & Nail Records on January 25, 2011 and has since made Billboard's Top Christian Albums and Top Heatseekers charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nine Lashes</span> American Christian rock band

Nine Lashes is an American Christian rock band from Birmingham, Alabama formed in 2006. They independently released their first album, Escape, in 2009 before Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch brought them to the attention of Tooth & Nail Records. Upon signing to the label, the band recorded their second album World We View and released it on February 14, 2012. The album sold well, making several Billboard charts. The band released their third album, From Water to War on January 21, 2014. After a change in direction, the band released their fourth album, the electronica and Christian rock styled Ascend on March 11, 2016.

<i>World We View</i> 2012 studio album by Nine Lashes

World We View is the second studio album by the American Christian rock band Nine Lashes, released on February 14, 2012, through Tooth & Nail Records. It is the follow-up to their independent debut album Escape and was co-produced by Aaron Sprinkle and Trevor McNevan, the latter of whom was instrumental in getting the group signed and contributes guest vocals to the song "Adrenaline".

<i>Fading West</i> 2014 studio album by Switchfoot

Fading West is the ninth studio album by the American alternative rock band Switchfoot, released on January 14, 2014 through Atlantic. The album was promoted by four singles: "Who We Are" and "Love Alone Is Worth the Fight", released in September 2013, "Let It Out" released in February 2014, and "When We Come Alive", released in May 2014.

<i>Rise</i> (Skillet album) 2013 studio album by Skillet

Rise is the eighth studio album by American Christian rock band Skillet. It was released on June 25, 2013. The deluxe edition includes three bonus tracks and a DVD entitled Awake & Live DVD. It is the first album to feature guitarist Seth Morrison.

<i>Fear Inside Our Bones</i> 2013 studio album by The Almost

Fear Inside Our Bones is the third studio album by alternative rock band The Almost, who also produced the album with Marshall Altman. It was released on June 11, 2013 by Tooth & Nail Records and was met with both commercial success and critical acclaim.

<i>Radiate</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Tricia

Radiate is the second studio album by American contemporary Christian musician Tricia, released on August 13, 2013 by Inpop Records. The album has seen commercial charting success, as well as, positive critical attention.

<i>Just Say Jesus</i> 2013 studio album by 7eventh Time Down

Just Say Jesus is the second studio album by Christian rock band 7eventh Time Down, released on September 3, 2013 by BEC Recordings. This album saw chart successes and positive critical reception.

<i>Scarecrow</i> (Decyfer Down album) 2013 studio album by Decyfer Down

Scarecrow is the third studio album by Christian rock band Decyfer Down, which it was released on August 27, 2013, by Fair Trade Services record label, and it was produced by Paul Ebersold with Seth Mosley. The album has achieved positive critical attention, and has seen chart successes.

<i>Fight the Silence</i> 2014 studio album by For Today

Fight the Silence is the fifth studio album by For Today. The album was released on February 4, 2014 through Razor & Tie.

<i>From Water to War</i> 2014 studio album by Nine Lashes

From Water to War is the third studio album by the American Christian rock band Nine Lashes. The album was released on January 21, 2014, through Tooth & Nail Records. It was produced by Jasen Rauch and Aaron Sprinkle.

<i>Lowborn</i> 2014 studio album by Anberlin

Lowborn is the seventh studio album by the American alternative rock band Anberlin. The album was scheduled for release on June 24, 2014, but was pushed back to July 22, 2014. This album was produced by the band. The album has been described by Stephen Christian as "eclectic and chaotic, just like a good Anberlin record should be."

Artifex Pereo is an American rock band from Louisville, Kentucky that formed in 2008. The band released two independent releases before being signed to Tooth & Nail Records. In 2014, the band released their debut studio album entitled Time in Place that charted on two Billboard charts.

<i>Time in Place</i> (Artifex Pereo album) 2014 studio album by Artifex Pereo

Time in Place is the debut studio album from the American rock band Artifex Pereo. The album was released on May 27, 2014 by Tooth & Nail Records. This album was produced by Kris Crummett. The album charted on two Billboard charts, and met with a positive critical reception.

<i>Handmade</i> (The Ongoing Concept album) 2015 studio album by The Ongoing Concept

Handmade is the second studio album from The Ongoing Concept. Solid State Records released the album on June 16, 2015.

XXI (formerly, A Feast for Kings (AFFK)) is an American Christian metal band that also takes influences from Alternative metal and Post-hardcore. They come from Carrollton, Kentucky, where they were formed in 2010, with lead vocalist Eric Gentry. Eric's death in 2014 was the reasoning behind the band's name change, with 'XXI' (Roman numerals for '21') being Eric's age at the time of his death. Their first extended play, Hell on Earth, was released in 2014, shortly before Eric's death, and under their former name. The debut studio album, Inside Out, was released with Carson Butcher as lead vocalist on Tooth & Nail Records in 2015. This album was their breakthrough album on both the Billboard magazine Christian Albums and Heatseekers Albums charts.

<i>Live at the Knight</i> 2015 live album by John Mark McMillan

Live at the Knight is the first live album from John Mark McMillan. Jesus Culture Music alongside Sparrow Records released the album on October 23, 2015.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Vane-Tempest, Jeremy (October 11, 2013). "Icon For Hire – Icon For Hire (Review)". Mind Equals Blown. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Wixtrom, Kelcey (October 21, 2013). "Review of Icon For Hire by Icon For Hire". CM Addict. Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved October 21, 2013.
  3. ↑ Bird, Michele (August 16, 2013). "Icon For Hire release new song, "Cynics & Critics"". Alternative Press . Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  4. ↑ Bird, Michele (September 7, 2013). "Icon For Hire to launch pre-orders for new album next week". Alternative Press . Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  5. ↑ Bird, Michele (October 3, 2013). "Icon For Hire tease new song, "Sugar & Spice"". Alternative Press . Retrieved October 16, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Collar, Matt. "Icon for Hire - Icon for Hire". AllMusic . Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Conner, Matt (November 1, 2013). "Icon For Hire: Icon for Hire (Tooth & Nail)" (PDF). CCM Magazine . Salem Publishing. p. 70. ISSN   1524-7848 . Retrieved November 1, 2013.
  8. 1 2 Garnett, Micah (October 13, 2013). "Icon For Hire – Icon For Hire (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  9. ↑ Brehm, Sarah (November 6, 2013). "Icon for Hire - Icon for Hire". HM . HM Publications LLC. ISSN   1066-6923 . Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Weaver, Michael (October 13, 2013). "Icon For Hire, "Icon For Hire" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  11. 1 2 Warner, Cortney (October 13, 2013). "Icon For Hire, "Icon For Hire" Review: Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  12. 1 2 Nikkel, Mary (October 18, 2013). "Songs for the Soul-sick". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved October 19, 2013.
  13. 1 2 James, William (2014). "Icon For Hire (Tooth & Nail)". Outburn . Octavia Laird and Rodney Kusano. Jan/Feb 2014 (72): 59. ISSN   1542-1309. Archived from the original on December 27, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Billboard 200: Nov 02, 2013". billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Christian Albums: Nov 02, 2013". billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Top Rock Albums: Nov 02, 2013". billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Hard Rock Albums: Nov 02, 2013". billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Independent Albums: Nov 02, 2013". billboard.com. Retrieved October 25, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 1488.
  24. ↑ "Icon for Hire Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.