The only reason why I gave this album a 4 out of 5 stars is because of lofty expectations I had before its release. Although I truly enjoy how Everlast just seems to take you for a ride with every album he puts out, I was hoping for a little more hip hop on this album; especially with all the great tracks he puts out with La Coka Nostra. Needless to say, this release stands firmly on how versatile Everlast is as an artist, and how much he's matured ever since his days with the Rhyme Syndicate and solo debut, to House of Pain, to his solo projects and cameos, and of course, now with LCN. A strong and long-awaited album that will surely be revered by any real music fan that appreciates awesome talent. Big up Ev!

Out of the 4 albums of his that I own, this is by far the best. Don't get me wrong, Whitey for Sings the Blues and Eat At Whitey's were good albums, but they had tracks that I could do without. I'm not a big fan of when he raps though, so I was glad he did this one pretty much without any. Every song on this CD is good. There are 2 reasons I give this 4 stars instead of 5: because on a couple of tracks he forces some rhymes that don't make any sense; and he is to the point where he is forcing himself to cuss for no reason. I don't mind cussing at all, I listen to mostly rap, but it gets annoying when it is forced.

Great Album.

I've had an ear out for Everlast ever since his House of Pain days. The Whitey Ford album was a good look for him. This record goes in another direction but works none the less. He starts off with a compelling first track "Kill the Emperor", "lets stop the War and feed the poor kill the emperor". The 2nd cut "Folson Prison Blues", is reminiscent of the House of pain days.

My favorite songs are (6) "Friend" which is the most introspective song and strikes the chord of emphatic truth, "Lovers come and go but right now I need a friend". The (13) track "Weakness" is vintage country blues and another favorite of mine. The beat and rythm of (14) "Dirty" makes it hot, track (4) "Anyone" is solid also. The final track (17) "Saving Grace" I think expresses societies ills and failings "sitting by the phone waiting for the Lord to send my calling" is very powerful.

His album motif is a bit unusual coming from a so called "Whitey Ford". I think Everlast has reinvented himself since going solo and continues to do just that "thankful for the gifts the angels gave me" He was more of a rapper than a singer on "White Ford sings the blues" this one is more singing than rapping.

Being a firm believer in the livingstone used to make a Temple without the use of any metal instrument,eternal in the Heavens. I find it interesting the word "stone" appears in the title of 3 of the songs on this album. (3) "Stone in my hand" (10) "Letters Home from the garden of stone" and (12) "Throw a stone". Mere coincidence, perhaps not.

Most hip hop heads probably won't appreciate this piece of work,some might not even call it hip hop but I like its diversity, thus the 4 star rating.

Fantastic Album. Everlast brings an incredible comination to his music, depth and street credibility. His sound has matured in leaps and bounds since White Trash Beautiful (not saying that great album was bad, this album just sonically is much denser and layered). Lyrically he covers politically, emotions, love war (ie the title. Buy this album and you love it. Support independent artists.
Congrats Eric Schrodey, aka Everlasts.

Exquisite ... Everlast is fabulous and this CD provides an overview of all his many talents. From rock to folk to blues--incredible CD.