Following the release of 2001's "Sinister Urge," Rob Zombie took a little hiatus away from music. During this five year absence, Rob made two feature films, so it was questionable if he would ever return to music, or just focus on his movie career full time. But now his fans can rejoice because Rob has finally returned with a new studio album.

"Educated Horses" keeps the b-side/horror movie samples to a minimum, so it may very well be the most focused and professional album of Rob's long and storied career. Plus, as songs like the churning "American Witch," and the rhythmic "17 Year Locust" show, Rob still knows his way around a good hook. And there are a handful of standout tracks on here. "The Scorpion Sleeps" features a catchy stop-start beat with stutter-stepping guitars; songs like "Let It All Bleed Out" and "Ride" are backed by a powerful chug and churn guitar lead; and "Death Of It All" has a beautiful acoustic guitar intro/outro and an unexpected, hooky hand-clap pattern.

But, unfortunately, "Educated Horses" has just as many drawbacks as good aspects. Firstly, there are no classics anywhere on here, and no songs that are anywhere near as good or memorable as, say, "Dragula," "Living Dead Girl," or "Never Gonna Stop." It's doubtful that any of "Educated Horses" will stick with you or bounce around your head for very long.

Next, this is doubtlessly Rob's most experimental and least heavy album. The single, "Foxy Foxy," has a syncopated beat and digitized/electronic vocals, whereas songs like the aforementioned "17 Year Locust" and "The Devil's Rejects" feature (what could be) a sitar. Experimentation isn't inherently a bad thing, but most would agree that heavy songs are catchier, more infectious, more exciting/exhilarating, and hold the listener's attention better.

Finally, the biggest flaw this C.D. has is that, like most RZ discs, "Educated Horses" is WAY too short. At a mere 11 tracks (with only nine of those being actual songs) and 39 minutes, it doesn't have time to be to wow the listener or be a satisfying step forward from "Sinister Urge." It's curious that it took Rob this long to make a C.D. that's this brief.

So, there are a few good tunes here, but, as a whole, "Educated Horses" just kind of falls flat and isn't memorable. In fact, it's probably Rob Zombie's weakest album (that he's made by himself or with White Zombie). If you're not a diehard fan who needs a complete collection, you can definitely afford to skip this one or buy it used.

I know Rob's fans are a rabid lot (I know cos I count myself among them); so it pains me to say this new album is a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it's quite enjoyable.. but nothing special. I had reservations before the release having read an old interview where Rob apparently says he doesn't give a s**t about music anymore, he's into making films now. Fair enough, he's been making music a long time now. Maybe it's understandable that he's tired of it and more interested in doing something new... Okay..so stick to the movies Rob. This album sounds tired and uninspired to me. Was it a contractual requirement ? I don't know. Even the artwork for the cd is lacking.. Remember how you could pour over a White Zombie / Rob Zombie cover/booklet for ages ? Maybe I have it all wrong.. I just don't feel any heart in this latest album. If Rob does continue to make music, I hope it rocks better than this..

What a waste of money! These songs seem like leftovers from his last 2 albums. The only highlight is the last 30 seconds of the disc. It seemed like Rob left the recording studio and the rest of the band said "Screw this. Let's play something that actually sounds good."
I hearby state that I will no longer refer to this band as Rob Zombie. It shall now be called 'Sherrie Moon's Husband's Band'.

I hate to say it but Scum of The Earth's (Zombie leftovers) put out a better CD than this.

this isn't what i was expecting out of an album that too so long to come out. it's "different" than anything he's come out with before. alot softer if you will. something that could be heard on teh radio at anytime of the day i'd say. when i first got it i skimmed through it to find the tracks that where keepers and which one's i'd have to give more time to. problem is i couldn't find one that was an instant classic...just alot of filler. out of all the ones on it i like Death of it All the most. the album was a little on the short side also. which isn't a bad thing if your not lyric extensive. all in all if your new to rob zombie then its not so bad. but if you've been a fan since white zomebie your expectations may be unfulfilled like mine was. sorry rob but this album sucked ;_;

I like most of Rob & White Zombie's stuff. Maybe I'm getting older and heading in a different direction than Rob, but this is just NOT impressive. Where is the punch, drive, or energy? I can't see the old or recent Zombie fans giving this impressive reviews. 3 decent songs on the disc is not worth the $$.