When I first became a SOAD fan, I bought Toxicity first. It was a great album so then I tried their 1998 debut release, and I was exposed to their deep inner self. Then I got this new album and I must say that System has again enthralled me. Each song may start out similar but, once things get going, they are all genuine in themselves.

Chic 'N' Stu - Weird song with a catchy chorus. What a splendid pie!! Pizza pizza pie!! I don't know what Serj is blathering about but I like it heh

Innervision - My sister was the first to tell me about this and I downloaded it. It seemed amazing when it was the only song I'd heard but, when I bought the whole CD, it was left in the dust as the melodic tunes of every other track began to catch my interest more

Bubbles - Short and sweet. This one didn't seem to get much hype but it was awesome though. It's not deep or dark. It's just fun and energetic

Boom! - Serj really managed to prevail in this song with his monotonous tone of voice in the beginning as the wild music is playing in the background. The chorus is nothing too special though

Nuguns - This is probably the song I've given the least amount of listens to even though it is quite good

A.D.D. - The three letters stand for American Dream Denial. I love the chorus to this one. It's one of my favorites

Mr. Jack - I just caught on to this song today. It's the longest track and yet it's only over four minutes

I-E-A-I-A-I-O - System seems to do good at choruses. And this one is enchanting. And we light up the skyyy...

36 - The song is called 36 but it's 46 seconds long. Cool music but the message seems to oppress television

Pictures - The music in this one rocks. And I love it when Daron jumps in at the end and repeats Serj's every phrase in a scream. Away (away!) gold dust (gold dust!)

Highway Song - I didn't pay much attention to this at first. But it's really melodic so I caught on fast

**** the System - It's alright. Nothing to put too much attention to

Ego Brain - System unleashes their soft side. The opening music sounds like the song Toxicity but everything quickly changes. The music, the flow, the message, it's all done perfectly in this track

Thetawaves - It starts out mediocre but as soon as you hear the chorus (Time feels like a midnight ride, finality waits outside, weeping in perplexity's arms, caressing our smiles inside) then you will be hooked

Roulette - Very calm, very soothing. This is not like normal System and that's what I like about it. They're trying to bring out different kinds of music

Streamline - This one was released as an extra by itself and debuted on the movie Scorpion King. I remember downloading it last summer and it's still good

As most people know, this cd consists of songs that were cut from System of a Down's previous two releases, their self-titled debut and the fairly new "Toxicity." Quite honestly, I think that this cd is better than either of their other two releases, which I also liked a lot. This song has some VERY stand-out tracks, such as "Inner Vision," "Highway Songs," and "Ego Brain." It also has their Ozzfest 2002 opener, "I-E-A-I-A-I-O." If you liked either of System's previous cds, get this cd now. It's a perfect mix of their heavy roots and their current, more melodic style.

As with any S.O.A.D. album, these songs are absolutely wonderful. This CD may not be as *perfect* as Toxicity was, but how they took these songs off the cutting-room floor and re-did them as beautifully as they did is amazing. System has changed their sound in some of the songs ("Ego Brains", "Roulette") but it shows how their music is changing and growing for the better.

This is an energetic metal CD informed by punk and grunge. Songs criticize the system, advertising, gun laws and warmongers. There's probably an anti-pollution/pro-baby seals cut, but I missed it; nevertheless, System of a Down comes off less dogmatic and preachy than brother-politicos Rage Against the Machine. Machine gun drums, bass far forward and lots of tempo changes invite comparisons to Thinking Fellers, Tool or Slint and, as with any good metal album, there are a couple of pleasant ballads too. Very enjoyable.

this cd proves once and for all that system's mediocre is better than alot of other bands' best. most of these songs could've and sholud've made the cut on any of SOAD's studio albums. good buy