The problem, unfortunately, is that what made The Reason such a successful disc has disappeared on Every Man For Himself. This is actual reverting to the band's debut disc. And for some, that won't be a complaint. In fact, many would argue that more creativity could be found in the self-titled debut than in The Reason, and that may be true. Sadly, many of the songs on this disc lack solid lyrics that actually say...anything. The lead single from the disc, If I Were You, is an insanely boring mid-tempo track that doesn't really fit well on pop or alternative radio, the two genres where the band found their huge success. Many other tracks, like Moving Forward, First Of Me and Don't Tell Me are just very boring tracks that can very easily make listeners disinterested in the disc.
Now, the disc is not all bad. There are a few bright spots. Born To Lead, the opening (musical) track, is a strong, hard rock song that should find it's niche easily enough. Likewise, Without A Fight has an edginess to it that makes you want to listen a few more times. And If Only gives the disc a nice almost-ballad to work with.
But those few short statements are really the only good things to be said about this disc. Most of it is a huge letdown. Tracks like Say The Same and Look Where We Are showcase the boredom that ensues with this disc. There is no creativity musically or lyrically. The disc simply drones on and on. It is a true waste of what talent was available on the previous disc.
Overall, it will be no shock to hear that this disc is pretty terrible, save for a few bright spots. Every Man For Himself is one of 2006's biggest disappointments, plain and simple. There really is nothing more to say about it.