Crush 40 is the brainchild of the Japanese guitar player Jun Senoue. The project started out when Jun Senoue was writing tunes for Sega video games. Jun tracked down Johnny Gioeli to add some vocals and together they released the album "Thrill of the Feel" in Japan under the name Sons of Angels. 8 songs from that album are included on the Crush 40 album.

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Johnny Gioeli's vocals. After his amazing singing on Hardline's "Double Eclipse" he disappeared for a couple of years, but Johnny is now back stronger than ever. In 2002 we heard him on 2 Axel Rudi Pell releases and the fantastic long awaited Hardline II. Crush 40 is maintaining the high standard, both vocal wise and song writing wise. No Johnny Gioeli fan would be disappointed after hearing this album.

The album opens with the cool in your face Rocker Live and Learn, which some computer nerds might recognize as theme song for "Sonic Adventure 2 Battle". The song has a big chorus and a remarkable guitar solo. The same goes for the next song Revvin' Up raising the listener's expectations highly with such an explosive start of the album.

Album highlights include In the Lead, which is an entertaining high class Hard Rock song. Jun Senoue's guitar playing is very inventive and his playing is spiced with lots of guitar tricks. Johnny Gioeli is giving 110 percent of himself in this song. Open Your Heart is the first song that Crush 40 tracked. It sounds like Jun wanted to impress Gioeli on their first time in the studio. Open Your Heart has some very aggressive playing from Jun. He is attacking the strings with power making this crunchy guitar driven song very forceful. There is a slight distortion on Johnny's voice, but his characteristic vocals are unfolded in the chorus.

Tony Harnell is taking over the lead vocals on It Doesn't Matter. Tony's vocals are always great and the great chorus makes this song really good. Ted Poley is singing the last song, which is a bit out of place on this record. Escape from the City has a funky beat and the production is sounding a bit different. Ted's vocals don't match the predecessors.

Most songs are written for the Sega car video game. This is particularly showed in the lyrics mostly dealing with a car race theme, where more diversified lyrics could have improved the overall quality of the album. An example of the music is Into The Wind, which has a characteristic riff as theme throughout the song. Probably great for video game, but on record it sounds like an instrumental piece with a few vocals added.

All in all a great Hard Rock album in the vein of the first Hardline album. Jun Senoue's intelligent playing is making the album very entertaining. Once again Johnny Gioeli is stressing that his voice is meant for Hard Rock. His vocals have a certain emotion and you can hear that his vocals are coming straight from the heart. Johnny loves this and it is transferred directly to the listener.

Crush 40 is already planning a follow up to this album. It has got to be killer.

Written by Michael
Sunday, February 23, 2003
Show all reviews by Michael

Ratings

Michael: 7.5/10

Members: No members have rated this album yet.

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Comment by Sonic the Hedgehog (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 2, 2003

They did some sweet songs for both of my sega dreamcast and gamecube games. I can't wait to find out what songs they did for my next game! Knuckles, Tails and I are going to be killer in Heroes, will kill Chaotics, Rose and Dark!

Comment by Sonic the Hedgehog (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 2, 2003

They did some sweet songs for both of my sega dreamcast and gamecube games. I can't wait to find out what songs they did for my next game! Knuckles, Tails and I are going to be killer in Heroes, will kill Chaotics, Rose and Dark!

Comment by Sonic the Hedgehog (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 2, 2003

They did some sweet songs for both of my sega dreamcast and gamecube games. I can't wait to find out what songs they did for my next game! Knuckles, Tails and I are going to be killer in Heroes, will kill Chaotics, Rose and Dark!

Comment by Sonic the Hedgehog (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 2, 2003

They did some sweet songs for both of my sega dreamcast and gamecube games. I can't wait to find out what songs they did for my next game! Knuckles, Tails and I are going to be killer in Heroes, will kill Chaotics, Rose and Dark!

Comment by Lightning (Anonymous) - Wednesday, November 12, 2003

yes! sonic soundtrax!

Comment by Fangking_Omega (Anonymous) - Monday, November 17, 2003

Well, I find it an enjoyable album overall, not the best, but very good either way, and then you have to remember almost all of it is from a video game. Personal faves, All The Way, Into The Wind, Watch Me Fly, Revvin' Up, heck, all of it's good! Unfortunately, it is quite obscure and difficult to find, and most of the copies I found online were expensive, so if you want to experience this great piece of work, you'll have to be prepared for a long search and to lose some cash. Overall, I put it at 8/10

Comment by ZeroGirl13 (Anonymous) - Monday, January 26, 2004

I absoluty love Crush 40. I have the CD and so does my friend Margy. ^_^ I never would of expected that just one song would completly turn me over to rock and heavy metal. Before I bought "Sonic Adventure 2 Battle" I was a huge fan of pop music, and nothing else. When I first heard Live and Learn, I became a rock fan, and then I learned that they had an album, and i was so amazed, I begged and pleaded to get it. Then I got the CD and I have been listening to it ever sense. *thumbs up* Way'ta go Crush 40. Heh, 9.5/10 from me.

Comment by Zack (Anonymous) - Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Crush 40 has got to be the best band ever! It Doesn't Matter is my favorite song. I Live in Canada so its its kinda hard to get japanese Cd's over here ,but i think these guys music sohuld be world famous.

Comment by Wick (Anonymous) - Wednesday, February 11, 2004

A great album ! Sounds simular to Iron Maiden. Has some great songs that come from Sonic Adventure 2. For those who aren't Sonic fans, don't get disencouraged to get this album, it's really good and the songs are great. A must-get album.

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Tuesday, February 17, 2004

What im made of is my fav song from sonic heroes!

Comment by Willis (Anonymous) - Friday, February 20, 2004

They did an amazing job for Sonic Heroes, and agree with Espio on fav song. If someone from there reads this, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Comment by sean (Anonymous) - Thursday, February 26, 2004

i first heard the songs from the sonic games. i was amazed a Gioeli's vocals and i have always liked juns playing. Maybe some tracks to sonic heroes will be on the next CD, becuase this machine and what im made of are great.

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Wednesday, March 3, 2004

yeah i agree with sean! i first heard of them in SA and loved there music i only found out recently cause when the credits come up in SH it says'crush 40'!

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Wednesday, March 3, 2004

By the way does anyone know where i can get hold of a copy of the album or how i can contact someone to find out how to get it as i live in UK!

Comment by Hyper Knuckles (Anonymous) - Saturday, March 6, 2004

Espio, U can find a Crush 40 album online. Since they do a lotta vg songs, not 2 many peepel no bout em, there4 barely ne1 puts it in a music store.

Comment by Hyper Knuckles (Anonymous) - Saturday, March 6, 2004

Crush 40 is my absolute FAVORITE Hard Rock band. Once i heard Open Your Heart on SA, i luved Rock. My fav song theyve done recently is... What Im Made of on SH. Does ne1 no when there new albums comin out? I NEED 2 NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Casey (Anonymous) - Monday, March 15, 2004

My little sister always plays Sonic Heros. Yeah Crush 40 is the only good sounding band on there lol.

Comment by Synapse (Anonymous) - Thursday, March 18, 2004

I love these guys. So far I have been unable to find them any where! Have they got an official website at all?

Comment by David Smith (Anonymous) - Friday, March 19, 2004

These songs are also in Sonic Adventure 2!

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Friday, March 26, 2004

I first heard about them in SA and wanted more and oh yeah thanks for the advice im gonna get it online! cant wait!

Comment by Fgdwarrior (Anonymous) - Wednesday, March 31, 2004

GREAT SONGS!

Comment by Bassrush (Anonymous) - Sunday, April 11, 2004

I think "what i'm made of " is one of the best songs ever created. the solo in live and learn is awesome. cant wait for more songs. does anyone know where you can download crush 40 songs

Comment by Nic (Anonymous) - Tuesday, April 13, 2004

Awesome CD, best band in the world.

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 14, 2004

hey Bassrush u can download the song here: http://www.nehrecords.com/shop/Crush40.htm

Comment by Dr. Mean (Anonymous) - Friday, April 16, 2004

You just can't beat the melody of Live and Learn. That is the most dramatic song I've ever heard. The chords that John sings, the tune that Jun plays during the chorus, and the bass lines are all spectacular. And besides Live and Learn, all the lyrics have meaning. True meaning. Sit down and really pay attention to what they're saying. This is the best music you'll ever find.

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Friday, April 16, 2004

Jun Senoue is the best guitarist ever

Comment by The_Arexons (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Their music is very fast-paced and energetic, also the lyrics are very positive, and keep your head straighting forward. It is something psicological, it is something absoultely awesome! 9.8/10!

Comment by -Iris- (Anonymous) - Friday, April 23, 2004

I totally agree with ZeroGirl13, like her I was a missing pop fan but after hearing Live & Learn. I get really excited. Johnny Gioeli's the best singer I've ever hear, he transmit his feelings in every note he sing! And added with Jun Senoue's guitar is the best.

Comment by -Iris- (Anonymous) - Friday, April 23, 2004

Sorry for the misspelling.

Comment by Crush40 girl (Anonymous) - Saturday, April 24, 2004

Crush40 rocks!!!! My fav songs are "What I'm made of" and "Escape from the city". I Luv Johnny Gioeli!^_^

Comment by uninvolved (Anonymous) - Saturday, April 24, 2004

For those of you that just can't find this album anywhere, I have a VERY special treat for you.I found a place on the internet that has this album for anyone to download.If you can't find this anywhere in stores (like me), just get it here to save the trouble: http://www.sonicstrike.net/~sonicroms/music/[Other]%20Crush%2040/index.htm BTW, I give this album a 9.7/10!

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Tuesday, April 27, 2004

I got it from the exact place hehe!

Comment by Wick (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Crush 40's next album will be out sometime soon I bet. They've made songs for Sonic Heroes, so we'll just have to wait and see. Can't wait for it to come out. Awesome band. Love all their songs.

Comment by Espio (Anonymous) - Saturday, May 1, 2004

'What im made of' is a must for that album!

Comment by Wick (Anonymous) - Thursday, May 6, 2004

Definatly ! I'm almost sure they will add that onto their next album !

Comment by Mattie (Anonymous) - Friday, May 7, 2004

Yup yup, Crush 40m are an amazing band, Jun Senoue is one cool guy!

Comment by rickycda,c40fan (Anonymous) - Saturday, May 8, 2004

man, they're the best rockers ever, i have played the sonic games, i love thir songs, i would like to buy that cd, but , i live in mexico, and is not here, can someone tell me where i can download those songs, but the full songs, i would thank you 4 ever,crush 40 rocks:)

Comment by Random dude (Anonymous) - Monday, May 24, 2004

do we not agree crush 40 are THE best band in the world. have the self-titled album, Tyring to find both instrumental & vocal albums from sonic heroes. suggestions?

Comment by artie brown (Anonymous) - Saturday, June 5, 2004

I JUST LOVE OPEN YOUR HEART ,LIVEANDLEARN,AND SONIC HEROES THEME

Comment by Fox (Anonymous) - Thursday, June 17, 2004

This is one of the most radical albums of music I have ever heard... a perfect mix of hard and melodic rock, and some of the songs barely scrape sensibilities with metal. I believe it's revolutionary, and worth looking around for. The lyrics are awesome, and combined with Johnny Gieoli's outstanding voice and Jun Senoue's extremely skilled guitar playing, it's really rocking. I'll admit that "Escape from the City" is a little off-base and doesn't fit the almbum, but it's still a little bit cool. This music is the stuff that I listen to to drive me with confidence. I'll go ahead and give it a 10. This music made me a big fan of hard rock. Also, some of you who were interested in this will probably want to look into the new Sonic Heroes Original Soundtrack. Great songs on there. ^_^

Comment by Kolva Nights (Anonymous) - Saturday, June 19, 2004

I really like Crush 40 but none of my friends like them.. sigh.. They never really played a sonic game before.. Thats ok cuz I like being different. I like almost all their songs, but most of them I've never heard of before so.. I dunno..

Comment by Wick (Anonymous) - Thursday, June 24, 2004

Quoting from uninvolved: http://www.sonicstrike.net/~sonicroms/music/[Other]%20Crush%2040/index.htm Download the Crush 40 album there. Live and Learn is a must. The rest is amazing too !!

Comment by Robbo (Anonymous) - Thursday, June 24, 2004

Some good music here but your all raving on about them being the best band ever (which they are not). Did any of you actaully like rock before you listened to this??? With that said I am impressed with there music, if you had never played the Sonic Adventure series you wouldn't think that their music came from a videogame. Open your heart, Sonics theme and Live and Learn are all pretty good but they are not the best band and there are much beeter bands out there if i be honest.

Comment by rickycda,c40fan (Anonymous) - Tuesday, July 6, 2004

hey robbo, maybe you're right, there are also a lot of neat and cool rockers, and better than this ones, but for me this is the best, their songs feel full of,.....inspiration in what theyr'e doin', i'm also fan of sonic games, and like them, i think crush 40 is putting great effort on the albums and music, man jun's solos are the bes i've ever heard, when i hear those i feel goog, and maybe all of this guys who wrote here feel the same, or maybe not, but anyways, they'e my fav group since i played sa2battle for the fist time.

Comment by rickycda,c40fan (Anonymous) - Tuesday, July 6, 2004

corrections goog= good,:) bes= best, well, i think you understood, before reading this anyways.

Comment by -Iris- (Anonymous) - Wednesday, July 7, 2004

I agree with you rickycda c40fan! I know, their songs are full of energy!

Comment by J (Anonymous) - Monday, July 12, 2004

These guys sure are great. I was a fan of Live and Learn for a while and I was surprised to hear it and numerous of it's remixes when I rented Sonic Adventure 2. That's the only reason I bought the game afterwards.

Comment by super sonic (Anonymous) - Saturday, July 17, 2004

metel overload was one of the best songs on sonic heros

Comment by shadowfan88 (Anonymous) - Wednesday, July 21, 2004

my only regret about coming to this web site is not doing it sooner. i had no idea crush 40 had an album! thank u guys! (which version of It Doesn't Matter is on the cd?)

Comment by nash (Anonymous) - Thursday, August 5, 2004

I wish i can meet u some day!

Comment by Knuckles the Echidna (Anonymous) - Wednesday, August 18, 2004

I love the song I have posters of Crush 40.My sister doesn't like but but they r cool. I have every game sistem so I have every sonic game.I love how they sing.

Comment by OniLink (Anonymous) - Wednesday, August 25, 2004

I want to precise that the track made by Crush 40 can be founded in Sonic Adventure 1&2 : Live&Learn, It Doesn't Matter, Open Your Heart in Sonic Adventure 1 ; Escape From The City in Sonic Adventure 2. There are some other in Sonic Adventure, but I am not sure..

Comment by OpaOpa (Anonymous) - Thursday, August 26, 2004

Hm. Okay. I really like this band too and all. BUT! It doesn't sound anything like Iron Maiden, as someone said there... Anyway, Jun Senoue is a great song writer, at least since Sonic 3. These aren't my favorite kind of vocals (I mean, there are vocals and there are VOCALS), but they are very appropriate for the songs and sound really well. I believe the band is somewhat new... that's why is not credited on Sonic Adventure. I'd like to know who the group members are though... Oh yeah. "It Doesn't Matter" does kick ass.

Comment by HugeFan2004 (Anonymous) - Thursday, August 26, 2004

This is the best band EVER! Listening to them is like hearing the true sounds of nature for the first time! They make Beethoven look like a child pornographer. If there is a true meaning for the word genius, it must be Jun Senoue. Before I played SA2, I only listened to pop and country music. Also, I did a lot of chaotic things, like drinking and driving and stuff like that. Ever since I first heard It Doesn't Matter I turned to rock in a flash. I don't even do drugs anymore! Also, I stopped beating my little sister and, thanks to Jun's positive straight-forward lyrics, I feel like I'm a much better person now. I can't wait to put my hands on their next album and hear Johnny Gioeli's voice sound like a shoir of angels again! Oh, and definetly "What I'm Made Of" is the best song on Sonic Heroes! "This Machine" is great, but it doesn't have that Crush 40 feel...

Comment by HugeFan2004 (Anonymous) - Saturday, August 28, 2004

Oooops! Typo up there. Johnny Gioeli's voice sounds like a "choir" of angels, and not a "shoir" of angels. My mistake!

Comment by Beastmeister (Anonymous) - Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Like most, my first Crush 40 experience was with "Open Your Heart". It seems as if the band has only gotten better. A new Crush 40 CD (feat. Sonic Heroes cuts) would be awesome! My favorite song would be "What I'm Made of". I listen to it going to school every time. Yes!

Comment by QuickSilver (Anonymous) - Wednesday, October 6, 2004

Dude ur songs r kewl! I love The Sonic Heroes main theme u made! It rocks!

Comment by Volly (Anonymous) - Friday, November 5, 2004

YESS! crush 40 is AWESOME^_^ I really like the vocals.. really gets you pumped n.n! i really like 'What im made of' and 'this machine' they are the best!

Comment by Citti Monroe (Anonymous) - Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Though I haven't been able to buy Crush 40's soundtrack, I am a big fan of their music. I first heard their songs from Sonic Adventure 2, and they were amazing. ^__^ Live and Learn was a song that was so great, I was hoping our local radio station would play it. They didn't but it was still amazing. I actually like Ted Poley's singing, and though my brother didn't like Sonic Adventure 2, he has "Escape from the City" on his computer. His words of defense were "It's a good song." Anyway, Also, with the game Sonic Heroes, "What I'm Made Of" is excellent. I only have an example of the song on my computer, but the entire song is a huge hit. It is song amazingly well. ^_^ Good job, Johnny and the band!

Comment by Michael (Anonymous) - Tuesday, December 14, 2004

You guys are great why are your albums not in stores? P.S: Keep singing!!!!!!

Comment by EGGMAN (Anonymous) - Wednesday, January 4, 2006

exelent album, exelent band... 10/10, the best band ever...

Comment by adam (Anonymous) - Monday, January 30, 2006

crush40 is sweet my favorite song out of all of them is i am all of me.

Comment by marcus (Anonymous) - Saturday, March 25, 2006

dude i love the song i am

Comment by Renzasso (Anonymous) - Friday, May 19, 2006

Crush 40 eh uma das melhores bandas de pop rock existentes q eu axo galera...pena q os kras nas sao populares...os kra mereciam os creditos!

Comment by Danny_Scouse_UK (Anonymous) - Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Best soundtrack Ive ever heard

Comment by Jordan (Anonymous) - Monday, February 5, 2007

Crush 40 rocks... how come there is'nt any new songs out yet.. all the ones on ths sonic saga eg. sonic dx and battle 2. the songs rock hope to hear more ok all there songs rock

Comment by francisco (Anonymous) - Saturday, October 13, 2007

I love their songs! i listen to them all the time, but I do think they could use a haircut

Comment by francisco (Anonymous) - Saturday, October 13, 2007

no offense crush 40. I still love ur songs!kickass!