Thirteenth Step is the second album by A Perfect Circle. In my opinion it is the best piece of work to come from the band.
Maynard James Keenan (Known often as the lead singer from Tool) explores intricate concepts through the album. From man's desperation to find peace in "Weak and Powerless", to a murderer's religious reform (And learning the consequences of it, whether he is forgiven by Jesus or not) in "The Noose", the album continues to bring a level of intelligence and emotion that is seldom heard.
Take a listen to The Noose (My Favorite Track on this album) while you finish this review.
A Perfect Circle - The Noose
There are very few tracks on the song that are not worthy of mention, so I will lazily mention them all by showing you a complete set list!
Set List
The Package
Weak and Powerless
The Noose
Blue
Vanishing
A Stranger
The Outsider
Crimes
The Nurse Who Loved Me
Pet
Lullaby
Gravity
As I mentioned, the album is incredibly insightful. It's almost worthy of an entire album interpretation (Although I have explored the meaning of a song or two Here). But less about the lyrics now.
This album is solid in the sense that it has obviously been analyzed, changed, and analyzed countless times to make sure every section is perfect. It all flows perfectly to create this collaboration of emotion that I really feel can be appreciated by almost any audience.
Every instrument does it's part. The Drums don't overdo it with insane fills, but are not boring either. The same with the Guitar. Although there is "solo" guitar playing often, there are no "Guitar Solo's". It's all just balanced in a way that is superior to just any other band.
And Maynard's Vocal parts excel as always.
So I get sick of telling you that it is an excellent album, and I end the review.