Fragile Future
by Hawthorne Heights
  • Record Label: Victory
  • Release Date: Aug 5, 2008
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17

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  1. brandonpinkham
    Aug 10, 2008
    4
    quite a let down after there other cd's. don't get your hopes up and you might not be totally dissapointed.
  2. uhohzombies
    Aug 7, 2008
    1
    Generic, corporate "emo". Just another cash-in on a dying genre by a talentless band.
  3. JamesM.
    Aug 8, 2008
    7
    As an album written at a time that is clearly traumatic and troubling for the band (Casey's death) it shows obvious influences but isn't sorry for itself and holds up strong in the genre. As always Woodruff has a beautiful delivery, and although the hooks aren't so large as previous albums this is a totally genuine collection of songs that feels intimate and delicate. HH As an album written at a time that is clearly traumatic and troubling for the band (Casey's death) it shows obvious influences but isn't sorry for itself and holds up strong in the genre. As always Woodruff has a beautiful delivery, and although the hooks aren't so large as previous albums this is a totally genuine collection of songs that feels intimate and delicate. HH have often stated that they aren't in the habit of changing their sound and fans will always know what they're getting so if you hate the "emo" tag then stay away but this is an excellent example of the genre and should make fans happy. Killer lyrics at times with some solid musicianship.… Expand
  4. MIkeH
    Aug 8, 2008
    0
    Recycled, emo/scenester, naïve, parent-hating, rebellious garbage. For a style of music that prides itself in being "anti-pop" they sure do follow the formula. Four minute songs, false emotion, disgusting lyrics, and song arrangements that only the best producers can make. Take a hint Hawthorne Heights. If you want to be respected, write your own music and demand more control of how Recycled, emo/scenester, naïve, parent-hating, rebellious garbage. For a style of music that prides itself in being "anti-pop" they sure do follow the formula. Four minute songs, false emotion, disgusting lyrics, and song arrangements that only the best producers can make. Take a hint Hawthorne Heights. If you want to be respected, write your own music and demand more control of how it sounds as a finished piece of music. Don't make products for teenage consumption -- it's a moot enterprise.… Expand
  5. CorbinM.
    Aug 9, 2008
    10
    Great comeback!!
  6. JohnElvis
    Aug 12, 2008
    10
    veery amazing album from this band,love it :)
  7. rok2slayr
    Sep 19, 2010
    7
    Once again Hawthorne Heights deals with raw and true emotions you feel when you lose someone close to you. This album was clearly written for Casey Calvert (EX guitarist and unclean vocalist). There aren't any unclean vocals as there were on the previous albums. They wanted to keep the band true and not replace Casey. Even with only clean vocals the message of sadness and everyday struggleOnce again Hawthorne Heights deals with raw and true emotions you feel when you lose someone close to you. This album was clearly written for Casey Calvert (EX guitarist and unclean vocalist). There aren't any unclean vocals as there were on the previous albums. They wanted to keep the band true and not replace Casey. Even with only clean vocals the message of sadness and everyday struggle comes through. Hawthorne Heights always lets you know that you are never alone. The album is in another genre than the previous two. They cannot be compared. In this album's own respect it is very well put together.… Expand
  8. ohaiKendyl
    May 31, 2011
    5
    Fragile Future lacks originality, and while the pop-punk twist on the band's genre is welcoming, Woodruff's vocals are cheesier than ever whilst the lyrical content is even cheesier. One of the standout tracks is one of the sweetest: "Four Become One", a ballad dedicated to the band's former unclean vocalist, Casey Calvert, who died from an overdose just a year before Fragile Future'sFragile Future lacks originality, and while the pop-punk twist on the band's genre is welcoming, Woodruff's vocals are cheesier than ever whilst the lyrical content is even cheesier. One of the standout tracks is one of the sweetest: "Four Become One", a ballad dedicated to the band's former unclean vocalist, Casey Calvert, who died from an overdose just a year before Fragile Future's release. One of the downfalls is the album's lead single, "Rescue Me", which merely sounds like a rewritten "Saying Sorry", but it's rhyming scheme less impressive.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. AllMusic
    60
    It's a familiar mix of music, to be sure, but Fragile Future also sounds more valid than other emo albums, even if its hooks aren't quite as muscular as those on the band's previous disc.
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  2. Alternative Press
    70
    As with prior releaes, Woodruff's lyrics can be hokey, but his Midwestern earnestness makes it easy to let it slide. [Sep 2008, p.158]
  3. Billboard
    70
    Emo fans will be satisfied; dabblers will have their assumptions about the genre confirmed.
    Read full review
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