3 Doors Down

views updated

3 DOORS DOWN

Formed: 1996, Escatawpa, Mississippi

Members: Daniel Adair, drums (born Vancouver, 19 February 1975); Brad Arnold, lead vocals, drums (born Escatawpa, Missisippi, 27 September 1978); Todd Harrell, bass (born Escatawpa, Mississippi, 13 February 1972); Chris Henderson, guitar (born Escatawpa, Mississippi, 30 April 1971); Matt Roberts, guitar (Escatawpa, Mississippi, 10 January 1978). Former member: Richard Liles, drums (born Kiln, Mississippi, 25 February 1973).

Genre: Rock

Best-selling album since 1990: The Better Life (2000)

Hit songs since 1990: "Kryptonite," "When I'm Gone"

3 Doors Down, exemplars of postgrunge or alternative rock, emerged from the small town of Escatawpa, Mississippi, in the mid-1990s. The group developed a loyal fan base and was eventually signed to Universal Records after a showcase performance at the renowned rock club CBGB's in New York City. Their first hit, "Kryptonite," received tremendous airplay and was largely responsible for the success of their debut album, The Better Life (2000). After lengthy tours, 3 Doors Down returned to Mississippi and wrote the songs for their next album, Away from the Sun (2002).

The group began as a power trio consisting of Brad Arnold, Matt Roberts, and Todd Harrell. Arnold was the driving force in this early lineup, working simultaneously as the singer, drummer, and sole lyricist. Soon guitarist Chris Henderson was added to the group, and in this incarnation 3 Doors Down quickly established itself as a solid rock band entrenched in the alternative rock textures of the 1990s. After signing with Universal Records and recording their first album, drummer Richard Liles was added to the lineup, allowing Arnold to function as the front man.

"Kryptonite" was released in the summer of 2000 and peaked at Billboard 's number three slot. Initiated by an electric guitar and snare-drum riff reminiscent of U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," the song gradually builds throughout the first and second verses. At the chorus distorted power chords are introduced as Arnold sings, "If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman." Aside from a subdued guitar solo, the formal structure is largely based on repetition, with the simple addition of a single verse.

Their subsequent single, "Duck and Run," is propelled by a metal riff shared by the bass and electric guitars. The first chorus is abbreviated, immediately sliding back into the verse and functioning as a premonition of the full chorus. Phrases are shared between sections, producing an audible continuity: "I'm already here" ends the full chorus and initiates the transition to the guitar solo. "I won't turn around" is transformed into "I won't duck and run," allowing for the full exposition of the chorus and the bridge.

This formal simplicity allowed for radio-friendly hits, but also produced a single dimension of sound. In this way, The Better Life is hindered by wholly predictable songs and dismal rock clichés. Their second album, Away from the Sun (2002), reveals a more contemplative approach, emphasizing themes of loneliness and frustration. It sold reasonably well, going platinum and peaking at Billboard 's number eight. The first single release, "When I'm Gone," is an anthem of supplication: "Hold me when I'm scared, and love me when I'm gone." Other tracks reiterate this general feeling of powerlessness, from the well-crafted "Away from the Sun" to the banal "Ticket to Heaven."

In the early 2000s, 3 Doors Down reinvigorated the alternative rock scene by creating popular radio hits with an edge. However, the economy of musical material that allowed for such hits also hindered their development. Although the group has produced several exceptional songs, their music is still largely indistinguishable from that of other alternative rock bands such as matchbox twenty, Creed, and Nickelback.