My First Time Listening to Steal This Album! by System Of A Down | My Reaction

[@Neroveris]

This album originally leaked as what was titled Toxicity II from piracy sites. It was a rough demo form of this album. That's why this album is titled Steal This Album. That leaked version even has a few songs that didn't make it to the final cut. It's an interesting listen. Some aspects from those demos I like more, but I ultimately agree with the overall changes that System made when I think on it.

[@mollyesanborn]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. I'll have to give that demo version a listen some time.

[@the_____project4582]

I miss them singin the guitar Melodie’s in some parts

[@pleasuretokill]

I remember downloading that version from Kazaa... Ah the good ol days

[@amirhoseinshams256]

The cover of this album is also addressed to making, copying and releasing Toxicity II CDs unofficially. A CD that's quite similar to raw CDs, on which the name of the band and the album are handwritten. CD-36 is a combination of CD-R and 36, which is 36 addressed to music 36. A fun fact (that I realized myself and it wasn't written anywhere) is that song 36 (and CUBErt) was written and made years ago (Demo Tape 4 1997). And 36 (if we do not count Toxicity's Arto because it was a secret and B-Side music at first), is the 36th song released by this band! I think they didn't release this song on the Self-titled Album on purpose And Innervision is the only song that's not in Toxicity II (demo) and has only been released on this album. It was a kind of surprise

[@brycehogland550]

@@amirhoseinshams256 a few corrections to your post. 36's original title on the demo tape was actually .36 and was retitled "Your Own Pace" on Toxicity II (almost all the songs had different titles than the final versions)... there were 3 songs on Steal This Album that were not on Toxocity II: "Innervision", "Roulette", and "Fuck the System". But alternate versions of "innervision" and "fuck the system" did leak separately from Toxicity II. They leaked in much better quality that Toxicity II, but lacked Daron's vocals and some instrumentation that the Steal This Album versions have. The only song that didn't have a demo that leaked before the release was "Roulette"... Also, "Streamline" not only had the demo from Toxicity II, but also had a completely alternative studio version that was on the Scorpion King soundtrack that is completely different. I really wish they had re-recorded Outerspace and Virginity for Steal This Album... would have made everything complete!

[@karabiner002]

A few fun facts about this album: IEAIAO is all the vowels of Idealization, an "America without consonants". The verse in IEAIAIO about "Meeting John at Dale's Jr" was about the drummer John meeting his childhood hero who played Knight Rider. The song was originally called K.I.T.T. after the car from the show. Mr Jack was one of the first songs the band ever wrote in 1995. It was titled "P.I.G." as is vastly different. It can be found with Flake (the ending part of the song) and Toast on youtube as the "untitled demo tape". There were 2 canned songs from this album. Fortress and Cherry/Virgin Tea. Nuguns also had completely different lyrics and was basically a different song. These can be found on the "Toxicity 2 bootleg". The banjo thing in Nuguns is an Oud, a middle eastern lute with 11 strings.

[@MrYelly]

Old McDonald had a farm; IE AH IE AH OH. And on that farm he had a; IE AH IE AH OH.

[@Ennui.]

Here's an interesting fact about "36" There's actually recordings of them performing it live as far back as 1997, as well as it was on one of their earliest demo tapes... Now what's even crazier is how far ahead they thought about this... 36 was exactly the 36th song they officially released.

[@MilitariaAndStuff]

If your listening to the albums in order, 36 actually comes up as the 37th track Specifically on spotify.

[@puttu_racing]

@@MilitariaAndStuff only if you listen to the hidden track Arto (on Toxicity)

[@mastod0n1]

When they were performing it in before recording it did they call it "36"? Like in 1997 did they name the song "36"? I think more likely is they had a working title for it and scrapped it and they couldn't decide on a name before the master tapes had to be delivered to CD pressing plant. Edit: just looked it up. They did not call it "36" before putting it as the 36th song in their discography.

[@stef1651]

This album is an excellent transition between their Toxicity sound and their Mezmerize/Hypnotize sound: the instrumentals still have similarities with Toxicity (some of these songs already existed by the time Toxicity came out, but the band didn't include them on that record) while bringing the more melodic elements that will be huge on the next two albums. On the vocal side, all the harmonies are an anticipation of a lot of the stuff you will hear on Mezmerize and Hypnotize: seeing how much you enjoyed them, you're in for a treat with those albums ;) Can't wait to see your reaction to them, especially Mezmerize which I consider to be the best SOAD album ^^

[@mollyesanborn]

Ahh, I can't wait to hear them both! More of those vocal harmonies will be awesome, I'm sure.

[@dankoz5975]

That's not "some of the songs" all of the songs are from Toxicity era, they were almost complete. The only exception is Roulette.

[@TheWretchedMammoth]

You're not wrong, Mezmerize has the edge over Hypnotize. I think that's because one comes off more as the Serj album while the other is the Daron album. Great to listen to back to back though, I won't spoil why for Molly. ;)

[@PunishOffspring]

@@mollyesanborn Yes! Do i faster! I hope you will react to whole Metallica discography as well :)

[@hanspeterpitsch]

I wish I could agree, but I think steal this album was their last great record. I was severly disappointed in mezmerize/hypnotize

[@johnsmith-ck4qt]

The only band at my knowledge that didn't have bad or even weak album. Their whole discography is pure gold. Very talented guys.

[@loochan-o7174]

Highway song is such a masterpiece alternating the heaviness, the melody the beautiful instrumental parts

[@wolfgangengel4835]

Mezmerize and Hypnotize will be a big progression. On one hand more classical metal riffing and sound (very fast drumming and riffing, sometimes reminds of speed metal or black metal), but on the other hand even more melodical choruses and vocal harmonies. So more of both extremes, mixed together.

[@mollyesanborn]

Sounds really intriguing, I can't wait to hear both of them!

[@uvion]

Honestly I feel that you may find some of their later stuff to be 'over-produced'. That's my feeling. The later half of their discography is solid, but it loses a lot of it's playfulness and grittiness in exchange for a smooth studio sound. Just my opinion.

[@jaizarulrohayu44]

Yeah double album mesmerize & hypnotize

[@joshschwarzbauer8155]

You are literally my favorite reaction channel now.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you!! :D

[@SAS-jj8yh]

I used to listen shitloads to SOAD as a teen, definitely need to give their albums more listens again

[@mollyesanborn]

Absolutely, I've already given their self titled and Toxicity quite a few listens. Their music is so addictive!

[@SAS-jj8yh]

@@mollyesanborn most classic time I saw a SOAD fan was when I was in Greece and someone was absolutely rocking a top based on their Toxicity album art 🤘

[@phaustho]

"Streamline" is one of my favourite tracks by SOAD. The screams on that track are SO good. (If you can, keep those screams unedited for the video, reactions to those powerful screams are always a highlight in this kind of videos!)

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, those screams on Streamline are pretty amazing!

[@transracial5078]

It's low key like their best song.

[@bafumat]

I love all their stuff really. The all over the place sound is my how my brain works. It's hard to find anything that wasn't at least good. But there are so many flashes of greatness.

[@mollyesanborn]

I get that, I've always been into either really atmospheric and slow building music or absolute manic insanity, really no in between. System Of A Down definitely scratches that itch I have for the latter!

[@Errcyco]

I know people who hate metal who know all the lyrics to hella system songs. They transcended at a time when metal was stagnant and in need of something new. Helped they all had talent out the butt too.

[@remor__]

You were spot on with your analysis, I love this album because I think it’s the best mix of their original heavy sound and their newer melodic sound. Roulette was also the first song I ever learned to play on guitar, so that might make me a little biased towards this album

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, such a great blend of light/melodic and that heavy intensity. They make it work so well.

[@mcm4point2o]

the bridge on Innervision is just awesome with the drums. Streamline is about as beautiful an ending as they come, although the ending to Psycho(prev album) is right up there too

[@tomas_nehyba]

SOAD also has a lot of songs that didnt end up on any album such as Storaged, Shame, Honey, Fortress, Cherry, Friik, Marmalade, Snowblind, Metro, Johny, Temper or Dam.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll have to give those a listen too!

[@irksome.69]

i think some of those were released on the japanese version of s/t

[@metallicoustic6733]

I'm a huge fan and I've only heard of half of these wtf

[@georgizlatinov1792]

Marmalade is one of my fav SOAD songs. Metro was released, but in an album with covers from different groups and shouldn't be on this list

[@HaydieBoBotv2009]

Storaged and Marmalade have been put in _System Of A Down_ but only as Japanese Exclusives.

[@redherring5532]

I remember when AOL Version 7.0 came out Toxicity came out soon after, thought that was pretty funny, their cultural nods are pretty fascinating

[@alesxemsky]

I was rewatching this reaction and first of all I must say I absolutely love it, it's like you are that friend which I didn't have back in the days to share my thoughts on this music and love for soad in general. And also I just realised how deep some of this sounds, instruments, vocalisations from mostly every soad song is inside of my brain, it's so idk heartwarming to listen to them. I would say I appreciate every artistic decision they made while recording their songs. This band is definitely one of a kind. And also it's funny how in 00's soad wasn't considered a heavy metal band mb with some elements but more of just rock/alternative.

[@iago1840]

So awesome that you answer to mostly every comment, extremely spot on analysis and extremely entertaning reaction! Looking forward to Mezmerize/Hypnotize, that's a double album but I'd guess you'll react to them separately; Also, both Serj and Daron got on personal projects during System's hiatus, and would be awesome if you also reacted to their individual works on Serj's "Serj Tankian" albums and Daron's "Scars on Broadway" albums, would be absolutely awesome, specially to understand further their styles individually now that you got them mixed up together. Love from Brazil!

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I'm really looking forward to hearing the next two albums from System Of A Down, Mesmerize and Hypnotize. And so many people have been telling me I've got to give Serj's solo stuff and Scars on Broadway a listen, I'll definitely have to do that!

[@thatrabbitguy479]

Definitely their most divided album. It’s either fans favorite or their least, there is no in-between. I love this album personally. Highway Song and Innervision are my personal favorites from the album. Can’t wait to see you listen to Hypnotize

[@deadman7624]

I mean I wouldn’t say that lol. It sits squarely in the middle for me

[@mollyesanborn]

I think Highway Song has become my favorite after re-listening to this album a lot since filming this. I do love ADD and Innervision too though. I really enjoyed this album, really melodic but entertaining and fun at the same time. I'm looking forward to Mesmerize and Hypnotize :)

[@Leo-xc5ks]

True, and I've seen Serj saying that Steal This album is his favorite work with system

[@Clefargle]

I think it’s better than Hypnotize but not Mesmerize

[@Leo-xc5ks]

@@mollyesanborn Highway Song is for sure on my top 3 soad songs, and in special this live performance kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYfJlXuPZ7N5epY I get emotional every time hahahaha

[@pottergeist]

Another thing that happens a lot in SOAD albums, but especially in this one is the way the ending of a song mix with the start of the next one, two good examples will have to be Pictures/Highway Song, and Thetawaves/Roulette

[@Fitchie69]

Cruelly underappreciated album. And yes A.D.D. is one of the best things from them.

[@Yokan-]

It’s like the dark horse for soad

[@ChilIdeas]

A.D.D. is not my cuppa tea but it's alr. I really love the combo from thetawaves to roulette and streamline

[@metalboy27]

ADD, Highway Song, and Fuck the System were my favorites back in the day. I need to throw some SOAD back into my regular rotation.

[@jeromedutil-martin6823]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the 2 Fair To Midland albums - "Fables from a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True" - "Arrows and Anchors" Amazing forgotten rock band, never talked about enough. With weirdly named songs like my favorites: "Dance Of The Manatee" & "Amarillo Sleeps On My Pillow"

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll have to check them out, thanks for the suggestion!

[@Kered-9]

Love Fair to Midland.

[@benmerk4086]

I second that suggestion. That band was actually signed to Serjs music label Serjical Strike.

[@wolfgangengel4835]

@@mollyesanborn And the coolest thing is, Serj Tankian signed and produced them. He has a good taste. 😄 Prog/Art/Psychedelic rock. That's Fair to Midland.

[@whocares7723]

Lol fair to midland. Forgot they existed. Saw them open for Chevelle in 2007

[@beno7238]

im really enjoying the full album reactions to SOAD, please do them all!! You wont be disappointed by any of them!! i promise!!

[@mollyesanborn]

Absolutely, I'm looking forward to Mesmerize and Hypnotize!

[@theTomRadziwill]

Cant wait see you reacting to the next 2 albums. They are different!

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm looking forward to hearing them!

[@theTomRadziwill]

@@mollyesanborn Thanks! I enjoy your videos!

[@river_rock_530]

Banana, banana, banana, terracotta. Banana terracotta terracotta pie!

[@tomas_nehyba]

I think SOAD were more and more melodic with every next album. This album was perfect transition between Toxicity era SOAD and Mesmerize Hypnotize era SOAD. It still had the heaviness and the songs on this album were originally written for toxicity, but it has the vocal harmonies and softer moments that are typical on Mesmerize and Hypnotize.

[@mollyesanborn]

Really looking forward to the next two albums and hearing how their sound evolves! I hope they don't lose all of the heaviness, but I'm certainly down for more of those vocal harmonies.

[@dereknowak6458]

@@mollyesanborn thanks for doing these, SOAD is my favorite band of all time for sure. If you are really interested in the overall picture of this band, choose a few of your favorite songs from each album and watch live videos from 1998-2006. This was their prime for sure and the energy you hear on the recordings is really brought out on stage.

[@RudMuss]

This is my second favorite album of theirs next to hypnotize! Great reaction btw I can tell you are actually listening to the music and just absorbing it in 👍🏼 You gotta hear scars on broadway the first album was supposed to be for system of a down but the band broke up back then and Darron and the drummer john decided to take matters into their own hands and make an amazing album

[@themetalpig7613]

I second this. Scars on Broadway is really just System without Serj. Their 2nd album was quite good too. Has some very very good tracks, but a few fillers that probably would've been elevated with Serj's involvment.

[@mollyesanborn]

Ooh, I can't wait to hear your favorite album Hypnotize! And I'll definitely have to give Scars On Broadway a listen too. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@benmerk4086]

I have loved watching people find this band and Tool on KZbin recently. This was my band when I first heard them at 14 and I love them just as much now. It's amazing how well they've held up. I'd love to see you do a deep dive on the history of the band and their Armenian roots, and some of the songs they've written that reflect those roots.

[@dreiko669]

Molly i want to congratulate you 'cause, i love your voice as a narrator, it's like you tell us a story of each one of these rock albums and i love how you enjoy and narrate what you enjoy about the music keep rock on girl!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying the videos :)

[@Errcyco]

Awesome video Molly! You pick up on stuff so quick lol. Took me many listens to appreciate the harmony in the vocals. When I worked merch at aftershock we would display the bands playing sets that day obviously. The only event I’ve worked where from the jump people waited those long ass lines for a single SoaD hoody. Like small bands I’d never heard of had like 4-5 t-shirts… system came with a bright red hoodie and we sold out on Saturday and they didn’t even play til Sunday lol. Anyways! It’s nostalgic and fun, an album anyone can find something they like on 😁

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you enjoyed the video! System Of A Down has such a unique sound to their music, it's no wonder to me why so many people love them.

[@adamhenton6221]

Not my favorite SOAD album but they never make anything bad. They are just so far in left field. One of a kind

[@david_jsx]

OMG! I recently (last night) discovered your videos and saw your two reactions to SOAD and liked them, hoping you would soon react to Steal This Album but not expecting that today, Wow now to wait for two great Hynotize/Mesmerize materials.

[@mollyesanborn]

Yay, glad you found the channel! Happy to deliver on the System Of A Down content, haha. They're such an awesome band, I can't wait to hear the rest of their albums.

[@ODAALx]

It's fun to hear albums that I've not heard in over a decade.

[@herpyderpy4366]

It's worth noting that for the first three System albums, many of the songs existed for many years before recording (hell, some songs from their 3rd album can be seen being played live in the mid-90s or on demo recordings before they had released any albums). If I remember rightly, this isn't true of the final two albums, which are much more closely connected between their writing and recording. It would also be interesting to see a short reaction of one of their early shows, pre-album (or else just check it out on your own time; I think you'd appreciate it). I'd recommend the 1997 Whiskey A Go Go gig. It's hugely energetic, and it's very interesting to see as part of their inception. I believe that's the earliest full videoed gig of theirs on youtube. There is also a very respectable quality audio recording (low guitar on the first song which gets adjusted for the rest) of their 1996 gig at The Dragonfly (36 from this album features in that gig, in fact), which is also with their old drummer Ontronik (Andy) Khachaturian (who, it must be said, should really get more credit than he does-a lot of the signature System drumming sound was already in place with him), who had to leave the band due to a hand/wrist injury. This 1996 gig also features a few songs that never appeared on albums (maybe as bonus tracks at some point, can't recall), including their take on Metro by Berlin which is well worth a listen. I still recommend the Whiskey gig over the Dragonfly though, personally-it's one of my favourite all-time live gigs (discounting ones I've personally been too... I was unfortunately too young and too much of an ocean away to enjoy that one in person!). Looking forward to your Mezmerize/Hypnotize reactions.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the comment! I'll definitely have to check out that 1997 gig of theirs, I've already watched a few videos of their live performances and they definitely bring the energy!

[@oldcat7]

I lost my mind when I heard "Pictures" in the ending credits of an Orange Is The New Black episode

[@MV_Gonzo]

My favorite SOAD album. Great listen front to back.

[@Elias_Cepeda]

This is literally my first time watching your videos. Soad is the most of us adolescence band. Thank you :)

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you found the channel, thanks for watching!

[@Doubledexter]

Here we go can't wait to watch. Steal this album out of the main 5 was my least favorite years ago but for the past year its been my all time favorite. The perfect blend of their first two albums and their last two. All are unique but there isn't a song on this album that I don't skip (except 36 sometimes lol) Edit: Finished the video and it was a great reaction! System is beautiful chaos. Melodic and hard-core. What makes them them are all 4 members bring something. Serj, Daron, John (Drummer), and Shavo (bassist). I feel this album gives all 4 time to shine and their memorable moments. Serjs solo work like his Elect the dead album feels like the beautiful weirdness and lyricism and amazing vocals, while Darons band Scars on Brodway kinda shows that he is the main key to the sound. (Not discrediting the other 3 but Daron does a lot) I actually relistened to the self titled Scars on Brodway due to 3 songs showing up in my shuffle from the album and I believe you would love to check it out. As great as it is, it's not system. Serj and Daron together is :))

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, this album blends so many sounds together yet it's so cohesive too, nothing sounds out of place. A lot of people have been mentioning Scars On Broadway, I'll definitely have to give it a listen!

[@SadPanda94]

Man, I love this album! I love the violent ups and downs in it. I love the strings on the background I love instruments and screams now and then. It is my favorite of their work. True creativity at work here.

[@mollyesanborn]

I agree, I love the crazy dynamics they play around with on this one. Such extremes between harsh brutality and symphonic beauty.

[@NealDeGayTyson]

great album and great reaction. p.s. most of these tracks are prerecorded and meant for toxicity so that's why they have such a familiar sound

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks, glad you liked it! I definitely can see that, there's a lot of similarities between Steal This Album and Toxicity that I was picking up on.

[@atvena]

These songs sound more like the next albums than toxicity.

[@savag3mma420]

Yessss please review all there albums and darrens scars of Broadway. Awesome stuff 😊 Edit: I just heard you say you reviewed there first two

[@SonOfSodium]

These videos are all multiple months out from this but this channel is still awesome, it's the full unbridled head over heels birth of a metalhead and it's really cool tbh

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha, thanks, glad you're enjoying them! I can confirm I think I'm a fledgeling metalhead now :p

[@kropking]

Chic 'n' Stu is named after Chick Hearn and Stu Lantz (Legendary Lakers' play-by-play announcers). The beginning vocals was a collection of one-liners that Chick made famous, such as "The ball game is in the refrigerator, the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are coolin', the butter's getting hard, and the Jell-o is jigglin'!"

[@mollyesanborn]

Ahh, thanks for the explanation!

[@Chris1632]

I got scared for a second. Your face in the thumbnail says "wtf is this sh#t". I'm glad you enjoyed it. The last two albums are basically one album in two parts. Both released in the same year. Some of the songs on these albums are just pure madness, but you'll probably call them "very interesting".

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha, I know, that thumbnail is a bit deceiving. I really love this album, and I'm very intrigued to hear their next two, Mesmerize and Hypnotize. I did notice that they were released in the same year, that makes sense that they're a sort of double album. Looking forward to hearing the madness!

[@athavar2770]

01:41 I always loved the way Serj pronounces "peppeerrroni"

[@dangreene5813]

Since you've been listening to this genre/era of music, you should do S.C.I.E.N.C.E. by Incubus.

[@mollyesanborn]

Haha, everyone keeps recommending that one to me! I'll absolutely check it out, hopefully soon :)

[@dangreene5813]

@@mollyesanborn It's definitely an album that's stands out from this era. They blend funk, metal, and jazz making for an album that is super interesting to hear. You may want to think about also grabbing a copy of the lyrics because early Brandon Boyd is really hard to understand.

[@herecomethepainbirds]

your commentaries propose the next track, and it's very fun!

[@river_rock_530]

My fav album from SOAD! So much nostalgia. I was 19 when this was released.

[@SirSkud]

Yay! She loves Mr Jack! I think we got a keeper here! LOL

[@hunterwilliams8490]

This is a transition point from them, Mezmorize is more like Toxicity in a lot of ways, but more melodic. Then Hypnotize is just something special. My favorite album by them

[@mollyesanborn]

Ahh, I can't wait to hear both of them!

[@PeterSark]

Chick Hearn (RIP) and Stu Lance were a legendary team of commentators for The Los Angeles Lakers

[@Flo_up]

Can’t wait for your take on Mesmerize & Hypnotize

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm looking forward to hearing them!

[@Xeroforte]

Every SOAD album is my favorite but this one is probably my favoritest lol

[@mollyesanborn]

They're all so good, I can't pick a favorite yet out of their first three.

[@dead_memelol]

i adore this album so much. there is their heavy side and there musical side, being fused together. it gets over looked too much, the thing about some of the metal community is just heavy good, which is right, but as a fan of some songs in all of the main genres, I just love the musical aspect system can bring where those popular/current musicians fail. the uniqueness is what we all need in modern music.

[@mollyesanborn]

I love the blend of heaviness and melodic too, sometimes you need that balance. SOAD definitely knows how to effectively do that too, it's one of the reasons I love their music!

[@xaviergutierrez4382]

One of my favorite bands of all time, this came out during the glory days of stealing music online. I really hope your channel blows up cause your reactions are honest and genuine 🤘🤘🤘

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! And yeah, System Of A Down is great. So glad I've finally taken the time to delve into their discography.

[@SoAd45474]

Couple fun facts 😋 Chic N' Stu is in reference to Chick Hearn and Stu Lantz, longtime commentators for the LA Lakers. The opening lines "Ballgame's in the fridgerator..." were what they would say when it was obvious the Lakers were going to win. I *believe* the pizza and advertising theme was because SOAD noticed they played lots of pizza ads during Lakers games. I-E-A-I-A-I-O is partially inspired by a story drummer John Dolmayan told the rest of the band about a chance meeting with David Hasselhoff when John was a kid. Part of the melody is based on the KnightRider theme song, the show John knew Hasselhoff from. It is the only song John has a writing and singing credit on. Also, the title has the vowels, in order, of idealization, illegalization, liberalization, internalization, and illegal migration. Other theories of inspiration include the 4th of July (based on an early recording), digging up dirt on politicians, American consumerism (a consistent theme on StA), and a supposed chant of Aleister Crowley.

[@mollyesanborn]

This was interesting, thanks for the info! :)

[@michaelward5370]

Loved your take on this album! Loved SOAD from the first time I heard Chop Suey way back in the day! Haven't heard this album for a while though, I always thought Johnny was on this album, brilliant song, slightly disappointed it wasn't here!!🤘❤🤘

[@mollyesanborn]

Hmm, from what I can tell Johnny is a track on the special edition version of Toxicity. I'll have to give it a listen!

[@michaelward5370]

@@mollyesanborn, you could be right, but you should check it out it is mental!! Thanks for replying, hope you're doing well and I hope you have an awesome weekend!! 🤘❤🤘

[@Justice_Hammer]

Johnny was on the Chop Suey single as a B side on the Australian release

[@MisterButterfingers]

This was such a cool channel to stumble upon. I haven't listened to this album in probably 15 years or so, I was IN LOVE with this thing when it came out.

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you found the channel! Yeah, this album was great to listen to. So many sounds and a fusion of different elements going on, but it all blends together and works so well.

[@MisterButterfingers]

@@mollyesanborn SOAD may not be for everyone, but there aren't any other bands that sound like them. I look forward to your future content!

[@Bristers10]

I’ve been waiting for this!!

[@SirSkud]

So stoked for this!! Inner-arguably my fav SOAD album!!!!

[@joec_lrp1070]

Enjoying your channel, you have insightful reactions. I remember the first time I heard System was in late 1997 on a radio station in Portland, Oregon called 101.1 KUFO. they had a segment called the 'cage match' at 10pm and they would put two new artists' song against each other and we would have to call in to vote. System won for 4 weeks straight so the station started playing them in regular rotation. They quickly became one of my favorite bands of the time, glad to see you having a similar experience!

[@TheStarBlack]

Interesting! You don't happen to remember which song it was do you? I thought they hadn't released anything til 1998.

[@joec_lrp1070]

@@TheStarBlack The song was Sugar, it was release before the album came out as its first single. I remember going to Tower records and asking for it and having to wait.

[@Vdelw]

Most underrated SOAD album! Loved your reaction!

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@Guitaristmalakian]

9:34 Love your reaction haha,

[@DP-um1ck]

I saw some comments about album leaks. And that brings me back to my teenage years (again!). Back in those years (2000 - 2002) burning CDs was a big thing ( xD it sounds like an ancient ritual now as opposed to a method to illegally copy music). It was going on everywhere and all over the place and musicians where struggling to get people to buy their actual releases. So they tried to get people to stop doing it (subtle hints of this can be found, for example, in the videoclip for Eminem - Without Me, where in the end he catches a kid burning a cd and gives him an original version instead). So SOAD just coming out with an album titled 'Steal This Album', with artwork and a layout that pretty much anyone could do, felt like a really sardonic 'F#*k You!' to that new trend. Which still seemed to say: "you're stealing our stuff anyway. But this is good enough to steal." It just really fit in with the kind of 'rebel' / 'anti-establishment'-vibe that SOAD represented so well in those days. xD

[@hasodium]

this album is one of their best because its a good meld of their older more aggressive stuff, with the more melodic stuff like on hypno/mesmerize so its really got something for every soad fan

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, there really is a great fusion of the two on Steal This Album. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing their next two albums and hearing more of their melodic side!

[@danielgomez9056]

Some of the early demos from SOAD in the mid 90s are definitely worth a listen as well, a lot of them can be found of the "storage melodies" fan compilation

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll have to check those out!

[@Greideren]

I was waiting for this video since Steal this Album has most of my favorite songs of SOAD. I´m going to enjoy this so much.

[@mollyesanborn]

Hope ya enjoyed it :)

[@robertjones4361]

I've said it before, you've got a touch of metal in ya! Again another great breakdown from you...I don't know if this has ever been mentioned but some of the things you're hearing that have that as you put it weird melodic feel comes from their background, they're Armenian and fuse alot of Armenian folk into their metal riffs, when they came to the states they were thrown right into the culture of struggle in LA....that's what A.D.D. is based on, the struggle was real and was part of the ingredients to this music, they're Odd...but man do they bring it!!!

[@aydinmatney8622]

Probably their best album. The chimes in Highway Song get me everytime

[@mollyesanborn]

Highway Song is currently my favorite now from this album, such a great track!

[@SvenTviking]

It’s a child’s piano.

[@ben1ben]

This was supposed to be the last album for Serj but the band has persuaded him to stay for more. I Love every album but just knowing that Serj actually didn't want to be there makes it a different feeling for me with the last 2.

[@sextonhardcastle1940]

Hey when you mean you last two do you mean the double album or this and the double. I kinda see that as one album because they made it all at once. Did want to leave because he wanted to incorporate more styles?

[@ben1ben]

@@sextonhardcastle1940 I meant the double album I was not talking about STA. I call it 2 albums because they literally are seperated with different names, so it is actually two. But it is also a double album, but yes I meant Mez and Hyp. And I think he wanted to leave to expand his musicianship and career and everything. I mean its what he did already, but I think he wanted to do it even earlier.

[@themetalpig7613]

It shows, because those last 2 albums are very inconsistent to me. Only a few songs I like from 1 of them, the other I don't like a single thing from it.

[@TheStarBlack]

@@ben1ben that's interesting if true. I always wondered why Serj did so little songwriting for the double album, why so much of it was written by Daron. Kinda makes sense now.

[@mollyesanborn]

Very interesting, I wasn't aware that Serj was planning on leaving the band. Glad he decided to stay, at least for the time being.

[@AAron-is6qe]

Chic N Stu is a reference to Chick Hern and Stu Lance. Former Lakers play-by-play duo. SOAD is from Glendale, CA.

[@jababokolishvili4171]

Can't wait to see you react to the epic double album!

[@josethemexican24]

I dived back into this album last year, pictures ended up being my second most listened to song for the year because it's such a fun song and those percussions hook me in every time.

[@mollyesanborn]

Pictures is a great track, this whole album is amazing!

[@Jaullesparacomisso]

I love these videos because I feel like I'm showing my favoite songs to a friend and theyre really into it

[@mollyesanborn]

Glad you're enjoying the videos :)

[@maximilianomorganti7639]

I just saw this one. Hoping the Mezmerize/Hypnotize soon :)

[@Heartsii_]

Can't wait for Mezmerize/Hypnotize!

[@officialdifusorYT]

Damn thanks for still doing System. Next Mezmerize and Hypnotize? You will also enjoy Serj Tankian albums!!!!

[@mollyesanborn]

Of course, System Of A Down is awesome! Can't wait to hear Mesmerize and Hypnotize next :)

[@disasterpiece16]

I'm glad you're doing System's discography. I've been a long time fan.

[@MultiMiasma]

Great reaction as always. I'm looking forward to your Mezmerize and Hypnotize analysis.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to hearing them.

[@MarcusAsenlund]

Steal this album My favorite Soad album. I know very much fans either hate or loves this album. But the thing that makes this album even better is that its Serjs favorite work with Soad. But its still a great album. Even if this album is b-sides its a awesome album just thinking on the heavy and angry vocals like every album except hypnotize, because hypnotize is not really a heavy album. Hypnotize is pretty have but not as the 3rd first albums. And the songs with random instruments like in Nüguns and science. Because im half indian and makes it feel like not interily its from america

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, Steal This Album is great! It doesn't sound like a b-sides album at all to me. There are definitely similarities between it and Toxicity but it stands alone as an extremely solid album in its own right.

[@MarcusAsenlund]

Edit: i read the album, as serjs said about the album, its not a bside album but a work of heavier soad songs even heavier than toxicity.

[@pigmint_9432]

I know that Hypnotized and Mesmerized are up next on the SoaD train, but do you ever look into demo albums like the fan-assembled Storaged Melodies? I believe I recall you referencing back to a demo album you heard from Defrones, makes sense if it wasn’t in ur interest to review it. Also fun fact, because it takes notoriously longer for physical albums to reach Japan, the Japanese version of their self-titled album has 1 (or 2?) songs exclusive to Japan, Störaged and Marmalade

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, I'll definitely have to check out Storaged Melodies when I've finished up with SOAD's main albums. And I didn't know that about the Japanese version, that's cool! I'll have to give those tracks a listen.

[@fuzzydreams4926]

there is a band in our country that is influenced by those bands you reacted especially korn and soad. the name of the band is "Slapshock" a nu metal band here in our country, but sadly the band disbanded last year and the frontman died. I hope you could react or listen to their songs, especially their earliest albums. 4th Degree Burn (1999), Headtrip (2001), Project 11-41 (2002), this 2002 album is my favorite, enjoy!! :)) btw great reaction!

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll absolutely keep Slapshock in mind, thanks for the suggestion!

[@fuzzydreams4926]

oh you're welcome 💗

[@Malum09]

Several favorites from this one, but the ones that always stick out to me is Roulette

[@mollyesanborn]

Roulette is gorgeous. I love the melodic side to their sound that they really embrace on that track.

[@partytimejew]

This is my favourite soad album of all time and I dont know why when I prefer more songs off of hypnotize

[@karlos1060]

My first time hearing S.O.A.D was with the number Aeriels and is was sold at once! Since then i have been a big S.O.A.D fan. To me the best metal band in the world! The harmony between Serj and Daron is just fantastic! Also the bass and drums are killing together with the guitar. But the lyrics and vocals make them unique!

[@leonardodiaz4889]

I heard this album many years ago and this is the first video I see from you. It's a good reaction. SOAD are great artists for me, you have a good perception of them. I like mudvayne so much but I don't know if they deserve a reaction like this but the album I use to listen to is The end of all things to come. I remember I was a teenager listening to this at home when one friend handed me the original CD, now I am an adult and I keep listening the same album

[@mollyesanborn]

Mudvayne has been suggested quite a bit so I might have to do a reaction to them sometime soon. Glad you enjoyed the reaction! :)

[@Edperez90]

Great reaction as always. More soad love!

[@obenohnebohne]

Another fun album reaction. I still remember being very confused about this album title. The intro sums up System Of A Down pretty well: You never know what you are in for. Favorite tracks on this album: Inner Vision, Boom, A. D. D. (American Dream Denial) What I love about their music is the high energy. It makes me dance like crazy. And the harmonies are beautiful.

[@mollyesanborn]

Those are three of my favorite tracks as well, although the entire album is great! I agree about how their music is strangely high energy and yet so melodic at the same time, few bands can fuse the two so seamlessly and it makes their music so compelling to listen to.

[@dankoz5975]

Chic'n'Stu called in the name of sport commentator named Chic and Stu, in the intro Daron describes hockey game lol. Innervision was "bonus track" for online buying Toxicity, but with little differencies. (same with F the system, but with no differncies) Nuguns were most reworked song, patrs of song are really mixed, bridge part was verse and verse part was bridge. Mr Jack is the one of oldest soad songs, but heavily reworked. Why Me Jack? That's how they call band's friend. Same goes to title 36, that's just inside thing. I-E--A-I-A-I-O is just how John (drummer) in his childhood met David Hasselhoff, the TV star of 80s serial Knight Rider, which sountrack theme played as bridge/solo. Ego Brain was reworked too, it was longer and had no Theremin in song. Thetawaves just immediatly goes to Roulette. Only on promo copies you can hear how song ends without transitions And Roulette is really old song dated to before system period. So it was just recorded for STA but with cutted out drums which were recorded too. Streamline was in some movie in it demo state, and also part of it solo was wrote by Serj, that's why he used it in his solo song called Beethvoen's Cunt.

[@mollyesanborn]

Great comment, thanks for the info! :)

[@kropking]

It wasn't hockey. He was saying some of Chick's famous one-liners during Lakers' games.

[@ShidavTheVedmak]

I'm glad you're getting into the band. When you finish their studio albums you should give the unofficial album compilation "Storaged Melodies" a listen. It's still up on KZbin. You can hear the sound that was a staple of their live shows from the beginning.

[@mollyesanborn]

I'll definitely have to give that a listen!

[@TheWretchedMammoth]

Great reaction to a great album! Innervision is my favorite and then Theta Waves but that's not saying much given how good all the songs are. The way you bobbed along to Nuguns and IAEIAO totally matches how I and (I think) many others respond to System of a Down. You're so lucky to just get to listen to Mezmerize/Hypnotize next and back to back as opposed to the 3 YEAR gap between them and Steal This Album and the 6 MONTH gap they had between each other. Keep up the great work!

[@DanzGmod565]

Probably my favorite soad album!

[@mollyesanborn]

Yeah, this one's awesome! Very hard to pick a favorite from the three I've heard so far.

[@DanzGmod565]

@@mollyesanborn definitely

[@harrynnebank8321]

15 years old me liked all the head banging stuff. Now I like the social critics within the lyrics I was to Young to understand

[@pnuemicking7347]

13:50 “I don’t know what they were doing” Crack. Lots of crack

[@mydelkofak]

My favourite album, especially songs like Mr. Jack, Highway Song, Roulette & Streamline. Can you imagine, that those songs were written in the same time, as Toxicity material? I heared some stories that these are rejected songs from Toxicity session. Anyway, you clearly heared that at this time SOAD is going through some melodic, emotional, dark way of their music, I can tell you, on Mesmerize & Hypnotize you will hear even more of it ;)

[@frightenedsoul]

Pepperrroni and green pepper mushroom olives chives!

[@mollyesanborn]

😂

[@prodigy84bg]

I always heard it "Pepperoni angry pepper..." :)

[@Placebojmr]

Fantastic Molly! Looking forward to mesmerise! X

[@mollyesanborn]

I'm looking forward to hearing it!

[@funTimesInTheSun]

The first song is about advertising actually. In the 90s Pizza was advertised like crazy.

[@tudormiller887]

♥️ I'm a brand new subscriber watching from London UK 🇬🇧

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks! Hope you're enjoying the channel :D

[@jamesrein648]

System of a Down Steal This Album is the greatest ever because it doesn't just have one or two really good songs they're all great I really enjoyed going through them with you it's been many years since I've heard the songs thank you

[@rockstrongo21]

Great reactions! Chic n Stu is referencing the Los Angeles Lakers announcers Chick Hearns and Stu Lance. The lyric at the beginning is what Chick would say when the Lakers were clearly going to win a game "you can put this one in the refrigerator. The doors closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter is getting hard and the Jell-O is jiggling". The band are LA natives and fans of the Lakers and most of all the LA Kings hockey team.

[@mollyesanborn]

Thanks for the explanation! :)

[@posteveryside-beatsnews]

Your reviews are really entertaining. Great selection of music too. These albums are all incredible. Not sure if you already have done so but Queens of the Stone age - "Songs for the deaf" definitely fits in with the albums you have reviewed so far

[@mollyesanborn]

so glad that you're enjoying the videos! I'll certainly keep Queens Of The Stone Age in mind for the future :)