I was asked to listen to Tool Undertow (First Reaction!!)

[@poloreacts27]

Thanks for watching! Most of my requests come from here. To support the show here www.patreon.com/poloreacts or show your love for the channel by buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts 🤞🏾

[@munkeeBraynStoo]

Away by Cam Cole. You won't regret. It's a mini vacation

[@thegingermenace8593]

I just wanted to comment on this song. You have to realize, we long, die hard fans of TOOL, these are the tiny bit of Genius we saw in Maybard & his band. This song may not be your favorite, but it was over 30 years from now. And Maynard's voice and his Genius has had time to turn into something amazingly that has changed so many minds about Alternative Rock! His voice and his genius has been followed by us die hard fans since they came out BIG in the early 90's! I have been to every single concert in my town they did! I love them and wont ever miss a concert! Anyway my point was they weren't as good of a band back then (but we could see the genius in it), but as time went by they got better, Maynard's voice developed more, they become better & better as time goes by. That's probably why that album isn't your favorite. 😊❤

[@chrisdriver7776]

No way... This song is fire 🔥🔥🔥

[@christinebrown4777]

Maynard’s voice is full of sadness and agony in the second half of the song. He gives the feeling that he’s being pulled down and drowning. Give it a chance in the 4 Runner. Also Bass = Paul on this album

[@ThoseBackPages]

how is this album 30 years old? i am now the old man i yelled at in 1993 haha

[@Countryboybiker]

That sounds oddly familiar to my situation, except I was never dumb enough to yell at him!

[@jeffgullett7407]

The soundtrack of my high school years.

[@davidwest5506]

I bought it on cassette old @ThoseBackPages when it came out in '93. Yelling at you in the present.

[@mzondi1970]

I'm 53 and been listening to them since they came out and still listen to them almost daily

[@mercychoke4475]

WORD 🎯😆💀

[@dharkgoblin100]

Jamming angry Tool in my walkman as I walked to highschool when this came out. Still one of my favorite bands, been lucky to see 6 of their shows and one of A perfect circle. Got to say catching these videos with the songs being bounced between Tools catalog of songs going from Opiate to Fear Inoculum you can hear how the band has grown and changed through the years.

[@toolhog10]

yeah i go from phases listening to older stuff and newer stuff. I don't think he has listened to Jerk-Off yet. That song gets me every time still

[@pariahpokemonwesbragg2904]

Yes!!! Classic Tool. I can remember when this cd came out. It was mindblowing!!!

[@jandkwhite6459]

I love how you react analytically even to bands you already like. What I always remind myself about Tool is that I STARTED with Undertow so I always see the evolution. It's probably different for people that started with ANY later album. Great reaction man keep 'em comin!

[@Prone2Thrill]

Even if I don't agree on this track I do appreciate his honesty - I don't need a fake reaction for clicks! thx

[@jandkwhite6459]

@@Prone2Thrill EXACTLY

[@StingrayMk1]

Back in the day. My Celica had 2x 12" subs and four grunty interior speakers. Work was a decent drive away. This song and indeed all of Undertow cranked daily. This and Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots. Rock on! ❤ ❤❤

[@Wrangzilla]

I had a Mustang doing the same back then.....

[@devdawg22]

I had a Celica too..my Bf (who is now my husband) had a Prelude....both blasting all those same bands lol now we gotta blast them from our minivan cuz we are adults with kids and responsibilities and crap

[@vincegedeon6583]

❤ Your channel and Tool of course 💯🔥🚒

[@gardnerdan17]

Tool is an album band. You can throw any album on in the car & won't be disappointed. When songs are put together as a whole, it makes more sense.

[@Torrnintwo]

I was surprised you hadn't listened to Undertow the Album title track. Great song and so is Swamp Song.

[@finetti09]

My first Tool-Song ever,when I heard this I know,thats a great band.I think 93....30 years ago,damn im old.

[@fosterfoster1218]

After listening 15 times, it ought to be the favorite track. The song sounds like an undertow. Maynard's slightly flat singing at the end sounds like drowning. It's masterful.

[@kaekazakas4597]

TOOL - Crawl Away

[@BritIronRebel]

Please keep in mind Polo, that you are checking out the vast TOOL library out of chronological order. Their music was a bit more "punk, grunge, metal" earlier on like this. They evolved into more prog rock as time went on and they grew.

[@aoischmidt]

The song is about the cycle of addiction - highs and come-down. And the song flow and pace represents that cycle. When the song changes up (when it slows down to a slow churn if you will) that slow down represents the come-down from the high. That's the brilliance!

[@violetfemme411]

My favorite thing about Tool is how Maynard allows everyone to shine 💜

[@christopherodriscoll2343]

I know it’s not what the song is about when you dig deep, but as someone who got caught in a rip current and almost died a few years ago, the lyrics on the surface level get me every time. “Currents mouth below me…opens up around me Suggests and beckons all while swallowing Surrounds and drowns, and wipes me away But I'm so comfortable So comfortable” “Why don't you kill me? I am weak and numb and insignificant” “There doesn’t seem to be a way out of the undertow” All things I felt while I struggled for my life that day. If there hadn’t been that one random guy that was both within shouting distance and willing to risk his own life to help, I wouldn’t be here today. At least Pandora feels the need to play it for me every other day. This song and The Great Below by NIN are both haunting to listen to after that experience.

[@mikeconnor2395]

So true! For anyone that has been thru addiction this song is amazing and right on point.

[@CitizenScorn]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@brettkenschaft4239]

I was in a bit of a dark place shortly after this album came out and I was angry a lot. I would sit cross-legged in front of my fireplace with a fire roaring and this album blaring and get lost in the flames and my thoughts. It sounds messed up I know but it was actually pretty therapeutic. I'm a huge fan of everything they've done but mostly of the "angry" Tool!!

[@pabloscobar958]

I love how the drums sorta crash over themselves at the end, reminds me of violent waves hitting the shore in a storm

[@AchillestheHun]

At some point you'll have to do a Tool retrospective, talk about what you expected coming in and how they met your expectations and your favorite songs now that you've been listening for a while

[@laurabuer4714]

I would love to listen to an episode about this.

[@Garden-bu2if]

You know this by now, but EVERY Tool song is fire. Each one also ages like wine.

[@jlittleboy]

Polo whatever you're going through, you're fighting to be the best you. You let us know you're struggling. I'm so glad to see you. You're a friend. You don't have to be so composed.

[@pipermarau]

i used to dance to swamp song and undertow as a set at work because they are both equally my favorite.

[@Beardshire]

You feel the emotion of what the song is about, and if you are caught in an undertow and can't catch your breath this song puts you through it.

[@Prone2Thrill]

Oh lord I can't believe this doesn't make the 4Runner.... I pounded this song going snowboarding when it was out and fresh, love the slow downs on this one. Tool isn't always about the melodies - sometimes it's a mood forced down the throat like a fine whiskey!

[@lolotube100]

I thought you must've heard Undertow by now, but I'm glad your'e getting around to it, it's a banger!

[@dominiciocca2842]

I hope you are getting through your trials and tribulations as unscathed as possible, my friend.

[@jeremiahzambrotta5580]

When listening to older tool the goal is more to see how they have grown. If you restart and go on the journey in order its makes it all that much as its all leading into one another with themes messages and emotions. Its all about growth and change and traversing life as we age. Its really beyond awesome.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

Saw them in MIchigan in an arena that was an ice rink covered in interlocking foam pieces. We didn't even notice until everyone started jamming so hard the floor was sliding. Excellent experience.

[@corey6393]

Alright, let's do this! EDIT: I love the big slowdown/change up in this song. And Danny playing that delicate little ride cymbal during the violent outro always makes me smile.

[@bradtraq1]

It's funny how I've had this opinion for 30 years at this point but I agree with everything you said wholeheartedly 100%! Only took you on listen to get to the same conclusion. You should give you eulogy a shot, it's long but it's a complete journey in the drumming is so badass at the end that the beat still sticks out as one of the best I've ever heard.

[@heathcornbeef]

Bro the first time i saw these guy's here in Aotearoa New Zealand after the show a few thousand people left the gig in near silence we had just had the musical and optical chips in our head's wiped clean reflashed zombies the third time i saw them as insane as this might sound in my opinion the opening Band gave Tool a bloody nose and a little bit of an asskicking THE MELVIN'S 🔥 💥🔥 💥🥳🤯🤘👏👏👏

[@heathcornbeef]

The MELVIN'S were WICKED!!! BLOODY AWESOME did i mention BLOODY WICKED AND AWESOME because they were BLOODY WICKED AND AWESOME 👍👍👍

[@timhendricks8913]

It's about damn time! Thanks for another one man.

[@Jessica_P_Fields]

I appreciate the honesty in your reaction. In my experience, there is a bit of a divide among Tool fans between those who prefer their older music (Opiate, Undertow, Aenima) and those who prefer their newer music (everything after Aenima). There are big stylistic differences in the Tool catalog as they've grown and evolved over time. For me personally, I prefer the older style. I don't dislike the newer music (mostly...) but I don't reach for it as much as I do for the older music (especially Undertow, which I consider to be a perfect album).

[@brettkenschaft4239]

I agree! Undertow would definitely be one of my "deserted island" records!!

[@TraditionalHippie]

My first love was “Undertow” always will be. “Lateralus” is one of the greatest albums of all time. Where did you hear of a divide? That sux? I’m not in the army. R u?

[@Jessica_P_Fields]

@@TraditionalHippie the divide is just something I've noticed in my interactions through the years. It's nothing hostile or angry, everyone is cool. I'm not formally in the Tool Army, but I spend a lot of time interacting with it lol.

[@CatherineBriseboisCatWoods]

Very true. My favs are Undertow and Aenima. Probably because I listened so much to them between 1998 and 2001. I have so many great memories of that time in my life... The other ones after felt more melow. But I've really enjoyed Fear Inoculum since it's release... Give me any Tool song any day, I'll be happy!

[@robrussell8870]

Personally Undertow is one of my favorites love ❤️ Danny one this song

[@profoundpronoun4712]

The lyrics to this song are genius in how the story follows the music.

[@PongGod]

Paul d'Amour was the bassist on Undertow, TOOL's first full-length album. Justin joined during the making of their second album, Aenima.

[@soth1sol]

they consider opiate to be their first album, despite "ep". "undertow" two ...think left foot, right foot (esp re title track). "aenima" is their third album (holy fire, via activated third eye). "salival" is their fourth/box set. "lateralus", fifth element (spirit, tracklist ascends correlative 13-chakra system - not at all unlike scene in parabola m/v). "10k days" six. "fear innoculum" seven ...the holy virgin.

[@Kenobi_Cowboy]

Happy ToolsDay! So glad you got to this track. Buy a drum kit.

[@LivingCanvasFilms]

Tool is special look at how all there albums just progress...because they progressed as humans and artists! top 5 band of all time

[@shanewatson761]

A couple more listens and it’ll be in the ‘runner for sure!!

[@xerogh1821]

160k Subs! Your content is great Polo, been following you for a while and glad to see the channel is growing!

[@hank35682]

One does not rank tool songs, they’re all amazing 😆 just enjoy them, they don’t have one bad song, this track is brutally heavy and perfect in every way, not every song sounds the same and that’s the great thing about them their early stuff was heavy and dark and their later stuff is more angelic and uplifting

[@Spudz76]

You rank them, and then you re-rank them, and then you re-rank them, continually turning over like a lava lamp.

[@Markhypnosis1]

That's a matter of opinion. In my opinion they have some AWFUL songs that are just a noise. And they have some absolute masterpieces and some are better than others.

[@Gideonite]

@@Markhypnosis1can you give some examples of what you consider “noise”?

[@Markhypnosis1]

@@Gideonite No I'm not going to give you specific songs, because all you'll do is tell me that they AREN'T a noise, and break down why you think that. All I can tell you is there are lots of Tool songs that I just can't listen to, they do nothing for me, they aren't pleasing or exciting. But there are also lots that I'm addicted to, so much so that I never listened to any other band for nearly a year. Like I said, it's subjective so you actually can't argue with me.

[@markminor70]

AEnima first time I heard Tool my friend bought aenima album. when it firstcame we thought it was the first one.six months later we figured out they had two more albums😮 undertow and opiate 🤯😆 our minds were blown been a fan ever since my favorite band.

[@johncarpenter3751]

Swamp song is Fire though 🔥

[@user-ym2di3kd7z]

Swamp song and crawl away are my favorites on Undertow. Polo you will like they have great melodies.

[@brianwhitley2609]

This is an amazing Tool song, the best version is on tales from The darkside Maynard kills it.

[@mflambert]

Man I forgot about tales from the darkside... so goooooooooood

[@toolfan578]

Its badassery, thats whut that was. 😊🤘

[@dirtyduck10]

Bro im here for the ride... it's funnnn to watch

[@stevecox3068]

You should give Judith try from a Perfect Circle , great channel!

[@dirtyduck10]

Thissss brings me back to my kneesss!!!!

[@adamknowles866]

Opiate and Undertow had a different bassist and vibe, Tool got real melodic after Maynard joined APC, listen to tracks off the Salival album or try Opiate 2 they remade it with extra 4 mins of Adam/Danny solos

[@dametalmonster]

This was the jam when it came out. Nothing else like it was around. Give it another spin.

[@michaelh3715]

To each his/her own but I have never mentally ranked Tool songs. I mean of course we have songs that we listen to more but honestly 90 percent of the time I listen to tool I listen to the whole album much like I do with Pink Floyd

[@GodIessWanderer]

If you like Tool... Then I think you would enjoy these 2 bands and these 2 songs from each. Pantera - Mouth for War, Revolution Is My Name Meshuggah - Bleed, Demiurge

[@victoraguilar4085]

the reason the middle section sounded a bit over the place and like your falling down is because it replicates the lyrics of the song.. at that the whole story of the album, i get that you don’t dig into the lyrics first but it adds to the atmosphere and gives the songs a whole other texture and meaning, specifically in majority of the tracks in undertow

[@13lueBerryBluntz]

Flood is the best song on the album hands down

[@RoadRage55]

I'm coming home (to Cleveland) for the eclipse. One time (life changing) offer: 1. Mushrooms (I know what you have said about this, but I'd love to get you to reconsider for the sake of TOOL) 2. Undertow album 3. Solar eclipse. .......should you choose to accept, hit me back.

[@jakehyde2408]

Does this mean you're doing Swamp Song next? They don't have a bad track, and I voted for this one, but all in all, keep the reactions coming!

[@markallenbialik]

It’s the lyrics that make this song great.

[@kevinogracia1615]

Tool is tuff to dig... But their beautiful... Like a butterfly carrying a cinderblock in its mouth. Peace on earth.

[@jeremyadamellis]

This is my favorite Tool song

[@peal1179]

Love the whole album. Changes my life music wise way back when. I would have picked swamp song just based on his sarcastic asshole side coming out so beautifully 😂. Every song is amazing though.

[@heathcornbeef]

Kia ora(hello) POLO from Aotearoa New Zealand how are you doing today brother? Are you winning? what ever is troubling you are you beating it down? Kia Kaha (be strong) and stay chilled/happy

[@StalkingButler]

I love Swamp song! Dancing in quicksand…..

[@smokerman81]

Swamp song is still more than worthy enough to be listened to. This song is more for seasoned tool fans.

[@marksterling533]

This is a track that the old school toolies love

[@colonelz2623]

You need to see them live! In 10, 20, 30+ years, when you are still jamming out to them, it will be a HUGE regret if you miss'em. Don't do it to yourself!!! Mental note this post! Just lookin out.✌

[@severussnap4373]

you should listen to this album on a system with a dual bandpass sub in stereo , there is a HUGE bottom end that you dont hear on any other type of system . i promise its a whole new album .

[@dieselhrt5492]

It’s tough to compare Tool’s older stuff w/ their later music. Opiate and Undertow are less complex and cerebral than 10,000 Days and Fear Inoculum

[@besthealthdc]

Though you can see / hear the natural progression between each album.

[@dieselhrt5492]

@@besthealthdc right but a lot of these guys start w/ the newer stuff first.

[@rockdusted]

Always thought this had a bit of a Rollins Band influence. Dig the heavy groove, but I also like how they break it up.

[@jaburke88]

Paul D'amor was their first bass player.

[@markwillis675]

I think it's time you experience the legend Jim Morrison and the Doors. "Alabama song" please.

[@theig298]

Just give it another go in the Forerunner. Second time is better. 100th time is better again. 😀

[@dekkard]

6:20 - this is probably Tools finest 10 seconds of their entire career.

[@turnej35]

Bro is dope for the deep band analysis

[@PolluxFeyd10191]

I think all reactors should start from the beginnings of all bands instead of jumping from new stuff to older.

[@isomer13]

Swamp Song-I like it better. This is probably my favorite album. Thanks, Polo.

[@JBAKER97]

Shouldn’t it be two for TOOL Tuesday? And we celebrate by eating tacos? Just saying. 😂

[@rchris77nd]

Give it some more listens. Trust me you'll come around on it.

[@mobeus84]

That tempo slowing and subsequent bridge is tool blues lol

[@wadeperrie]

I'm surprised you have not done the song Fear Inculum yet. That was the first song that we heard from them in 13 years.

[@DanielTrimpo]

He has done fear inoculum

[@wadeperrie]

@@DanielTrimpo ok cool I must have missed that one

[@travispeterson8952]

uUuuuuuu foooooor eeeeee uuuhhhh Not a melody song for sure. But a feels song. I love how he stretches this word out.

[@pabloscobar958]

This is actually one of the few songs they used to make mistakes on live, especially the odd timing in the middle, been to a few shows where it damn near all fell apart!

[@tejoinmedellin4924]

haha.."He saves it." Good grief. YAWN

[@TheHexagonCZServer]

Polo, I know what you say about mushrooms and it might be hard to hear this, but this song, while tripping on mushrooms, with good headphones and the volume up, has absolutely no competition. There is something about this song that gets synapsis in your brain to fire up that the "sober" mind is totally incapable of hearing at all. Think of it like a dog whistle that you can't possibly hear when you're not tripping on mushrooms. Want to travel through the galaxy? Eat 5 grams of cubensis. Put on headphones. Turn it up. Close your eyes. Turn on this song and try to hold on. Thank me later.

[@tedfordsdrumworld910]

Great Album. Should give Crawl Away a listen.

[@chriswhittles1325]

Damn I thought you were going to do the whole album . Maybe a side at a time but I guess CDs don't have sides do they. I don't know if this is out on vinyl. I think it might be. Oh well.

[@sedalien7937]

This was my go to vinyl album in my late teens, so yes, it's on vinyl. I always loved Bottom, but nobody seems to mention it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Shadowise-46.2]

I think you would’ve liked swamp song better. Undertow took a little longer to grow on me then some of the others. But I’ve always loved swamp song

[@wesa5436]

Def bump it a couple times....and DEF bump it in the 4!

[@robertmaldonado8729]

Undertow is their best album,it's raw its heavy no fillers just smashmouth

[@davidward9737]

Buy me a tent. I got to steal bk Wi-Fi

[@RoadRage55]

Listen carefully: You’re right about this song being overhyped. When this album was released I couldn’t understand what was happening naming the album after this song back in 1993. Then I realized that it really wasn’t. The album is a complete work and this track just happens to be named after the album. Let that sink in. Next: Bottom, followed by Crawl Away, Swamp Song and Undertow are the 4 most powerful tracks a human being can listen to while under the influence of mushrooms. Undertow and Crawl Away, specifically, will have you climbing up the back of your chair in overwhelming suspense. Some of their music that is “not your favorite” I personally believe is simply because your brain is in the wrong state when listing to it. Nobody really talks about Crawl Away, but if you’re tripping on mushrooms it’s by far the most powerful song on the album. Just my .02. Keep up the good work man. Love your channel.

[@enderwiggin5572]

I like swamp song more than undertow.

[@bjohnston0122]

Anyone else see this in Detroit a couple years ago

[@Anthony-ej9js]

Swamp song is a gr8 track too

[@raazazuul32]

Agree with your assessment. It's a decent track but they have much better.

[@Rcprobot]

This is a grower not a shower

[@opiatesmile]

I agree with you that the "switch up" is a little sudden in this one, but I always attributed that to an actual Undertow in water. I think they wanted you to feel that way. They wanted you to feel a sudden change and then a chaotic finish as you get pulled down against your control. Just how I always took it.

[@pwph8361]

yeah give it a few more listens Bro.........