"You've Lost Your Mind!" Reacting To Your Criticisms!

[@julez1544]

“Opinions, like arseholes, are ours to do with whatever we choose and l choose to share mine”. 😂 Justin definitely has a way with words.😏

[@cindypowers4993]

Yes!!😄

[@xDRAGONSHAGGERx]

Sharing is caring 🤗

[@justicewebb5491]

Analysis

[@tomski120]

I wanna hear the rest of the song lol

[@RaffaeleMontemorra]

You're a sweet soul, Justin, a GREAT singer and guitar player, one of the best person in business. Keep yourself alive and kickin'!

[@bridgetyoung190]

I always wonder about the mental capacity of those who can't handle critique of bands they like...that sort of fragility is kinda ludicrous. To be honest, you've been incredibly diplomatic and the soul of amiability in these videos. They are truly a bright spot throughout my week. 😁

[@thisbliss81]

Unless it's glass animals or Gary Barlow. They're shit obv lol

[@kbusby4824]

Well said.

[@bridgetyoung190]

@@thisbliss81 but they were dissed in such a delightfully diplomatic manner. 😁

[@thisbliss81]

@@bridgetyoung190 Yup. As he says himself his titles sound harsher then what he talks about

[@KowankoMusic]

If you wanna see an even more egragious example of fan fragility, look at how some folks react to Top Ten Albums lists or Worst to Best lists of bands' catalogs. They get absolutely apopleptic when the list doesn't line up exactly with their own rating.

[@royorbit]

Do your thing Justin. Don’t sugarcoat your videos to appease the haters And….The theme tune is amazing! It wouldn’t be the same without it

[@markc2429]

I completely agree

[@thelilyfarrell]

facts!

[@chrisoliver123]

In regards to the theme song. It's effective as it often gets stuck in my head.

[@ltrzepalko]

@@chrisoliver123 This. Theme tune is annoying and funny at the same time ;) It teases your balls the way Donkey in Shrek does. Too little post compression for the sound to remain civil to the ears :) It keeps fu...ing with with me :)

[@tracywilliamson1484]

That's right!

[@joelblakely5268]

Your videos/critiques are always very thoughtful, entertaining and uniquely insightful. I also love The Darkness and your guitar playing in particular.

[@petebrown3715]

Agree with that.

[@Weloz92]

Dude, the sarcasm and the music suggestions (Cardiacs, Todd Rundgren) are what drove me to recently listen and discover your band's music! Best new year's resolution I ever did 😆

[@cindypowers4993]

I love sincerity just as much as I love sarcasm! I truly love your sense of humor, and your tremendous talent as a singer/ songwriter, and musician. Never a dull moment, you are as real as it gets! A pleasure as always.👍

[@VincentAnthonyConti]

Finding this channel has been such a joy. Justin is endearing, clever, absurdist, and has a way of teaching songwriting / music theory in a very subtle & approachable way. Just brilliant.

[@wesleycreighton884]

One of the best brains that musically addicted listeners get to enjoy. Justin Hawkins is respectful, funny, and comes with the ability to out play and out sing alot of the subjects of review. Thank you for being you

[@nealeshaffer3140]

Your theme song is my favorite part of your videos! I think it's hilarious you found such a tragic melody to embody the tone of your analysis and it's even better that you always seem slightly unsure of the final chord. Perfection

[@alphatrion100]

The tone doesn't work mate. He's a tonedeaf musician 🤣

[@BillySangster]

I feel that the “Justin Hawkins rides a-gaiiiiiiin” theme song should, nay, must be integrated into the Darkness set, next tour, forthwith.

[@donnicol2929]

I love the intro vocal for two reasons. 1, it runs my wife out of the room and I can watch this gem of a show in peace and quiet! 2, who else can do that so well?? Thanks for a great perspective on so many songs, acts, bands!!

[@Dinner1966]

Justin, NEVER stop the theme tune. It's genius!

[@davepugh8368]

Loving the channel Justin, your light hearted insights into music are a tonic. You and Dan are quite possibly the most exciting guitar team we have right now and always on point 🤘

[@Rupsyy]

honestly, i think you’re extremely open minded, and don’t just criticise modern music. most of your videos i’ve seen have been very positive.

[@bobbydean1945]

As a weathered gent whose been around for a long time, I can say that the moment that I heard the darkness back in the day, I felt like music in its purest form might actually be coming back. The showmanship, the drama, the spectacle of it all. The musicianship demonstrated by you, your brother Dan, Frankie, and Rufus has never been a question.

[@blindabraxas]

Off the cuff: Justin Hawkins Rides Again - Pretty Good, Mostly Harmless - educational - pithy in spots - generally british - i like it, ymmv, idc - many vids have the sense of something being done while waiting for food and maybe the disappointing thing is never seeing the food arrive. Like Waiting for Godot but with delivery.

[@roadstarz8360]

Give me a 'D', give me an 'arkness!' These videos give an insight into why the Darkness are such a bloody good band. Justin is original, creative and extremely talented. At a time when music had been blindsided by streaming and covid simultaneously, Justin is showing us how truly great artists evolve and adapt. I love the foo fighters, but I do remember seeing an interview with Grohl slagging off The Darkness. Justin isn't being critical, he is offering a critique. Keep the videos coming Justin.

[@kjanosi73]

I really enjoy your videos. Theres that element of humour in them that not everyone understands and I really miss nowadays . Keep the trademark falsetto bit. Thats just great.

[@ltrzepalko]

This. 'Trademark falsetto bit' is a complement it deserves;) A dove battle cry could be another :P Love it! So silly ;)

[@beanie1089]

Watching these videos of yours has inspired me to be a bit more thoughtful and calm in my approach to critiquing and reflecting on bands I don't like as much. Having an opinion's great, but being able to explain, even just to oneself, why we don't like a song or a band, even to the extent to be able to suggest how they might improve, whether it be lyrically or with sound/vocals, that's critical to bolstering well written music for our ears in the future. We all should be able to explain why we like or dislike artists, and I think the ability to do that well and respectfully is extremely important. We all want this art form to sustain and make gains, so we all should approach the 'critique' bit with more grace and sincerity and I think you've done that, sirrah! To steal from Idles: Well done! Hope you keep posting vids, man. Thank you.

[@DandyChiggins860]

I like how you break down the songs from a well spoken, open minded, musicians point of view. I feel like you try to look for the positive, whether it be melodies, or whatever the case may be, and the intro music is hilarious! Keep em coming brother!

[@jessportersolo]

Huge Darkness fan from way back and your new album is amongst the best stuff you've ever written. Just wanted to say discovering this channel (only recently) has brought me so much joy. Thank you!

[@chili_phil]

I have learnt more from criticisms in my life than complements. Just have to decipher from the people that are trying to help improve you from the people who are trying to put (keep) you down.

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

Be yourself. You’re a very interesting and entertaining person to spend some time with. It’s really that simple. 🔊✨🌝👍 You always look to the positive and are very thoughtful about your responses. (LOVE THE THEME!)

[@johnkenney1466]

I absolutely love your channel and being an OG Darkness fan, I now thrive on it. Utterly. I do have a single criticism for your theme tune. It needs to eventually be expanded to a full song, including solo. It is a total ear worm and I look forward to it each video. I need a version to crank up in my ride. Much love.

[@lucydolby1980]

Keep doing what you are doing! My only complaint is that after one of your Christmas videos, my brain kept doing little impressions of Gary Barlow saying "I hope it's not too loud!" It was the world's worst earworm.

[@crasheenarino]

Love the theme tune, love the channel. To my mind you offer a proper musical opinion on modern music which I actually find too forgiving in a lot of cases.

[@ltrzepalko]

Troll tune, rather than theme tune. Love it anyways.

[@dennisglasier2004]

Not surprised that people have a hard time understanding if you're being sincere or sarcastic. Us Americans don't tend to understand British humor very well. Your dry wit just goes right over most of our heads. I've wondered the same thing myself a couple times watching your videos. But that's not your fault, keep doing what you're doing. F the haters.

[@haydenhack]

Open hearted - open minded - you are - Reminded we needed to be - Of the depth of the art we choose - We can't afford to lose the music too - I thank you for your musings and amusings - And telling truths that appear purely from a feeling - Bringing to light that everything needs a meaning - Thank you for keeping it real and keeping the Old School alive - A seal of applause

[@thejokers10]

I always appreciate the honesty whether I agree or disagree with you. It's refreshing and you do it so well which makes it so enjoyable, entertaining to watch and listen.

[@qriminal1648]

This is sincerely my favorite KZbin show lately. I love the darkness but wouldn’t watch this unless it was good content, and it is. I like and enjoy what you are doing. For my 2 cents the darkness are better than foo fighters and the foo fighters are pretty good.

[@jeffcahill5722]

Happy to see your subscriber base growing. Hope to see you in Toronto soon. Ride on, brother!

[@spcm390]

Thanks Justin. I have been playing Guitar for over 40 years. Your intelligent and insightful comments about music and the guitar have cheered me up. Life has been hard and having someone as talented as you in my front room sharing thoughts on guitar and music has been great. Thanks Dude. Hope to see you again soon.

[@brendanscott8989]

A few of those comments where made by people that haven't watched the video's methinks. Don't know much of the darkness but been very much enjoying this channel. keep up the great content.

[@deborahanlon2323]

Your channel is a favourite part of my week. I look forward to your take on bands and songs. You're smart..you're witty..you're funny and most of all you're sincere. What's not to love? There will always be people out there who are negative..but..keep bringing the joy Justin. You're one of a kind!!!!

[@ajorngjdonaydbr]

I LOVE the theme tune, it always gives me stairway to heaven vibes with the first 4 notes

[@robertgrover4519]

I’ve turned on my notifications just because of your channel! Thanks Justin. Love the music chat and it makes me wish I’d studied music theory.. keep them coming!!

[@reneelyons6836]

I think you are giving honest responses and people need to respect that! I love you!!!!!!!!!

[@mbrando4403]

rock on, you are either sincerely sarcastic or sarcastically sincere. i haven't figured out which. lol

[@nothingbutfigs1912]

Really dig your videos, Justin! Makes me want to take a serious dive into music theory to not only improve my playing but also appreciate music in general better. Your insights are very interesting. BTW, been a Darkness fan since the first album! More videos please 👍

[@TheBigdutchster]

Sarcasm properly delivered is the highest form of wit.

[@C_H_1972]

I’d like to get you and David Lee Roth in the same room for a 1 hour discussion. I’d pay for that! I love your band and I’m enjoying your channel.

[@JoshuaM8]

never stop singing that theme tune, it's the call that attracts all the nearby dad rockers who are surfing the interwebs! but seriously though, I have come to enjoy the theme song as it always makes me smile.

[@teodelnorte]

I had tickets to see The Darkness in Barcelona in a couple of weeks. Such a downer it got cancelled because of Covid. Hope you are able to reschedule. Cool shirt!

[@Pocketpatriot]

This is my new favourite channel,Justin is a real star.

[@slaterslater5944]

Not a Darkness fan, don't know enough about them to rate them in the canon of rock, but I do enjoy this fella's videos and he knows what he's talking about, musically speaking.

[@jmtbuilds175]

I was introduced to the darkness when "permission to land" was released. Badass rock album. Then for some unknown reason, I didn't listen to them until I saw the video for "in another life" and I immediately bought "Easter is cancelled" mp3 album from Amazon and I literally listen to it front to back at least twice a week or more. Best rock album in 30 years period!

[@Trebarwith]

Yep, me too. Life gets in the way sometimes huh?

[@melvoid01]

@@Trebarwith E I C is the one that got me back too great album.

[@jmtbuilds175]

Basically yes. Oh I went back from time to time to listen to permission to land, but everything in between I was oblivious to. Maybe because local butt rock stations play 90s crap and not the good stuff such as the darkness.

[@andymarsal]

No worries Justin - me, myself and I like it :D

[@CoenBijpost]

I absolutely love that you keep zoning in and out of sarcasm, actual praise, criticism, critique, advice, music theory, song writing tutorials, rock philosophising, fashion observations, beauty pageant judging and self deprecating as we meander through the gorgeous brainwaves of your mind, all the while being accompanied by the sultry voice and brilliantly flawed guitar playing obviously coming from a very accomplished musician just improvising and interpreting songs by ear. Your whole channel is super interesting, every second. Not the least because of your laid back personality and stunning good looks! And the intro might be one of the best I’ve ever seen on the whole of KZbin, apart (maybe) from “How’s it goin’ bros, my name is Pewdiepieeee” 😂 So yeah, please ignore any naysayers and triggered people who can’t take criticism of the people they fanboy. Keep being you ❤️

[@paulrudd832]

Good on you Justin. In a world where there is so much negativity your positive approach shines sir. God bless you.

[@ShockBot127]

It's about time Hollywood is recognizing the genius of this particular entertainer!

[@MegaSting1981]

Foo Fighters up there with Floyd, Beatles? Na. Not for me. Loved this though. Love ya x

[@shadeshadyshade254]

Omg..who said that. Those guys are so average it’s laughable to hear such bullshit.

[@MegaSting1981]

@@shadeshadyshade254 One of the comments that Justin reads out lol. Has the gaul to criticize the darkness, then comes out with that!

[@shadeshadyshade254]

@@MegaSting1981 I missed that. Was multitasking. Wow…what a tool Grohl is.

[@jacquiharrison2425]

Sound as ever! Love this, love your shirt!

[@duncanmacgregor9398]

I love these videos. A great balance of songwriting music theory , opinions and banter🤟😎

[@chrislast2202]

I always thought the one legendary "dad rock" moment was when Rick Parfitt wore a Darkness t-shirt on stage. What do you think of the Quo, the Darkness song Girlfriend always has a quo style riff.

[@swymaj02]

I deffo like ur approach to things. Ur not automatically opposed to modern music, and I do sometimes agree with ur opinions. That's the beauty of it.

[@kevintobin9737]

What is unusual about this KZbin channel are the intelligent and respectful comments for every video, even when they don't agree with Justin. I think this is because he is being authentic and not patronising his audience. Really enjoying this channel Justin, and the theme tune is great! Please keep posting! Could you critique a few NWOCR bands soon, like Those Damn Crows?

[@starrguitarworks]

Awww, shucks. Thanks for responding to my comment, Justin. Still love ya! Even if you’ve lost your mind! 😂

[@isawaghost5430]

Loving your channel, enjoy listening to your opinions, and loving that shirt!

[@frankblunt2482]

We're all individuals. I'm not.

[@RobOram1705]

I don't usually comment on KZbin so I guess you must be doing something right to have engaged me enough to comment :-) I quite like your own music but cant say I'm a massive fan but I do find the YT videos of your I have watched to be really interesting, balanced and engaging! Keep up the good work!

[@Phil1982]

Love your channel. You are very insightful and also hilarious. Also I've now got back into the darkness! Until this year I'd only ever heard the first two albums, and boy was I missing out!

[@dazmando]

I’m loving it. Nice and fresh and really good to review new rock music to. Very appreciated as different

[@marcelbr815]

FTR, I don’t think Justin’s opinions are only “modern music sux”. He is way broader in his analysis. Great channel.

[@pillarofdavidson]

Don't worry, Justin I think you're terrific because I believe in a thing called love.

[@MikeyHogarth]

Okay so now we know the comments get read by the producer - awesome! Please please please raise awareness of / do analysis of the amazing Canadian band "The Tragically Hip" - they easily win the prize of the most underrated band that has ever existed (outside of Canada at least) and if Justin doesn't absolutely adore them then I'll eat my socks!

[@kbusby4824]

A lot of your content does in fact resonate. Of course, anyone who is a fan of The Cult gets bonus points in my book. In any case, you always come across as sincere and sincere in your sarcasm. Love the intro/outro and often(times) find myself singing along. Yes, oftentimes is a useless word. Love Alan the hamster as well. I would say there is a differentiation between modern and contemporary music just as there is in terms of the visual arts. The two seemingly are conflated routinely. Nonetheless (not a useless word) I enjoy your channel and enjoyed today's post.

[@RickReasonnz]

I'd honestly be interested in hearing Justin break down one of The Darkness' songs. Would be a bit of fun.

[@FaustoRG]

You’re the best Justin!! I’ve loved the Darkness since forever! Loved the video about the Foo Fighters, I’ve always hated that band but I learned to respect it a lil bit thanks to you

[@laurenh6668]

This was really funny. You talk sense and have a fantastic sense of humour 👏

[@mrslowly9985]

I find the critiques very balanced and your honesty is refreshing. What I'd like to see you do is old rock breakdowns especially from lesser known artists such as Budgie, Rory Gallagher and Ted Nugent to show younger audiences great old school rock.

[@patrickstone9395]

That shirt is the funkiest project Justin's ever been a part of. Cheers.

[@ClintsGuitarsNGear]

Really enjoy your channel Justin. I'm not seeing any of the negatives that some are questioning you on. I feel like many are just reading the title like you said. There is nothing negative about your channel and I feel that you are an extremely respectful person to others. You're a real musician who has actually played in a hugely successful band in front of sellout crowds and you know music therefore your opinion is valuable. 🤘👍

[@maggiepie8810]

I would honestly love to see your reaction to some of Simon the Magpie's guitar videos. Especially the X-fret guitar, or the tiny pink one he sawed in half.

[@danielmarden1984]

If I'm honest, I wasn't a fan but that was because I never gave you a chance, untill I saw the darkness at chantry Park and must say you was amazing. Been a fan ever since

[@lisagilbert-bell6329]

Not sure why people get so riled from opinions, they are word that can be taken or left. It's been interesting listening to what you have to say and if someone doesn't like what your saying, they don't have to listen. Keep on doing what you do best.

[@WigsLtd]

Well, I think you are very articulate, fun and nice. Keep up the good work my friend

[@grantbirdandplantnerd]

Justin, I am always wondering what are the decks/turntables in the background, and what are you using them for? So glad I found your channel.... Yay!

[@LoneWolf-sh1ph]

It's great that you read all the comments, I didn't think you would of had the time considering all the platforms you are on, I thought maybe you paid some one to do the replies. I'd be honoured if you could say hello to me, I missed the chance at the meet and great when it was cancelled in 2020 in Adelaide because of covid lockdowns. That was a blast of a show 👍

[@lesstalkingmoregaming]

Man i would love to see The Darkness performing in Portugal. By the way you seem to be a real down to earth person! Keep up the good work.

[@fionnagrant6636]

I really love these videos. You have so much knowledge, and such a sophisticated understanding of music, and why different things work. I really appreciate it because I have trouble relating to some types of music, and it always leaves me feeling ignorant and unsophisticated. We don't have to all agree with each other, but if we don't try and understand ourselves and other people surely we are all f*****.

[@daveycmusic5150]

Justin, you are doing what you want, and regardless of what those who dont approve think or want, its your journey, not theirs. Your journey seems to be more fun and rewarding, hence hater animosity. I find it comical that those who critique so harshly not only are not aware of exactly how well you do what you do (By the way, the Hot Leg album is a hidden hard rock GEM!!!), they CANNOT do what you do. There is some credence to experts that cannot do what they are experts at (I.e. a sommelier may not be able to MAKE wine, but can tell you what a good wine is), but that critique is usually more constructive than directed and pointed. Most who "slam post" are chumps. I think your body of work speaks for itself. I applaud your tenacity to even BE in the business as long as you have been, amongst all the trappings and nay-sayers that line it's walls. Yet you still create new, exciting music for people to enjoy. Even if some people simply cannot find anything enjoyable about the gift of art and creative expression. Bravo.

[@bobj3251]

Gosh I love your shirt , why can't I criticise any genre or artist or work I don't like ? Stop being so precious and closing your mind to any negative comments on your fave stuff it's all subjective

[@itsunclemonty5206]

You're star, always have been, always will be. Wherever you choose to hang your creative hat, will find itself most at home and likely to cause other hats to get a bit wrinkled. Keep on being the king hat you are, sir! 🤘🏼

[@jackbrowning8013]

Justin Hawkins doesn't give aaaaaa....faaaaaaaak 🙌

[@saltandiron3379]

Love you Justin! Also your shirt in this video is fabulous! I admire how you welcome comments/criticism from everyone. Including the assholes.

[@mikedonovan4768]

That's some funky colour scheme there. Also the expression is "Opinions are like arseholes - everybody's got one". Harry Callaghan. 🙂

[@jah8859]

Alas! Poor Yorick! never gets a word in. Clearly the Foo Fighters responder did not watch the video. Lovin' the channel ☮💗

[@andymarsal]

The theme tune has just grown on me

[@robertsalcido5518]

The theme tune and the backpack guitar are the best parts.

[@connorstewart7222]

Justin Hawkins, you are an Idol. Rock God. ❤️🙏

[@planetwave]

I believe in a thing called love was the reason I picked up a guitar and still love that song.

[@barryb90]

I saw the Darkness open for Metallica and Linkin Park on Aug 21st, 2003. I was 12 and it was my first gig. A few weeks later "Permission to land" was everywhere. Great times

[@mingpowman76]

I love the theme tune. It sounds mysterious like you’re wearing a cape and an eye patch.

[@boctok55]

Your videos remind me of when I used to go to other peoples' houses and check out their "album collection". Sometimes, they would have something that completely threw you off, either in a good way or not. Like, "Holy Shit! You listen to Rush?!" or "Holy Shit! You listen to Air Supply?!" It's one of those things that you learn as you grow up. Not everyone is the same and has the same likes and dislikes. The way it should be.

[@xmarkhimselfx]

I've developed a serious JH Rides Again addiction. We agree on alot. I also learn alot. If I was qualified I would give you the doctorate in Music that you require gladly. 💯

[@met454]

I always sing the intro and outro with you! 🤣

[@petebrown3715]

Maybe you can do a coreaction with Rick Beato? That would be awesome. Keep being you Justin. Looking forward to seeing the Darkness again here in Chicago for the 4th time. BTW I love the theme tune. Gets stuck in my head. Cheers Thank you! 🤘🎸

[@Regurg1tator]

The theme tune sounds very "Justin Hawkins" it suits you perfectly

[@halloweenjack2562]

Dear Justin, thank you for saving me 12 mins & 8 secs of my life by not having watch your FF vid as you gave us the conclusion in one sentence. Love on ya, as the dearly departed DB once wrote!

[@shoulderoforion8067]

Must admit I've cooled off on watching some of your more recent videos as the clickbait titles usually come to nothing and I feel somewhat manipulated! Maybe have a word with your 'producer'. I was looking forward to an alternative viewpoint on the Foo Fighters, but it wasn't forthcoming. As much as I absolutely love Dave Grohl as a rock spokesman, human being and drummer, I have never liked the Foo Fighters music aside from a very few tracks. However, by comparison (and in my opinion) Royal Blood do the cool rock/punk/indie thing impeccably on every level.