Why One X is Three Days Graces' Magnum Opus

Introduction: The Emotional Resonsance of My Childhood

I remember my first encounter with Three Days Grace well. I was only 9 at the time and had no idea the profound impact the day I spent with my cousin would have on my life. We were in the garage talking to my uncle as he worked on some car-related task. The paint-splattered boom box playing a CD I first mistook for a generic rock group. It was the One X CD which had just come out earlier that year.

The song "On My Own" came on. The song reverberated through the garage and i became lost in the music. The guitar and melody were catchy and moody and it felt like the music notes were dancing in my little brain. But the composition wasn't what stuck with me, but the lyrics, the pain and passion in Adam Gontier's voice.

I may have only been 9 and not explicitly understood the full implications of the lyrics, but nevertheless it was a song that struck me to my core. Something many people either forget or just don't know is that children are born with very adult emotions, but without the tools and understanding to handle them.

My life had just recently been uprooted, the birth of my youngest sister, the divorce of my parents, being ripped away from the only house I'd known as my home. Having to change schools, neighborhoods, even districts. Suddenly having to share a room with my stinky toddler brother at my grandma's house.

I felt so connected to many of the lyrics that popped up in the song, "I need to run far away", "am I too much?", "forget about the life I used to know", "I'm standing here alone", and many others.

At this point in my childhood, the last 3 years of my life had such an impact on not just my behaviors but my personality. I receeded into myself, becoming much more of an introvert. I had felt displaced from everything I used to know, and everything that had seemed like a constant was no longer there. I felt like I truly was starting to forget the life that I used to know. I felt alone.

I felt such a visceral connection to this song upon the first listen, and my admiration and emotional connection has only grown over the past 17 years. One X was my most played album on Spotify all 4 years of highschool. It was a CD that I had to buy twice in my youth because I played it so often in my stereo system that it eventually became unplayable.

I was in my highschool's Journalism class, where we wrote for the school newsletter. I fought my teacher on the validity of my article for three weeks on why Three Days Grace was the most underrated Post-Grunge Alternative Rock group of it's generation. This one album changed- no, enriched- my life in such a catagorical way that I just have to write about it.

And i think thats part of the true magic of not only the song "On My Own" but the entirety of the album "One X". Weather you look at it from a music science standpoint, a record sales standpoint or even the personal emotional significance point of view. This album is truly Three Days Grace's magnum opus.

Search: "Who Is Three Days Grace?"

With that kind of introduction, I can only hope I've caught your interest enough for you to care about what I have to say. Some of you will already know who Three Days Grace is, either distantly familiar or closley. But for those who don't, here's a brief introduction to Three Days Grace as a band.

Three Days Grace is a Canadian rock band that has amassed a dedicated fan base since its formation in 1997 (the year I was born, by the way). This band had a former stint as Groundswell, running from 1992 -1995 where they would play local backyard parties and shows in local establishments.

When they reconveined dawning the new band name Three Days Grace, they were a 3 member group, later gaining their 4th member and lead guitarist Barry Stock in 2003. In 2013 the lead singer Adam Gontier was replaced by Matt Walst who used to be the lead singer of My Darkest Days. Which some post-grunge and alt. metal fans might remember, had hits like "Porn Star Dancing" their first single, "Can't Forget You" and "Still Worth Fighting For".

(Sidenote: If you haven't listened to My Darkest Days before, I highly suggest you start with their self-titled album. They don't have a long discography but they're worth an honorable mention)

With the original trio they would record and put out their self-titled album "Three Days Grace" in early 2003, being released July 22nd of that year. They would then recruit Barry Stock and go on tour.

While on tour Adam Gontier developed an addiction to OxyCotin and the band had to go on hiatus in 2005 while Adam checked himself into an addiction rehab center. He would write songs while in treatment. Once Gontier was out, they would spend just 3 months writing and producing before having almost the entirety of their next album complete. This album would be "One-X". One of it's tracks that got it's own music video; "Animal I Have Become" written about Adam Contier's experiences and thoughts while becoming sober.

In 2009 they would produce and later release the album Life Starts Now which departed from their previous angrier style into a more optimistic tone. They would continue to release albums such as Transit of Venus (Adam's last album with the group), Human, Outsider and Explosions. As of 2023 Three Days Grace still goes on tours.

Now that you've had a bit of an info-dump on the history of the band, I'm just about ready to get into the meat of this topic. But first I want to highlight something about the album that doesnt quite fit anywhere else in this discussion.

Even with numerous albums under their belt, "One-X" stands out as a monumental achievement in the band's discography including an RIAA Tripple Platinum U.S. Cirtification. For those unfamiliar, its essentially the highest musical honor one can achieve. Where as winning a Grammy is more fan/popularity focused, an RIAA certification looks at it from a technical musical standpoint. The Tripple Platinum certification is the second highest you can get, only being below status of Diamond.

They also recieved the title of "Alternative Album of the Year" from online publication Alternative Addiction in 2006 which was known for its extensive coverage of underground music. Not to mention that 6 of their 12 songs from the album would recieve the status of being #1 songs. This just goes to certify my point that this album was akin to no other; representing a profound evolution in sound, lyrical depth, and emotional resonance.

Thematic Complexity

"One-X" encapsulates a large number of themes that resonate deeply with listeners. The album serves as a sonic embodiment of overcoming adversity, personal struggles, and inner demons. The band's lead singer, Adam Gontier, channeled his personal battles with addiction and depression into the album's lyrics during his time in rehab, creating a raw and authentic portrayal of human suffering. Tracks that make it easy to connect to one's own life, struggles and experiences.

Tracks like "Animal I Have Become" and "Pain" offer a cathartic experience, allowing listeners to connect with the emotions of pain and isolation, while also providing a glimmer of hope.

"Pain" specifically highlights the complicated turmoil of navigating depression. " Pain, can't get enough. Pain, I like it rough. C'ause I'd rather feel pain than nothing at all" is an excerpt from the opening of the song and emphatically highlights not only the tone for the song but the feeling that often comes with long bouts of depression- the inevitable numbness. The want to not feel depressed leading to not feeling anything at all and the realization of how much worse it is to not feel.

It's able to pinpoint the exact train of thought that many of those who self harm go down. I want to feel, but I've become so numb to my own misery that I need to inflict pain to feel anything remotely human.

Even if you don't self harm, there's a relatability in the central idea of when you're hurting sometimes you just want to feel something else. Sometimes you just want to lash out. Coping mechanisms aren't always inherently healthy ones, and I think theres a resonance of that in this song. The idea of giving into your dark self-destructive thoughts. The idea of "Pain" can also be read as craving physical pain in order to distract from the mental pain, such as in the line, "Pain, I like it rought, pain, can't get enough"

One of the things that I love about the One-X album is that their songs are multi-faceted with issues that to this day are relevant. A reading of the line "Anger and agony are better than misery." Can be given a deeper meaning when you think of the writers of the song being all males. Generally society doesn't assign a lot of emotions that are 'allowed' for males to have, mostly associating the only appropriate emotions being anger or happiness. Though through the years we've begun to dismantle this toxic way of viewing the allowance of human emotions, this song was released in 2006.

The atmosphere around mental health was still seen as taboo. Thinking of anger and agony being better than misery as not just a catchy line that highlights the theme of the song but as a look into the few ways men felt they could express themselves with the desire to express more. But ultimately giving into the societal expectations of how men should handle their emotions.

Other notable lyrics from this song include "I'll take you by the hand, show you a world you can understand." "I know that you're wounded. You know that I'm here to save you." "i'm always here for you, you'll thank me later." All of these sprinkle in the idea of a support system within this otherwise self-destructive mental cycle of a song. Looking at the song from a passive point of view it seems to be a depressing song about one's inner pain. But the culmination of lyrics and arrangement perfectly balances between despair and hope.

The album also delves into themes of self-discovery and redemption. Songs like "Never Too Late" convey the message that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for redemption and change. This exploration of multifaceted themes elevates "One-X" beyond a mere collection of songs, transforming it into a narrative journey that listeners can personally relate to.

Musical Evolution

"One-X" showcases a significant musical evolution for Three Days Grace not only as a band but as individuals. While their previous album established their presence in the rock scene, "One-X" demonstrates a refined and mature sound. The album's musical diversity, incorporating elements of post-grunge, alternative rock, and hard rock, contributes to its timeless appeal. The band's ability to seamlessly blend heavy guitar riffs with melodic vocals is exemplified in tracks like "Riot" and "Gone Forever."

The album's production quality also plays a pivotal role in its musical impact. Howard Benson's production expertise elevated the band's sound to new heights, creating an immersive experience for listeners. The balance between powerful instrumentation and Gontier's emotive vocals lends each song an emotional depth that resonates on a profound level. This musical evolution demonstrates the band's commitment to pushing their artistic boundaries while staying true to their core identity.

One-X: Lasting Impact

Nearly two decades after its release, "One-X" continues to leave an indelible mark on both new and longtime fans of Three Days Grace. I for one still listen to it all the time. It was my most listened album 2020, 2021 and 2023. I'm pretty sure it'll be my top album this year as well. The album's evergreen popularity is a testament to its universal themes and relatable content, songs that age like fine wine. Its songs have become anthems for those battling personal struggles; providing a source of comfort and understanding. A bit of a side note, but, "One-X" is credited with revitalizing the post-grunge and alternative rock genres, influencing subsequent bands and artists. Its innovative approach to songwriting and emotionally charged performances set a standard for authenticity in rock music. The album's impact extends beyond the confines of its genre, demonstrating its relevance and timelessness.

Conclusion

I'm not overtly musically inclined or versed. But i don't think I need to be in order to communicate to readers just how good this album is. Yes, I might be biased. Afterall, it was a defining moment in my youth that brought me comfort in ways the people around me couldn't. But isn't that supposed to be the point of music?

Isn't music supposed to be able to touch your soul, to communicate things that just words alone can't?

The best thing about music is the personal relatability that each indivitual can take from a song. And if people are able to grasp onto that and hold it tightly, then they should. I hope that this behemoth of a 'short' essay has resonated with you in some small way. I think I was able to articulate what people mean when they utter the phrase 'music saves lives' while going into this deep dive about Three Days Grace.

In conclusion, "One-X" emerges as the pinnacle of Three Days Grace's discography due to its thematic complexity, musical evolution, and lasting impact. The album's exploration of human emotions, personal battles, and redemption resonates deeply with listeners, creating a connection that transcends time. Its musical evolution demonstrates the band's growth while maintaining their core identity, and its lasting impact on both the rock genre and its audience cements its status as a classic. "One-X" is not merely an album; it is a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and evolve, making it the definitive Three Days Grace album.