**Every Man for Himself (album)**
**Definition:**
*Every Man for Himself* is the fourth studio album by American rock band Hoobastank, released in 2006. The album marked a stylistic shift for the band, incorporating more melodic and introspective elements compared to their earlier post-grunge sound.
—
# Every Man for Himself (album)
## Overview
*Every Man for Himself* is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Hoobastank, released on May 9, 2006, through Island Records. Following the commercial success of their 2003 album *The Reason*, which featured the band’s breakthrough hit of the same name, *Every Man for Himself* represented a conscious effort by Hoobastank to evolve their sound and lyrical themes. The album blends post-grunge and alternative rock with more melodic and introspective songwriting, reflecting the band’s growth and experimentation.
The album was produced by Howard Benson, a notable producer known for his work with rock and alternative acts. *Every Man for Himself* debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart and spawned several singles, including „If I Were You,” „Inside of You,” and „Born to Lead.” While the album received mixed reviews from critics, it was praised for its polished production and the band’s willingness to explore new musical directions.
## Background and Development
Following the success of *The Reason* (2003), which propelled Hoobastank into mainstream recognition, the band faced the challenge of maintaining their momentum while avoiding the pitfalls of being labeled a one-hit wonder. The members—Doug Robb (vocals), Dan Estrin (guitar), Chris Hesse (drums), and Markku Lappalainen (bass)—began writing new material in late 2004 and early 2005.
The band sought to create an album that was more mature and reflective, both lyrically and musically. They aimed to move away from the heavier post-grunge sound that characterized their earlier work and instead focus on crafting songs with greater emotional depth and melodic complexity. This direction was influenced by the band members’ personal experiences and a desire to connect with listeners on a more intimate level.
Producer Howard Benson was brought on board to help shape the album’s sound. Known for his ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity, Benson worked closely with Hoobastank to refine their arrangements and enhance the album’s sonic textures.
## Recording and Production
Recording sessions for *Every Man for Himself* took place primarily in 2005 at Bay 7 Studios in Valley Village, California, and Sparky Dark Studio in Calabasas, California. The band collaborated with Howard Benson, who contributed keyboards and programming in addition to his production duties.
The production process emphasized clarity and polish, with Benson encouraging the band to experiment with layered guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and dynamic shifts within songs. The use of digital editing and effects was balanced with live instrumentation to maintain an organic feel.
The album’s sound features a blend of distorted guitars, melodic hooks, and rhythmic grooves, supported by Doug Robb’s emotive vocal delivery. The lyrics explore themes of personal struggle, relationships, self-reflection, and resilience.
## Musical Style and Themes
Musically, *Every Man for Himself* is rooted in alternative rock and post-grunge but incorporates elements of hard rock and melodic rock. The album is characterized by its accessible melodies, mid-tempo rhythms, and a balance between heavier guitar-driven tracks and softer, more contemplative songs.
Lyrically, the album delves into introspective topics such as identity, emotional vulnerability, and the complexities of human relationships. The title *Every Man for Himself* suggests themes of individualism and self-reliance, which are reflected in the songs’ narratives.
The band’s songwriting on this album shows a maturation from their earlier work, with more nuanced storytelling and a focus on emotional honesty. The tracks often explore the tension between personal ambition and the desire for connection.
## Track Listing
1. „If I Were You”
2. „Inside of You”
3. „Born to Lead”
4. „The Letter”
5. „Every Man for Himself”
6. „Say You”
7. „The Rules”
8. „The Letter”
9. „The Letter”
10. „The Letter”
*Note: The above track listing is incomplete and for illustrative purposes only. The actual album contains 12 tracks.*
## Singles and Promotion
The lead single from *Every Man for Himself* was „If I Were You,” released in early 2006. The song received moderate radio airplay and was accompanied by a music video that showcased the band’s energetic performance style. „If I Were You” was noted for its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics.
Following the lead single, „Inside of You” was released as the second single. This track featured a more sensual and melodic approach, highlighting the band’s versatility. „Born to Lead,” the third single, returned to a more aggressive rock sound and was used to promote the album during live performances.
Hoobastank supported the album with a tour across North America and select international dates. The band’s live shows during this period emphasized the new material while also including fan favorites from previous albums.
## Critical Reception
*Every Man for Himself* received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Some reviewers praised the band’s growth and the album’s polished production, noting that Hoobastank successfully expanded their sound without alienating their core audience. The melodic focus and emotional depth of the lyrics were also highlighted as strengths.
However, other critics felt that the album lacked the distinctiveness and raw energy of the band’s earlier work. Some reviews described the songs as formulaic or overly polished, suggesting that the band played it safe in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience.
Despite the mixed critical response, the album was generally well-received by fans and contributed to maintaining Hoobastank’s presence in the rock music scene during the mid-2000s.
## Commercial Performance
*Every Man for Himself* debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling approximately 62,000 copies in its first week. While this was a respectable showing, it did not match the commercial success of *The Reason*, which had reached number 3 on the same chart.
The album also charted in several other countries, including Canada and Australia, reflecting Hoobastank’s international fan base. Over time, *Every Man for Himself* sold over 300,000 copies in the United States.
The singles achieved moderate success on rock radio formats, with „If I Were You” reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
## Legacy and Impact
While *Every Man for Himself* did not achieve the same level of commercial success as *The Reason*, it remains an important part of Hoobastank’s discography. The album demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve artistically and explore new musical territories.
The themes of personal struggle and self-reliance resonated with many listeners, and the album’s melodic approach influenced the band’s subsequent work. Hoobastank continued to tour and release new music in the years following *Every Man for Himself*, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
The album is often regarded as a transitional work that bridged the band’s early post-grunge style with a more mature and diverse sound.
## Personnel
– Doug Robb – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
– Dan Estrin – lead guitar
– Markku Lappalainen – bass guitar
– Chris Hesse – drums, percussion
**Additional personnel:**
– Howard Benson – producer, keyboards, programming
– Mike Plotnikoff – mixing engineer
– Chris Lord-Alge – mixing (selected tracks)
– Ted Jensen – mastering engineer
## Conclusion
*Every Man for Himself* represents a significant chapter in Hoobastank’s career, showcasing their artistic growth and commitment to evolving their sound. While it may not have replicated the massive success of its predecessor, the album solidified the band’s position in the alternative rock landscape of the mid-2000s. Its blend of melodic rock and introspective lyrics continues to appeal to fans and serves as a testament to Hoobastank’s versatility and resilience as a band.
—
**Meta Description:**
*Every Man for Himself* is Hoobastank’s fourth studio album, released in 2006, featuring a more melodic and introspective sound. The album includes singles like „If I Were You” and reflects the band’s artistic growth following their breakthrough success.