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| cover = Memphis May Fire - Unconditional - from Commons.jpg
| cover = Memphis May Fire - Unconditional - from Commons.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| released = March 25, 2014<br>July 17, 2015 (deluxe edition)
| released = March 25, 2014
| recorded = Chango Studios
| recorded = Chango Studios
| venue =
| venue =
| studio =
| studio =
| genre = {{Hlist|[[Metalcore]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://crypticrock.com/memphis-may-fire-unconditional-album-review/|title = Memphis May Fire – Unconditional (Album Review)|date = 18 April 2014}}</ref>|[[post-hardcore]]<ref name=popmatters/>}}
| genre = [[Metalcore]], [[post-hardcore]], [[Christian metal]
| length = 43:20<ref name="Unconditional on iTunes">{{cite web|title=Unconditional - Memphis May Fire|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unconditional/id824498917|work=iTunes|publisher=Rise Records|accessdate=20 February 2014}}</ref><br>55:08 (deluxe edition)
| length = 43:20<ref name="Unconditional on iTunes">{{cite web|title=Unconditional - Memphis May Fire|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/unconditional/id824498917|work=iTunes|publisher=Rise Records|access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref><br>55:08 (deluxe edition)
| label = [[Rise Records|Rise]]
| label = [[Rise Records|Rise]]
| producer = [[Cameron Mizell]], Kellen McGregor
| producer = {{flatlist|
* [[Cameron Mizell]]
* Kellen McGregor
}}
| prev_title = [[Challenger (Memphis May Fire album)|Challenger]]
| prev_title = [[Challenger (Memphis May Fire album)|Challenger]]
| prev_year = 2012
| prev_year = 2012
Line 36: Line 39:
}}
}}
}}
}}

{{album reviews
{{music ratings
|rev1=[[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score=(positive)<ref>{{cite web|author=Gregory Heaney |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/unconditional-mw0002618604 |title=Unconditional - Memphis May Fire &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |date=2014-03-24 |accessdate=2015-05-28}}</ref>
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|author=Gregory Heaney |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/unconditional-mw0002618604 |title=Unconditional - Memphis May Fire &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |website=[[AllMusic]] |date=2014-03-24 |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[HM Magazine]]''
| rev2 = ''[[HM Magazine]]''
| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=hmmagazine>{{cite web |url=http://hmmagazine.com/blog/album-reviews/memphis-may-fire-unconditional/ |title=Memphis May Fire - ''Unconditional'' |last=Mabee |first=Justin|publisher=HM Publications LLC |date=April 7, 2014 |journal=[[HM Magazine]] |accessdate=May 9, 2014 |issn=1066-6923 }}</ref>
| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=hmmagazine>{{cite journal |url=http://hmmagazine.com/blog/album-reviews/memphis-may-fire-unconditional/ |title=Memphis May Fire - ''Unconditional'' |last=Mabee |first=Justin|publisher=HM Publications LLC |date=April 7, 2014 |journal=[[HM Magazine]] |access-date=May 9, 2014 |issn=1066-6923 }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[PopMatters]]''
| rev3score = 4/10<ref name=popmatters>{{cite journal|url=https://www.popmatters.com/180311-memphis-may-fire-unconditional-2495672662.html |title=Memphis May Fire: Unconditional |last=Koch |first=Jeff|date=April 25, 2014 |journal=[[PopMatters]] |access-date=January 22, 2012 }}</ref>
}}
}}

'''''Unconditional''''' is the fourth studio album by American [[metalcore]] band [[Memphis May Fire]]. It was released on the March 25, 2014 by [[Rise Records]] and distributed by [[Fontana Distribution]]. The deluxe edition was released on July 17, 2015.
'''''Unconditional''''' is the fourth studio album by American [[metalcore]] band [[Memphis May Fire]]. It was released on the March 25, 2014 by [[Rise Records]] and distributed by [[Fontana Distribution]]. The deluxe edition was released on July 17, 2015.


==Background and recording==
==Background and recording==
Memphis May Fire had planned to release their new album in early 2014.<ref name="Expected early 2014">{{cite web|last=Beringer|first=Drew|title=Memphis May Fire Planning New LP in Early 2014|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3448651|work=AbsolutePunk.com|publisher=Absolute Punk|accessdate=20 February 2014}}</ref> The band recorded at Chango Studios with Kellen and [[Cameron Mizell]] as the producers.<ref name="Memphis at Chango Studios">{{cite web|last=Major|first=Nick|title=In The Studio with Memphis May Fire|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/in_the_studio_with_memphis_may_fire|work=AltPress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Producers who worked on the album">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire set to release new album|url=http://lambgoat.com/news/21809/Memphis-May-Fire-set-to-release-new-album|work=Lambgoat.com|publisher=Lamb Goat|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref>
Memphis May Fire had planned to release their new album in early 2014.<ref name="Expected early 2014">{{cite web|last=Beringer|first=Drew|title=Memphis May Fire Planning New LP in Early 2014|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3448651|work=AbsolutePunk.com|publisher=Absolute Punk|access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref> The band recorded at Chango Studios with Kellen and [[Cameron Mizell]] as the producers.<ref name="Memphis at Chango Studios">{{cite web|last=Major|first=Nick|title=In The Studio with Memphis May Fire|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/in_the_studio_with_memphis_may_fire|work=AltPress.com|date=7 October 2013|publisher=AltPress|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="Producers who worked on the album">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire set to release new album|url=http://lambgoat.com/news/21809/Memphis-May-Fire-set-to-release-new-album|work=Lambgoat.com|publisher=Lamb Goat|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref>


On December 14, 2013 the band tweeted that they had finished recording their forthcoming album with vocalist Matty Mullins expressing on how proud he was of the album. The album was expected to be an early 2014 release.<ref name="Album recording finished">{{cite web|last=Mullins|first=Matty|title=Album recording finished|url=https://twitter.com/MemphisMayFire/statuses/411687221398228993|work=Twitter.com|publisher=Memphis May Fire|accessdate=20 February 2014}}</ref> On December 18, the band announced "The Unconditional Tour" beginning late February through March with fellow acts [[The Word Alive]], [[A Skylit Drive]], [[Hands Like Houses]] and [[Caleb Shomo|Beartooth]] in the [[US]].<ref name="The Word Alive announcement">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Etc. Tour Officially Announced|url=http://www.theprp.com/2013/12/19/news/memphis-may-fire-the-word-alive-a-skylit-drive-etc-tour-officially-announced/|work=theprp.com|publisher=The PRP|accessdate=20 December 2013|author=wookubus|format=News post|date=19 December 2013|quote=Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Hands Like Houses and Beartooth have officially announced their ‘The Unconditional Tour‘...}}</ref>
On December 14, 2013 the band tweeted that they had finished recording their forthcoming album with vocalist Matty Mullins expressing on how proud he was of the album. The album was expected to be an early 2014 release.<ref name="Album recording finished">{{cite web|last=Mullins|first=Matty|title=Album recording finished|url=https://twitter.com/MemphisMayFire/statuses/411687221398228993|work=Twitter.com|publisher=Memphis May Fire|access-date=20 February 2014}}</ref> On December 18, the band announced "The Unconditional Tour" beginning late February through March with fellow acts [[The Word Alive]], [[A Skylit Drive]], [[Hands Like Houses]] and [[Caleb Shomo|Beartooth]] in the [[US]].<ref name="The Word Alive announcement">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Etc. Tour Officially Announced|url=http://www.theprp.com/2013/12/19/news/memphis-may-fire-the-word-alive-a-skylit-drive-etc-tour-officially-announced/|work=theprp.com|publisher=The PRP|access-date=20 December 2013|author=wookubus|format=News post|date=19 December 2013|quote=Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Hands Like Houses and Beartooth have officially announced their ‘The Unconditional Tour‘...}}</ref>


In a studio update for the album, it was announced that it would be titled ''Unconditional'' and would be released on March 25, 2014 through Rise Records.<ref name="Album release date announced">{{cite web|last=Kraus|first=Brian|title=Memphis May Fire post third studio update for ‘Unconditional’|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_post_third_studio_update_for_unconditional|work=Altpress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref>
In a studio update for the album, it was announced that it would be titled ''Unconditional'' and would be released on March 25, 2014 through Rise Records.<ref name="Album release date announced">{{cite web|last=Kraus|first=Brian|title=Memphis May Fire post third studio update for 'Unconditional'|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_post_third_studio_update_for_unconditional|work=Altpress.com|date=26 January 2014|publisher=AltPress|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref>


==Style and composition==
==Style and composition==
In an [[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] interview released on September 7, 2013 the band stated that their new album will "have more of a theatrical feel, as well as orchestral presence" also describing their new album as a "soundtrack to an action film".<ref name="Statement of new albums sound">{{cite web|last=Nick|first=Major|title=In The Studio with Memphis May Fire|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/in_the_studio_with_memphis_may_fire|work=Altpress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref>
In an [[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] interview released on September 7, 2013 the band stated that their new album will "have more of a theatrical feel, as well as orchestral presence" also describing their new album as a "soundtrack to an action film".<ref name="Statement of new albums sound">{{cite web|last=Nick|first=Major|title=In The Studio with Memphis May Fire|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/in_the_studio_with_memphis_may_fire|work=Altpress.com|date=7 October 2013|publisher=AltPress|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref>


In another interview, the band described the sound of their new album, "''[It] Just shows maturity. The newest record is very theatrical. It almost feels like a movie soundtrack from start to finish. It’s really awesome. A lot of orchestra stuff playing a big role in the record. It’s just – it’s more mature. I think that our younger audience is going to love it – certain aspects of it – and our older audience is going to really appreciate how far we’ve come as artists. They’re really going to love the record too. It’s great''."<ref name="About the new albums sound">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire planning new LP in early 2014|url=http://www.killyourstereo.com/news/19014/memphis-may-fire-planning-new-lp-in-early-2014|work=KillYourStereo.com|publisher=Kill Your Stereo|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref>
In another interview, the band described the sound of their new album, "''[It] Just shows maturity. The newest record is very theatrical. It almost feels like a movie soundtrack from start to finish. It’s really awesome. A lot of orchestra stuff playing a big role in the record. It’s just – it’s more mature. I think that our younger audience is going to love it – certain aspects of it – and our older audience is going to really appreciate how far we’ve come as artists. They’re really going to love the record too. It’s great''."<ref name="About the new albums sound">{{cite web|title=Memphis May Fire planning new LP in early 2014|url=http://www.killyourstereo.com/news/19014/memphis-may-fire-planning-new-lp-in-early-2014|work=KillYourStereo.com|publisher=Kill Your Stereo|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref>


== Release and promotion ==
== Release and promotion ==
On February 6, 2014 the first single, "No Ordinary Love" was streamed through the Rise Records YouTube channel, and the official track listing was also released on this date.<ref name="No Ordinary Love is released">{{cite web|last=Crane|first=Matt|title=Memphis May Fire release new song, "No Ordinary Love"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_release_new_song_no_ordinary_love|work=Altpress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=7 February 2014}}</ref> The band later released "Sleepless Nights" on February 24<ref name="Sleepless Nights released">{{cite web|last=Kraus|first=Brian|title=Memphis May Fire stream new single, "Sleepless Nights"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_stream_new_single_sleepless_nights|work=AltPress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=12 March 2014}}</ref> and then "Beneath The Skin" on March 11, 2014.<ref name="Beneath The Skin released">{{cite web|last=Bird|first=Michele|title=Memphis May Fire stream new song, "Beneath The Skin"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_stream_new_song_beneath_the_skin|work=AltPress.com|publisher=AltPress|accessdate=12 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-The-Skin/dp/B00IML7ON0 |title=Beneath The Skin: Memphis May Fire: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.com |date= |accessdate=2015-05-28}}</ref> On March 13, 2014, Rise Records released a playlist of the full album on YouTube,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKcGEIO7V0rUK5FD4c21HL6RDiS16x0-H |title=Memphis May Fire - Unconditional (Album Stream) |publisher=YouTube.com |date=2015-03-11 |accessdate=2015-05-28}}</ref> announced by Mullins who tweeted, "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record!" <ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MattyMullins/statuses/444254405626712064 |title=Matty Mullins on Twitter: "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record :) CHECK IT OUT!!! http://t.co/W9NTVVRR5X" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2014-03-13 |accessdate=2015-05-28}}</ref>
On February 6, 2014 the first single, "No Ordinary Love" was streamed through the Rise Records YouTube channel, and the official track listing was also released on this date.<ref name="No Ordinary Love is released">{{cite web|last=Crane|first=Matt|title=Memphis May Fire release new song, "No Ordinary Love"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_release_new_song_no_ordinary_love|work=Altpress.com|date=6 February 2014|publisher=AltPress|access-date=7 February 2014}}</ref> The band later released "Sleepless Nights" on February 24<ref name="Sleepless Nights released">{{cite web|last=Kraus|first=Brian|title=Memphis May Fire stream new single, "Sleepless Nights"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_stream_new_single_sleepless_nights|work=AltPress.com|date=25 February 2014|publisher=AltPress|access-date=12 March 2014}}</ref> and then "Beneath The Skin" on March 11, 2014.<ref name="Beneath The Skin released">{{cite web|last=Bird|first=Michele|title=Memphis May Fire stream new song, "Beneath The Skin"|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/memphis_may_fire_stream_new_song_beneath_the_skin|work=AltPress.com|date=11 March 2014|publisher=AltPress|access-date=12 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-The-Skin/dp/B00IML7ON0 |title=Beneath The Skin: Memphis May Fire: MP3 Downloads |website=Amazon |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref> On March 13, 2014, Rise Records released a playlist of the full album on YouTube,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKcGEIO7V0rUK5FD4c21HL6RDiS16x0-H |title=Memphis May Fire - Unconditional (Album Stream) |publisher=YouTube.com |date=2015-03-11 |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref> announced by Mullins who tweeted, "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record!" <ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MattyMullins/statuses/444254405626712064 |title=Matty Mullins on Twitter: "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record :) CHECK IT OUT!!! http://t.co/W9NTVVRR5X" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2014-03-13 |access-date=2015-05-28}}</ref>


==Commercial performance==
==Commercial performance==
''Unconditional'' debuted at No. 4 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]],<ref name="billboard 200">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2014-04-12 |title=Billboard 200 |date=April 12, 2014 |work =Billboard}}</ref> No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums and the ''[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]'' [[Alternative Albums]] chart,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-albums/2014-04-12 |title=Top Rock Albums |date=April 12, 2014 |work =Billboard}}</ref><ref name="alternative">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-albums/2014-04-12 |title=Alternative Albums |date=April 12, 2014 |work =Billboard}}</ref> selling around 27,000 copies in the first week. The album has sold 83,000 copies in the United States as of September 2016.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20160928004910/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |archivedate= September 28, 2016 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |website=''Hits Daily Double'' |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures }}</ref>
''Unconditional'' debuted at No. 4 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]],<ref name="billboard 200">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2014-04-12 |title=Billboard 200 |date=April 12, 2014 |magazine =Billboard}}</ref> No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums and the ''[[Billboard charts|Billboard]]'' [[Alternative Albums]] chart,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-albums/2014-04-12 |title=Top Rock Albums |date=April 12, 2014 |magazine =Billboard}}</ref><ref name="alternative">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-albums/2014-04-12 |title=Alternative Albums |date=April 12, 2014 |magazine =Billboard}}</ref> selling around 27,000 copies in the first week. The album has sold 83,000 copies in the United States as of September 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160928004910/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |archive-date= September 28, 2016 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |magazine=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures }}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
All lyrics written by Matty Mullins, all music composed by Kellen McGregor and Memphis May Fire
All lyrics written by Matty Mullins, all music composed by Kellen McGregor and Memphis May Fire.
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| title1 = No Ordinary Love
| title1 = No Ordinary Love
Line 87: Line 94:
| title11 = Divinity
| title11 = Divinity
| length11 = 4:22
| length11 = 4:22
|total_length = 43:20
| total_length = 43:20
}}
}}
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| collapsed = yes
| headline = Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
⚫
| headline = Deluxe Edition Tracks
| title12 = My Generation
| title12 = My Generation
| length12 = 4:05
| length12 = 4:05
| title13 = Stay the Course
| title13 = Stay the Course
| length13 = 4:01
| length13 = 4:01
}}
⚫
| title14 = Beneath the Skin (Acoustic)
{{track listing
⚫
| headline = Acoustic Bonus Tracks
⚫
| title14 = Beneath the Skin
| length14 = 4:54
| length14 = 4:54
| title15 = Need to Be (Acoustic)
| title15 = Need to Be
| length15 = 3:37
| length15 = 3:37
|total_length = 55:08
| total_length = 59:57
}}
}}


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{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
'''Memphis May Fire'''
;Memphis May Fire
*Matty Mullins – lead vocals, keyboards
*[[Matty Mullins]] – lead vocals, keyboards
⚫
*Kellen McGregor – guitars, production, engineering, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
*Kellen McGregor – lead guitar
* Anthony Sepe – rhythm guitar
*Anthony Sepe – guitars
*Cory Elder – bass guitar
*Cory Elder – bass guitar
*Jake Garland – drums
*Jake Garland – drums

{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
'''Additional'''
;Additional
* Kellen McGregor – producer, engineer, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* [[Cameron Mizell]] – production, engineering, mixing, mastering
⚫
* [[Cameron Mizell]] – producer, engineer, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio mastering|mastering]]
* [[Brian Hood]] – mixing, mastering (deluxe edition)
* [[Brian Hood]] – mixing, mastering (deluxe edition)
* [[Kris Crummett]] – engineer
* [[Kris Crummett]] – engineer
Line 128: Line 135:
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
!scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
|-
|[[UK Albums Chart]] ([[The Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Zywietz|first=Tobias|title=Chart Log UK|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/140405cluk.txt|work=''Zobbel.de''|publisher=Tobias Zywietz|accessdate=April 5, 2014}}</ref>
|[[UK Albums Chart]] ([[The Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|last=Zywietz|first=Tobias|title=Chart Log UK|url=http://www.zobbel.de/cluk/140405cluk.txt|work=Zobbel.de|publisher=Tobias Zywietz|access-date=April 5, 2014}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"| 190
| style="text-align:center;"| 190
|-
|-
Line 135: Line 142:
|US [[Alternative Albums|''Billboard'' Alternative Albums]]<ref name="alternative"/>|| style="text-align:center;"|1
|US [[Alternative Albums|''Billboard'' Alternative Albums]]<ref name="alternative"/>|| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|-
{{albumchart|BillboardHardRock|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
{{album chart|BillboardHardRock|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|BillboardIndependent|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
{{album chart|BillboardIndependent|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
|-
|-
{{albumchart|BillboardRock|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
{{album chart|BillboardRock|1|artist=Memphis May Fire }}
|}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2014)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| US Top Hard Rock Albums<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/hard-rock-albums/|title=Year-End Top Hard Rock Albums - 2014|website=Billboard|date=December 31, 2014|access-date=August 25, 2024}}</ref>
| 28
|}
|}


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{{Memphis May Fire}}
{{Memphis May Fire}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:2014 albums]]
[[Category:2014 albums]]
[[Category:Memphis May Fire albums]]
[[Category:Memphis May Fire albums]]
[[Category:Rise Records albums]]

Latest revision as of 03:37, 26 August 2024

Unconditional
Studio album by
Memphis May Fire
ReleasedMarch 25, 2014
RecordedChango Studios
Genre
Length43:20[3]
55:08 (deluxe edition)
LabelRise
Producer
Memphis May Fire chronology
Challenger
(2012) 		Unconditional
(2014) 		This Light I Hold
(2016)
Singles from Unconditional
  1. "No Ordinary Love"
    Released: February 6, 2014
  2. "Sleepless Nights"
    Released: February 24, 2014
  3. "Beneath the Skin"
    Released: March 11, 2014
Alternative cover
Deluxe Edition cover
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[4]
HM Magazine[5]
PopMatters4/10[2]

Unconditional is the fourth studio album by American metalcore band Memphis May Fire. It was released on the March 25, 2014 by Rise Records and distributed by Fontana Distribution. The deluxe edition was released on July 17, 2015.

Background and recording

[edit]

Memphis May Fire had planned to release their new album in early 2014.[6] The band recorded at Chango Studios with Kellen and Cameron Mizell as the producers.[7][8]

On December 14, 2013 the band tweeted that they had finished recording their forthcoming album with vocalist Matty Mullins expressing on how proud he was of the album. The album was expected to be an early 2014 release.[9] On December 18, the band announced "The Unconditional Tour" beginning late February through March with fellow acts The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Hands Like Houses and Beartooth in the US.[10]

In a studio update for the album, it was announced that it would be titled Unconditional and would be released on March 25, 2014 through Rise Records.[11]

Style and composition

[edit]

In an Alternative Press interview released on September 7, 2013 the band stated that their new album will "have more of a theatrical feel, as well as orchestral presence" also describing their new album as a "soundtrack to an action film".[12]

In another interview, the band described the sound of their new album, "[It] Just shows maturity. The newest record is very theatrical. It almost feels like a movie soundtrack from start to finish. It’s really awesome. A lot of orchestra stuff playing a big role in the record. It’s just – it’s more mature. I think that our younger audience is going to love it – certain aspects of it – and our older audience is going to really appreciate how far we’ve come as artists. They’re really going to love the record too. It’s great."[13]

Release and promotion

[edit]

On February 6, 2014 the first single, "No Ordinary Love" was streamed through the Rise Records YouTube channel, and the official track listing was also released on this date.[14] The band later released "Sleepless Nights" on February 24[15] and then "Beneath The Skin" on March 11, 2014.[16][17] On March 13, 2014, Rise Records released a playlist of the full album on YouTube,[18] announced by Mullins who tweeted, "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record!" [19]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Unconditional debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200,[20] No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums and the Billboard Alternative Albums chart,[21][22] selling around 27,000 copies in the first week. The album has sold 83,000 copies in the United States as of September 2016.[23]

Track listing

[edit]

All lyrics written by Matty Mullins, all music composed by Kellen McGregor and Memphis May Fire.

No.TitleLength
1."No Ordinary Love"3:56
2."Beneath the Skin"4:12
3."Sleepless Nights"3:41
4."The Answer"4:09
5."Possibilities"4:21
6."Speechless"3:23
7."The Rose"3:43
8."Not Enough"4:03
9."Need to Be"3:37
10."Pharisees"3:53
11."Divinity"4:22
Total length:43:20
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks
No.TitleLength
12."My Generation"4:05
13."Stay the Course"4:01
Acoustic Bonus Tracks
No.TitleLength
14."Beneath the Skin"4:54
15."Need to Be"3:37
Total length:59:57

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2014) Peak
position
UK Albums Chart (The Official Charts Company)[24] 190
US Billboard 200[20] 4
US Billboard Alternative Albums[22] 1
US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard)[25] 1
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[26] 1
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[27] 1

Year-end charts

[edit]
Chart (2014) Position
US Top Hard Rock Albums[28] 28

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Memphis May Fire – Unconditional (Album Review)". 18 April 2014.
  2. ^ a b Koch, Jeff (April 25, 2014). "Memphis May Fire: Unconditional". PopMatters. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  3. ^ "Unconditional - Memphis May Fire". iTunes. Rise Records. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  4. ^ Gregory Heaney (2014-03-24). "Unconditional - Memphis May Fire | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-05-28.
  5. ^ Mabee, Justin (April 7, 2014). "Memphis May Fire - Unconditional". HM Magazine. HM Publications LLC. ISSN 1066-6923. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  6. ^ Beringer, Drew. "Memphis May Fire Planning New LP in Early 2014". AbsolutePunk.com. Absolute Punk. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  7. ^ Major, Nick (7 October 2013). "In The Studio with Memphis May Fire". AltPress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  8. ^ "Memphis May Fire set to release new album". Lambgoat.com. Lamb Goat. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  9. ^ Mullins, Matty. "Album recording finished". Twitter.com. Memphis May Fire. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
  10. ^ wookubus (19 December 2013). "Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Etc. Tour Officially Announced" (News post). theprp.com. The PRP. Retrieved 20 December 2013. Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, A Skylit Drive, Hands Like Houses and Beartooth have officially announced their 'The Unconditional Tour'...
  11. ^ Kraus, Brian (26 January 2014). "Memphis May Fire post third studio update for 'Unconditional'". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  12. ^ Nick, Major (7 October 2013). "In The Studio with Memphis May Fire". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  13. ^ "Memphis May Fire planning new LP in early 2014". KillYourStereo.com. Kill Your Stereo. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  14. ^ Crane, Matt (6 February 2014). "Memphis May Fire release new song, "No Ordinary Love"". Altpress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  15. ^ Kraus, Brian (25 February 2014). "Memphis May Fire stream new single, "Sleepless Nights"". AltPress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  16. ^ Bird, Michele (11 March 2014). "Memphis May Fire stream new song, "Beneath The Skin"". AltPress.com. AltPress. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  17. ^ "Beneath The Skin: Memphis May Fire: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved 2015-05-28.
  18. ^ "Memphis May Fire - Unconditional (Album Stream)". YouTube.com. 2015-03-11. Retrieved 2015-05-28.
  19. ^ "Matty Mullins on Twitter: "Sometimes you gotta leak your own record :) CHECK IT OUT!!! http://t.co/W9NTVVRR5X"". Twitter.com. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2015-05-28. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  20. ^ a b "Billboard 200". Billboard. April 12, 2014.
  21. ^ "Top Rock Albums". Billboard. April 12, 2014.
  22. ^ a b "Alternative Albums". Billboard. April 12, 2014.
  23. ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 28, 2016.
  24. ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK". Zobbel.de. Tobias Zywietz. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  25. ^ "Memphis May Fire Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard.
  26. ^ "Memphis May Fire Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
  27. ^ "Memphis May Fire Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard.
  28. ^ "Year-End Top Hard Rock Albums - 2014". Billboard. December 31, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
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