Album Review: Everywhere I Go by Hollywood Undead
Hollywood Undead’s debut album Everywhere I Go, released in 2008, is a chaotic yet addictive mash-up of genres—hip-hop, electronic, rock—and styles like pop rock, alternative rock, and even nu metal. It’s the kind of record that punches you in the gut while making you nod your head so hard it hurts. Backed by labels like A&M Records and Octone Records, with production handled by Don Gilmore (yep, the guy behind Linkin Park’s early work), this album doesn’t just try to blend genres—it throws them all into a blender and hits “puree.”
One track that sticks out? The titular anthem, “Everywhere I Go (Album Version).” From the opening riff, it grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. The mix of rap verses, soaring choruses, and gritty guitar riffs feels raw but deliberate. You can tell this wasn’t some slapdash effort; producer Don Gilmore clearly knew how to balance chaos with catchiness. What makes it memorable isn’t just its energy—it’s the way the lyrics tap into universal themes of struggle and resilience without getting overly preachy. Plus, who doesn’t love screaming along to a hook like “I’m still standing after all these years”?
Then there’s the “Rock Mix” version of the same track. This one cranks everything up a notch, leaning heavier on the guitars and adding an almost anthemic vibe. If the album version is a street fight, the rock mix is a full-on arena brawl. Honestly, hearing both versions back-to-back gives you a sense of how versatile the band can be. They don’t just stick to one formula—they experiment, and most of the time, it pays off.
Of course, not every remix lands perfectly. Tracks like the “Ultra Clean Edit” feel unnecessary, stripping away some of the grit that makes Hollywood Undead stand out. But hey, maybe they were trying to make radio-friendly versions for wider appeal? Either way, those minor missteps don’t overshadow the album’s overall impact.
Mixed by Ben Grosse, the sound quality holds up surprisingly well even today. Sure, 2008 was over a decade ago, but the production still sounds fresh enough to bang in your car or blast at a party. And credit where it’s due—the band nailed their timing. Dropping this album in Europe and the US during the late 2000s alternative boom helped them carve out a niche when genre-blending acts were starting to explode.
Reflecting on Everywhere I Go, it’s clear Hollywood Undead weren’t just another flash-in-the-pan act. Their ability to mix gangsta rap vibes with rock swagger created something unique—a sound that felt rebellious yet oddly accessible. Oddly enough, listening to this now reminds me of how much music has changed since then. Streaming services have turned playlists into genre soup anyway, so maybe Hollywood Undead were ahead of their time. Or maybe they were just having fun making noise. Whatever the case, Everywhere I Go still slaps harder than most albums from that era.
Final thought? If you ever see someone walking around humming “Everywhere I Go,” odds are they’ve got stories to tell.
