Brent Smith hopes Shinedown’s new album, EI8HT, shows that the band is “everyone’s band.” This eighth studio album features 18 songs that take listeners on a journey. Unlike their last two albums, ATTENTION ATTENTION and Planet Zero, EI8HT is not a concept album. Smith explains that while the songs are part of the same collection, each one tells its own story.
The album explores themes like fatherhood, family, growing up, and taking control of your destiny. Different sounds highlight these themes. The opening track, “At the Bottom,” reflects bassist Eric Bass’ Broadway background, while the closing song, “The Pilot,” represents Shinedown’s long partnership with songwriter and producer Dave Bassett. The country-influenced “Searchlight” shares Smith’s advice to his son, and the gothic “Deep End” takes him back to his teenage years watching The Crow.
When it came to naming the album, Smith and his bandmates considered many creative titles. They were inspired by a piece from art director Mark Obriski that combined the Shinedown logo with the word “eight.” Smith felt it was perfect and decided to call it EI8HT. The album is now available for fans to enjoy.
