Lyrically, it's nothing special.  However, the patterns and phrasings fit sanctimoniously with the soaring instruments. The musical explosion of blasting drumming and confident vocals blends perfectly with the guitars. It would appear that every possible method of guitar playing has been incorporated with noticeable results. This utilization is refreshing compared with the tedious droll of most 'breakaway' rock bands.

For a band famous for naked performances, you'd think they could be a little more raw.

The album has been arranged to simulate the effect of listening to the radio. It features parodies of radio stations with interludes such as "we sound more like anyone else than anyone else".  Most likely this is a message about the blandness of radio these days. This makes the album surprisingly entertaining.

Singer Nick Oliveri's  hypnotic vocals frolic in the bumpy guitar and deliver an almost playful sound.  The lack of angst is perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Songs For The Deaf, with luke-warm lyrics that provide a tag without being trite.  The overall tone of the album is quite bleak.  However, Mr Singer could be singing about hugs and puppies and it would still be depressing. His violent screaming at least provides some emotion into his otherwise _____ voice.

No doubt, Rolling Stone will tote it as the umpteenth rock revival. While it is a special album, it only scrapes into its expectations. Definitely an acquired taste, but well worth the effort.

It is pure testoste-rock, suitable for casual listening, but impossible to become enveloped by it.  The album would be agreeable to anyone, deaf or otherwise. Limited likeability is the basic impediment to its becoming either a massive commercial hit or even a cult classic. Songs for the Deaf is recommended mainly for the hormonally challenged and the hearing impaired. Either way, you'll be one of the two after you finish listening to it.

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Queens of the Stone Age :  Songs for the Deaf

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