Five Albums That Changed My Life: Jared Weeks of Saving Abel

On July 17, Saving Abel are planning on Bringing Down the Giant. The third album from the Mississippi hard rock troupe, BDTG will be their first full-length release for the folks over at eOne.

"I'm so excited and proud to announce that we have signed to eOne. Thanks to them the world will get a chance to hear this amazing collection of songs," says frontman Jared Weeks.

Bringing Down the Giant follows Saving Abel's eponymous Gold-selling 2008 debut spawned the platinum single "Addicted" and their second album, 2010's Miss America, which topped the Hard Rock chart and imprinted the hearts and minds of radio listeners with the title cut, "Stupid Girl (Only in Hollywood)" and another Top 10 single, "The Sex is Good."

To help celebrate the upcoming release of Bringing Down the Giant, Noisecreep asked Saving Abel singer Jared Weeks to take part in our 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series. His list includes everything from blues to classic metal and hard rock.

My Own Prison, Creed (1997)

"To me, Creed's My Own Prison was like the first rock album I ever heard. I actually listened to it all the way through in depth. It sucked me in. Mark Tremonti's crunchy riffs and Scott Stapp's vocals and lyrics truly left an impression on me."

The Better Life, 3 Doors Down (2000)

"3 Doors Down was one of the most influential bands to me. Since their first single 'Kryptonite,' I have been a fan. I remember when I was first learning to play guitar, I got the The Better Life album and learned it note for note and all the lyrics. It's because of those guys and their album that I am who I am today. Once I learned that they were from Mississippi it lit a fire under my ass and helped me to dream bigger."

Metallica, Metallica (1991)

"Metallica's 'Black Album' when I was growing up wasn't necessarily a favorite of my parents - especially growing up in the bible belt in a church going family. So I had a couple years delay from when it came out to actually owning the album. Once I got it I was already in my guitar phase and would sit in my room listening to it - trying to learn the licks of James and Kirk."

Trouble Is..., Kenny Wayne Shepherd (1997)

"One of my favorite guitarist/singers has been Kenny Wayne Shepherd for as long as I can remember. The Trouble Is... album had his Grammy winning single, 'Blue on Black.' This also being one the first albums with lead singer, Noah Hunt. I'm a blues fan at heart and I love the way Kenny plays."

40oz. to Freedom, Sublime (1992)

"Every time I hear a song off the 40oz. to Freedom record, my mind automatically goes back to when I first got my driver's license. My buddies and I were always riding around playing the CD, of course not without 15" sub woofers in the back pumping the bass. This Sublime CD always reminds me of the good times we had. It will always be in my top five."

Saving Abel's new album, Bringing Down the Giant, will hit stores on July 17. Pick up the title track single on iTunes today!

Saving Abel tour dates:

6/27 Huntsville, AL - Sammy T's Music Hall

6/28 Chattanooga, TN - Track 29

6/30 Dayton, OH - McGuffy's House of Rock

7/1 South Bend, IN - The Bear's Big Growl

7/3 Huntington, WV - V Club

7/5 Johnson City, TN - Capones

7/6 Vienna, WV - Fishbone Gill & Grill

7/8 Hampton, NH - Wally's Pub

7/10 S. Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

7/11 Hartford, CT - Webster Theatre

7/13 Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live

7/14 Lansing, MI - Common Ground Music Festival

7/17 Pittsburgh, PA - Altar Bar

7/18 Grand Rapids, MI - The Intersection

7/20 Flint, MI - The Machine Shop

7/21 Peoria, IL - Heart of Illinois Fair

7/28 Redwood Falls, MN - Redwood County Fair

8/3 Canton, OH - Stark County Fairgrounds

8/4 Ft. Wayne, IN - Pierre's

8/6 Sturgis, SD - The Sturgis Buffalo Chip

8/11 Twin Lakes, WI - WIIL Rock Fest

8/18 Glen Flora, WI - Northwoods Rock Rally

8/24 Lewiston, ID - Hot August Nights-Pioneer Park

8/25 Roseburg, OR - The Zoo Club Amphitheater