Good Charlotte,
Good CharlotteYou know there's something afoot when you see Mandy Moore in a music video. Either it's one of our mand's classics, or blatant advertising material. But hey it's not about the image here at Punktastic Towers, right? It's about the music, and just how much it sucks. Good Charlotte know who they are. They swam 4 miles through the pop river and came out drenched in it, and they damn well aren't going to pretend they started off in a dodgy little pub.
Striding Triumphantly onto centre stage as the curtain rises is 'little things', a song that at first inspires little confidence with the lyrics 'this is dedicated to any kid whos ever been called a freak'; now they've politely made clear their target audience, it becomes clear that content will not be major contributor to the record. Despite this, 'Little Things' is a happy high spirits tune which is admittedly damn catchy. In fact, 'WaldorfWorldwide' continues this happy-go-lucky outlook and reminds me all too well of Lit; If you like one you'll probably like the other.
There's no angst in sight as 'The Motivation Proclamation' rears its head, but the beat slows down for an anthem and a half, and despite the sickly lyrics, you'll probably find yourself singing along. That and the fact the vocals are of damn good quality, make for a quality moment for all you emo kids to cry niagra. 'East Coast Anthem' echoes the party-central mentality you'll find in a variety of Sum 41 efforts, and is tailor made for pool parties and barbecues. 'Festival Song' smacks of childishness despite the hooky (tm) vocals 'I don't want your 9 to 5, or anyone to tell me how to live my life' - along with 'I don't want your boring life'; the kind of lyrics that can only appeal to 13 year olds whose parents have just told them black nail polish is a definite no no.
Second Highlight 'Seasons' once again has purely puke worthy lyrics, but is once again carried by the vocals and the accoustic/electric combo. Whether they write their own songs or not i'm unsure, but what is for certain is that someone has managed to make each song sound distinctive and different, which scores many points; but, speak of the devil, 'I Don't wanna Stop' and 'I Heard You' sound remarkably similar, but are good tracks nonetheless.
The beginning to 'Walk by' sounds remarkably similar to the popular hit 'Should I stay or should I go'. Boo. Addictive though, and this sums up the essence of the album - consumerable crap. Suffice to say the rest of the album isn't radically different. If you can put up with this album all the way through, give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve a noble prize. Otherwise listen in short bursts whilst on prozac. um. that's it.
nick
» Buy On Amazon
