The All American Rejects are some kind of dirty little secret for me (groan). Like many people, I became besotted with 'Swing, Swing' and their power-pop charms won over legions of fans. Not quite pop, certainly not punk, but more than a hit of rock, Tyson Ritter and co can write a mean tune and with choruses by the lorry-load they can win over fans of all types of music. 'Move Along' follows on from the critically acclaimed self-titled record - in essence it's more of the same, except done better.
For a band that once signed to Doghouse (former home of The get Up Kids and Koufax), AAR do have a distinct mainstream edge and that is maintained on this record. While there are the odd few moments where the band reach out beyond their target teen audience, on the most part this has singalong hooks and melodies aplenty. 'Move Along' itself has an enormous chorus and hook that has had me singing for weeks and weeks, while 'Dirty Little Secret' is clever in that it sucks you in without being as good as some of the band's older singles.
AAR will never break new boundaries, but with songs as fun as 'Change Your Mind' and 'Night Drive' they'll continue to rack up the fans. This isn't a 'punk' release per se, but then you could argue that 75% of what we review and recommend isn't punk either. AAR are fun in the same way Fall Out Boy or New Found Glory are and if you're that way inclined, 'Move Along' is certainly the record for you.
paul
