Bwling for Soup " A Hangover You Don't Deserve"
Album Review
Caroline Rohner
Issue date: 11/5/04 Section: The Edge
- Page 1 of 1
Grade: B+
In an age where artists are becoming more concerned with political messages than musical expression, pop-punk band Bowling For Soup takes a refreshingly immature approach on its latest album.
"A Hangover You Don't Deserve" marks the group's seventh release in its 10 years as a band. In the liner notes, lead vocalist Jaret Reddick describes the 17-track album as "the happiest collection of songs ever put on the same CD." While not all the songs are uplifting, they certainly are fun.
With a talent for combining tight harmonies with aggressive guitar riffs, Bowling For Soup fashions a catchy and often irreverent brand of punk. Infectious rockers like "Next Ex-Girlfriend?" and "Sad Sad Situation" show off the group's cynical nature without making it sound like yet another whiny punk band. Although the lyrics can be insulting, most of the time the guys dive into self-deprecating rants that would leave anyone laughing.
The group continues this comical approach on its current single, "1985." This hilarious, nostalgic track reminisces about a time when music was still on MTV and "The Breakfast Club" was in theaters. Even those who are not old enough to remember 1985 will still be able to identify with this energetic, well-written song.
The closing number, "Friends O'Mine," showcases the quartet's diversity. This slower, country-tinged track is a departure from the band's typical punk-flavored fare, but serves as a nice and more personal way to end the record. Filled with sarcasm and humor, "A Hangover You Don't Deserve" definitely deserves recognition. Bowling For Soup succeeds once again with its obnoxious yet charming style.
In an age where artists are becoming more concerned with political messages than musical expression, pop-punk band Bowling For Soup takes a refreshingly immature approach on its latest album.
"A Hangover You Don't Deserve" marks the group's seventh release in its 10 years as a band. In the liner notes, lead vocalist Jaret Reddick describes the 17-track album as "the happiest collection of songs ever put on the same CD." While not all the songs are uplifting, they certainly are fun.
With a talent for combining tight harmonies with aggressive guitar riffs, Bowling For Soup fashions a catchy and often irreverent brand of punk. Infectious rockers like "Next Ex-Girlfriend?" and "Sad Sad Situation" show off the group's cynical nature without making it sound like yet another whiny punk band. Although the lyrics can be insulting, most of the time the guys dive into self-deprecating rants that would leave anyone laughing.
The group continues this comical approach on its current single, "1985." This hilarious, nostalgic track reminisces about a time when music was still on MTV and "The Breakfast Club" was in theaters. Even those who are not old enough to remember 1985 will still be able to identify with this energetic, well-written song.
The closing number, "Friends O'Mine," showcases the quartet's diversity. This slower, country-tinged track is a departure from the band's typical punk-flavored fare, but serves as a nice and more personal way to end the record. Filled with sarcasm and humor, "A Hangover You Don't Deserve" definitely deserves recognition. Bowling For Soup succeeds once again with its obnoxious yet charming style.
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