Sum 41 - Underclass Hero

1. Underclass hero: As we hadn't heard from these guys since 'Chuck' in 2004 I was expecting something fresh and exciting from the 41 boys. These high expectations left me feeling disappointed after hearing their first release from their album; 'Underclass hero'.

Sure, it is Sum41 doing what Sum41 do best, it is a fast pace track full of teenage cockiness, but I have heard it all before! Are they not getting too old to still be singing about "surviving" on their own in this world? I couldn't help be feel bored whilst listening to this song, it is dull.

2 Stars

2. Walking Disaster: 'I'm just a kid with no ambitions.' This line just doesn't create the same meaning when it is a 27-year-old man singing it! It is also difficult to distinguish when the last song ended and this one started. Again, nothing new or exciting.

2 Stars

3. Speak of the Devil: During the chorus, it seems that the vocals are competing with the instruments, which is a shame because the lyrics are cleverly written. Resulting with a slightly unorganised noise, having saying this, it is different to their usual style, and an excellent song to listen to whilst feeling a bit "bitter"!

3 Stars

4. Dear Father: A similar theme used by Good Charlotte in 'The Young and the Hopeless', not entirely sure what message they are trying to get across during this song, cant decided whether they are bitter, upset or revengeful? The song has a good structure but not a very catchy beat.

2 Stars

5. Count Your Last Blessings: This song has an excellent fast upbeat feel to it. The piano makes it that bit different, a catchy song, perfect for a good dance at parties. It is really well put together and instruments and vocals compliment each other and work well.

The ending of this song does let it down though; it doesn't really fit in with the rest of the song, it slows things down on what was an energetic song.

4 Stars

6. Ma Poubelle: This is the shortest song on the album, and thank goodness because it is absolute disgrace to music! All sung in French, when translated makes no sense, calling Ma Poubelle his "little garbage can." Sounds similar to what Green Day would of produced in their early years. Not necessary to the album as it doesn't really serve a purpose. It is simply an annoyance when you have to skip this track during the album.

1 Star

7. March Of The Dogs: Slightly tired of listening to songs about politics, especially from Sum 41, it seems that it is one of their favourite topics to complain about, but not really making a different or awareness to politics around us. Saying that, it does have a catchy beat in the chorus. The last minute of the track is really weak, ending the song with just an instrumental mess, and it simply fades into nothing until the actual ending.

2 Stars

8. The Jester: This song has a brilliant structure, how it slows down, builds up and then explodes during the chorus. A fun tune with a good beat. Again though, the ending lets it down, basically just noise not leading anywhere until it simply dies down.

3 Stars

9. With Me: Excellent 'feel good' song for couples. Lyrics are really first-class; obvious they mean what they are singing about, filled with pure, raw emotion. Good structure how it builds up and calms down at various points.

4 Stars

10. Pull The Curtain: Beginning of this song has canny resemblance to a 'Blink 182' song. But has good balance between vocals and instruments, especially when the vocalist can whisper certain lyrics whilst the music is so quiet creating a more personal song.

The ending was strange, I feel it is if they cant produce a 3 minute song, so they simply write a 2 minute one and fill an extra minute with just basically noise or create more lyrics making it sound entirely like a different song, irrelevant to the previous 2 minutes!

3 Stars

11. King of Contradiction: Fast paced song with almost a punk theme running through it. Perfect for a good old mosh pit at a concert! It is only just over a minute long keeping it short and snappy, just right!

12. Best Of Me: This song is placed in the right place of the album; it slows things down and allows time for reflection. Extremely good, emotive lyrics with a pace that works with the lyrics. Even though the ending is similar to the other endings throughout the album, this one works with in tune with the rest of the song.

3 Stars

13. Confusion and Frustration in modern times: This song clearly stands out in the album simply because it is extremely different to the previous tracks. Strong instruments and effective back-up singing.

4 Stars

14. So Long Goodbye: This is a memorable song and I find myself skipping all the songs to listen to this one first. Similar beat to Green Day's work, but still has strong elements of Sum 41. Softer, with violins but remains strong and Deryck's voice certainly does this song justice.

5 Stars

15. No Apologies: Again, the boys are finishing this album with their usual style. Similar to the first two tracks but still remains to be a fast pace, fun, upbeat ending to this rather long album!

3 Stars