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AWESOME!

Marta R. Pinheiro | Salvador, BA, Brazil | 03/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can't think good things enough to describe it. Of all their cds, and I own them ALL, this is really the best. I've seen the making of and they really tried to make it sound great, and they did. It's still Simple Plan, but they tried different sounds and beats and the result is unbelievable. It's a hundred percent worth it. And if you get a chance, go see them live!"

Their best!

Fernando Grillo Abdelnour | San José, Costa Rica | 04/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Definitely their best album so far. Favorite songs: "When I'm Gone", "I Can Wait Forever" and "The End"."

Acting their age, all for the better

Selo | Sandy Spring, MD | 08/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well, well, well. It seems that, though they're famous for writing furious songs from the perspective of a 12-year-old, Simple Plan have achieved in this new album what no one thought possible: they have grown up into the almost-30-year-olds that they are, musically and lyrically. Those who are fond of their other albums can breathe a sigh of relief, because this is better than what they did before. No doubt that the preteens who once adored their work are now teenagers who will appreciate a more substantial CD. We saw glimpses of this on their last work but it has finally come full circle.



As others have probably noted, Simple Plan spent the first few years of their career writing songs in the voice of, and marketed at, preteens frustrated by authority and puberty (think "Perfect", "Grow Up", and "I'm Just A Kid"). Then, they focused more on loneliness and reflecting on the shallowness and confusion of society in general ("Crazy", "Untitled"). And on their self-titled album, they tackle bits of all that's gone before, but most importantly they are starting to act their age.



This CD is undeniably their best, though obviously hard to stack up to their last couple because it's pretty different. There are a lot of electronic sounds and synthesizers, but they are still outweighed by exasperated guitars and irresistible hooks. Even if they weren't always so worldly, Simple Plan can always write something catchy that will stick in your head. "Take My Hand" and "Generation" are good examples.



And the lyrics here are so much more sophisticated. Take the bitter "No Love", a tale of an abusive relationship, as one of the best examples: "Broken down like a mirror smashed to pieces / You learned the hard way to shut your mouth and smile". I, for one, didn't know the guys had it in them and I am thrilled to hear that they do. I'm a little annoyed that the uncensored versions of the songs are only on the special edition of this CD, but the bonus tracks are worth the extra few dollars (especially "Running Out Of Time" for a sound more reminiscent of their older songs).



So in the end, what we have here is a more mature and artistic--but no less thrilling or rocking--side of Simple Plan. It's easy to listen to this one over and over, and you may find yourself replaying a song to make sure that you heard what you thought you just did, because this transformation may be unexpected but I think it will be more than welcome."