Sugar Ray - Music For Cougars

[Chris Fallon]

Sugar Ray - Music For Cougars
Record Label: Pulse Recordings
Release Date: July 21, 2009

Strange to think the 90's were nearly ten years ago. Still feels like it was yesterday when Spice Girls and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were on the face of every cereal box, and interns fellating presidents was still the punchline of every late-night talk show host in America. By the time grunge had perished and nu-metal & boy bands were just starting to squeeze their way into the TRL rotation, radio exploded with a crop of alternative rock bands from all over the map -- and while many of them only managed to milk a few hits from an album or two, their legacy on every young person's iTunes playlist continues to live on. So much in fact, that it appears on this tenth anniversary of 1999, they are all making a another valiant effort to splash around in the modern music scene.

Third Eye Blind, Vertical Horizon, Marcy Playground, Collective Soul, Our Lady Peace -- even Sister freakin' Hazel! Each band scored at least one lucrative hit between 1996 and 1999, and each is returning this summer with a new album in tow. Coincidence? Perhaps... or maybe this whole neon/crunkcore business is just not cutting it for these former VH1 mainstays -- not to mention the entire world! That's why it's somewhat of a surprise to see Sugar Ray joining the same ranks, presenting the world with their first record since their last abysmal release, 2003's In the Pursuit of Leisure, which was -- for whatever it was worth -- a failed execution in pop experimentation.

Sugar Ray might be seen as a frat boy playlist band, thanks to their stack of late-90's hits like "Fly" and "Every Morning," but in all actuality, this O.C. quintet knows their way around a solid hook and doesn't shy away from being influenced by the radio-pop of the '60's and '80's. Music For Cougars (one of the most straightforward, and aptly-named, album titles in recent memory) makes it clear that the band is keeping things bright & formulaic in the best way possible, much like their criminally-underrated self-titled 2001 album. Chockful of whimsical, sunshine-drenched pop numbers, Cougars is tailor-made for any fan of summertime ecstasy. First single, "Boardwalk," sounds like the kind of bubblegum hit that oldies radio feasts upon, and Mark McGrath's soulfully sweet vocals have just the right touch of tenderness to make songs like "Love 101" soar.

Admittedly, there are a few missteps along the way. As we all know, the devil is in the details and Sugar Ray aren't fond of sidestepping any issue that doesn't deal with love, the pursuit of love or something that has to do with a girl. However, as tiresome as this theme becomes, it works with their ultraviolet-soaked sound. With that said, "Morning Sun" ought to be the moral compass of this record, but suffers from autotune hangover, drifting by like a passed out Kanye West leftover during a summertime rafting trip. "Closer" does the same thing, substituting organic material for too much studio-produced mechanics, taking away any of its potential. "Dance Like No One's Watching" is harmless, but comes off like a laid-back Jack Johnson diddy, without much charm. Not everything is a bust though: "She's Got the (Woo-Hoo)" is the sort of empty-headed pop song that skates by on it's ability to be carefree, and "Girls Were Made to Love" mixes dancehall flair with late-50's nostalgia, hinting at exactly what kind of pop endeavor Sugar Ray is going for (which, sadly, just might not click with anyone under 30, unless they can appreciate the classic pop style).

Even without a David Kahne or Don Gilmore behind the boards, the band is able to achieve some impressive moments of splendor. "Love is the Answer" is transcendent alt-rock built on a massive chorus, and "When We Were Young" is a blend of disco bass and Joe Jackson/Elvis Costello pop-rock, making for the kind of theme song you'd expect to hear at a high school reunion. Dismissing Sugar Ray as strictly a 90's radio band would be a bountiful mistake for any pop music lover, as the band has ditched the studio-format of their last album and gone for just as much pop with little artificial flavor. Cougars is genuinely bubbly and may not stand the test of time as a masterpiece, but stakes its claim as carbonated satisfaction that's refreshing when all else is stale.

Joe Jackson; The Cars; Smash Mouth; Squeeze; The Beach Boys; 311"Love is the Answer," "When We Were Young" and "Love 101"

1. Girls Were Made to Love (ft. Collie Buddz)
2. Boardwalk
3. She's Got the (Woo-Hoo)
4. Love is the Answer
5. Rainbow
6. Closer
7. When We Were Young
8. Going Nowhere
9. Love 101
10. Last Days
11. Morning Sun
12. Dance Like No One's Watching (ft. Donavon Frankenreiter)Mark McGrath: vocals/guitar
Rodney Sheppard: guitar/vocals
Murphy Karges: bass
Stan Frazier: drums/vocals
Craig Bullock (DJ Homicide): turntables/vocals

Official Site (http://www.sugarray.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/sugarray)Amazon MP3 (includes 4 bonus tracks) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I4XDEQ/ref=sr_1_album_48_rd?ie=UTF8&child=B002I4U8LM&qid=1247955963&sr=1-48)

[Rob Hrx]

I'm happy this doesn't seem to be a disaster - after this review, I might just give them another chance... The 90s ftw!

[ZeoVGM]

Wow, so this actually ended up being good? Their last album was terrible, but it was their only bad one.

[AussieBoy]

the self titled album was my fav, still spin it every now n then, hoping this is up there with that

[kazuma_ootaro28]

This band is still around?

[Chris Fallon]

the self titled album was my fav, still spin it every know n then, hoping this is up there with that
I seriously adore that record. Such a great soundtrack for summer.

[geebee889]

Great review, I just might have to check this out now. I was pretty skeptical about it.

[live.]

Wow, I had no idea they were releasing a new album. I'm so excited.

[popdisaster00]

I may actually listen to this

[deezee]

Wow, I had no idea they were releasing a new album. I'm so excited.
Same here, I love sugar ray I'm buying this!

[deebs823]

after hearing that they were releasing a new album...i thought it was gonna be horrible...but after reading this review...looks promising...gonna check it out...

[Alexx Miller]

Hmm, well now I gotta check it out.

[simensays]

ill check it out

[richie]

No wonder I couldn't find this record anywhere: it still has to come out. Now I can't wait, I'm really curious, and I like a lot their last effort. Photograph of you was awesome.

[PenThrive]

the self titled album was my fav, still spin it every know n then, hoping this is up there with that

I'm with you on that one. I planned on picking this up anyways, if only for old times' sake.

[InaGreendase]

So not only is this band still together, but they have a new album, and they titled it with something that still sounds like it's from the `90s?

[narcoleptic953]

Haha, loved the part about all the forgotten 90's bands. Sister Hazel has put out some of my favorite records this decade. I wish they weren't so ignored.

I may check this album out.

[mxromance]

Still feels like it was yesterday when Spice Girls and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were on the face of every cereal box, and interns fillating presidents was still the punchline of every late-night talk show host in America.



Well, interesting review, but it's "fellating." Only because I care too much about a good blowing to see it spelled wrong. :)

[John Mondo]

fyi, since it was said to be one of the stand out tracks, 'love is the answer' is a weezer song. it was a b-side for make believe i think. so rivers cuomo should have writing credit somewhere in the linear notes.

[rbf737]

No wonder I couldn't find this record anywhere: it still has to come out. Now I can't wait, I'm really curious, and I like a lot their last effort. Photograph of you was awesome.
Amen, Pursuit of Leisure had a few really good songs like photograph and heaven, but most of it was pretty lackluster.

Self titled is a fantastic album and yes an incredibly underrated and overlooked one at that. For me it doesn't get much better than "Waiting".

[dru]

sahweet, will check out

[new_arbiter]

Love is the Answer is a song Weezer recorded for Make Believe, but didn't use. Rivers does the spoken word section in the middle of the song.

[crit]

Well, interesting review, but it's "fellating." Only because I care too much about a good blowing to see it spelled wrong. :)
haha

[YeahRiight]

Have you guys ever heard the first Sugar Ray album, "Lemonade and Brownies"? It is like straight up metal. And awesome.

[Bi11 Lumburgh]

it's fellating, not fillating

[Superkid]

don't forget about LFO... good god LFO.

[sergeantscruffy]

You don't have it listed, but "Love is the Answer" features Rivers Cuomo of Weezer.

[Max_123]

the first line of this review is 100% true
i still think the 90's weren't long ago at all

[dundmiffsys]

hilarious title.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

they still make music?

[Nick Le]

I want to hear this, and the title is funny.

[Chris Fallon]

Well, interesting review, but it's "fellating." Only because I care too much about a good blowing to see it spelled wrong. :)
Thanks. I spelled it both ways, and Firefox told me I was wrong twice. Your extreme care for blowjobs makes you a better and wiser man than I. Thank you!

[zachff]

Really solid review. Still most likely won't check this out but a good read for sure.

[SandManTEND13]

I once nailed a Cougar...

[fowruok]

I don't think I've ever listened to a Sugar Ray album in its entirety; however, they are a fantastic live band.

[Cal50]

i love how every piece of shit album under the sun never gets anything below 79-80% on this godforsaken website

[ZeoVGM]

they still make music?

No, they don't. That's why you're posting in a review for their new album.

How stupid are some of you?

[ZeoVGM]

i love how every piece of shit album under the sun never gets anything below 79-80% on this godforsaken website
Really? So Taking Back Sunday's New Again didn't get a 58% in the review?

Not to mention, you haven't even heard this album yourself. You just see that it's Sugar Ray and stupidly think, "Duuuurrrr it sucks," like the sheep you are.

You dumb mother fucker.

[Chris Fallon]

i love how every piece of shit album under the sun never gets anything below 79-80% on this godforsaken website
Unless you have personally listened to this, which I know you haven't, quit your bitching.

[ZeoVGM]

Unless you have personally listened to this, which I know you haven't, quit your bitching.
Oh, just a look at his post history shows what he's about.

"Hi I'm in blink-182, I'm 30 and sing songs I wrote when I was 13."

This kid's too cool for the site mannnnn.

[SeanEBoy2686]

Good review. I didn't even know an album was coming out by them.

Also... Sister freakin' Hazel is right... I love that band.

[Chris Fallon]

Oh, just a look at his post history shows what he's about.

"Hi I'm in blink-182, I'm 30 and sing songs I wrote when I was 13."

This kid's too cool for the site mannnnn.
Bigger than Jesus himself! Meet Mr. Whozits, the no-name guy who is better than all!

[Gregory Robson]

Solid review. Also love that Donovan Frankenreiter made it onto the record. That dude works as hard as anybody. Cheers.

[Cal50]

Really? So Taking Back Sunday's New Again didn't get a 58% in the review?

Not to mention, you haven't even heard this album yourself. You just see that it's Sugar Ray and stupidly think, "Duuuurrrr it sucks," like the sheep you are.

You dumb mother fucker.

i know for a fact that i have better music taste and listen to more music than pretty much anybody on this website, yes. sometimes i dont even know why i look here.

i dont have to listen to a new sugar ray album to know if its bad in the same sense that i dont have to check out the new nickelback album to know that its bad.

Unless you have personally listened to this, which I know you haven't, quit your bitching.

i'm just bitching about the quality of the reviews on thsi website, which are obviously terrible if you can give a sugar ray album 79 or 80%. might as well review the new jonas brothers cd and hand out the 80%s there too

for the record i like blink okay, i was just making a joke about them

[Richard Maxim]

This is such a summer band.

[Chris Fallon]

i know for a fact that i have better music taste and listen to more music than pretty much anybody on this website, yes. sometimes i dont even know why i look here.

i dont have to listen to a new sugar ray album to know if its bad in the same sense that i dont have to check out the new nickelback album to know that its bad.



i'm just bitching about the quality of the reviews on thsi website, which are obviously terrible if you can give a sugar ray album 79 or 80%. might as well review the new jonas brothers cd and hand out the 80%s there too

for the record i like blink okay, i was just making a joke about them
That is your own personal decision. Just because you put Sugar Ray on a sub-par level doesn't mean anything. Who are you to say they deserve a low score and that my skills are poor, just because you personally disagree? The fact you refuse to give a pop band a break just because they wrote some radio hits a number of years ago proves your skull must be lined with lead. Try making a better comparison and being open-minded.

[slimfenix182]

That is your own personal decision. Just because you put Sugar Ray on a sub-par level doesn't mean anything. Who are you to say they deserve a low score and that my skills are poor, just because you personally disagree? The fact you refuse to give a pop band a break just because they wrote some radio hits a number of years ago proves your skull must be lined with lead. Try making a better comparison and being open-minded.

dude, this guy apparently hasn't read your reviews haha....it seems to me you review the bulk of the more mainstream releases.....and usually utterly destroy them with your scores.....so if you gave this a good rating, I'm actually gonna check it out. never would've expected to check it out lol. but I've got a soft spot for Sugar Ray (nostalgia lol), and who doesn't like a good summer cd? that guy is just being a bitch haha. there's always one! I really respect your reviews, man.

[acadia]

"She's got the (woo-hoo)" is going to be smash hit. calling it now.

[Chris Fallon]

dude, this guy apparently hasn't read your reviews haha....it seems to me you review the bulk of the more mainstream releases.....and usually utterly destroy them with your scores.....so if you gave this a good rating, I'm actually gonna check it out. never would've expected to check it out lol. but I've got a soft spot for Sugar Ray (nostalgia lol), and who doesn't like a good summer cd? that guy is just being a bitch haha. there's always one! I really respect your reviews, man.
Yeah I know - I just get flustered to see such close mindedness from people who obviously have nothing to say that contains any value. Thank you for your kind words, man. Members such as yourself are part of the reason I keep this up!

[cereal4life]

Hey! It's that red scooter from Millencolin's video for "Fox"!

Love that scooter.

[ZeoVGM]

i know for a fact that i have better music taste and listen to more music than pretty much anybody on this website, yes. sometimes i dont even know why i look here

Yeah, no. There's no such thing as "better taste". Only "different taste".

i dont have to listen to a new sugar ray album to know if its bad
Yes, actually, you do. This is factual, by the way. You can not say something is bad OR good without hearing it.

i'm just bitching about the quality of the reviews on thsi website, which are obviously terrible if you can give a sugar ray album 79 or 80%.
A Sugar Ray album that you haven't heard. And considering there are plenty of people on this site enjoy most of Sugar Ray's catalog, it isn't shocking that you're going to see a positive review. You'll also notice that in the review, it says their last album was absolutely terrible.

Myself? I think Floored, 14:59, and the self-titled are all awesome. I think In the Pursuit of Leisure is complete crap. I'm excited to hear this new album.

That's the wonderful thing about being able to think for yourself and not being ignorant and stubborn.

You should try it sometime.

[youareallfreaks]

bad album is bad

[slimfenix182]

Yeah I know - I just get flustered to see such close mindedness from people who obviously have nothing to say that contains any value. Thank you for your kind words, man. Members such as yourself are part of the reason I keep this up!

yeah....there's too much close mindedness on here sometimes. relative online anonymity brings out the dick in people...it's annoying as shit, but what can you do lol. anyways, you're welcome! keep up the good work dude.

[3eb23]

I can't wait to hear this. Might just go check them out when they come to Nashville.

[ZeoVGM]

bad album is bad
Well, it hasn't leaked yet. I'm curious as to how you've heard it.

[mobow12]

Im really excited the guys decided to put out another album. I was a huge fan of their earlier stuff and It is about time. I will also be checking them out tomorrow night 7/21 at best buy in West La for a live performance which should rock!

[youareallfreaks]

Well, it hasn't leaked yet. I'm curious as to how you've heard it.
in the industry, unfortunately

[WFUJerseyJon]

Surprised to find out this could be a good album. I used to love this band, even saw them once with Fastball and the Goo Goo Dolls, might have to check this out.

[She Let Me Go]

def buying

[madam1888]

"Sugar Ray aren't fond of sidestepping any issue that doesn't deal with..." I would rewrite that sentence if I were you. The double negative combined with the word sidestepping makes it unnecessarily hard to read, though it does come through with context. Something like, "Sugar Ray are fond of all issues dealing with love... but nothing else" is much more clear.

I realize grammar isn't high on the priorities list for this site, but I thought you would still take the input.

And yes, you talked this skeptic into giving the album a listen.

[starseed]

I really like this album. Such a great summery pop album. It's empty, sure, but I strongly believe sometimes disposable music is worthwhile.

[TijuaniSwanny]

did anyone ever listen to "Floored" in it's entirety? it's like were talking about a completely different band here...

[stand revealed]

do not want.

[DogSizedBird]

I didn't know people still listened to this band. Mark Mcgrath always seemed like such a tool.

[narcoleptic953]

Good review. I didn't even know an album was coming out by them.

Also... Sister freakin' Hazel is right... I love that band.

Glad to know I'm not the only one.



i know for a fact that i have better music taste and listen to more music than pretty much anybody on this website, yes. sometimes i dont even know why i look here.

i dont have to listen to a new sugar ray album to know if its bad in the same sense that i dont have to check out the new nickelback album to know that its bad.


i'm just bitching about the quality of the reviews on thsi website, which are obviously terrible if you can give a sugar ray album 79 or 80%. might as well review the new jonas brothers cd and hand out the 80%s there too

for the record i like blink okay, i was just making a joke about them

This guy sounds like a real winner.

[Raarzipan]

It feels odd saying it, but Sugar Ray is one of the bands from when I was in Elementary that got me into music, I'll probably check this out.

[narcoleptic953]

This is a fun album. I'm enjoying it a lot for what it is.

[AussieBoy]

did anyone ever listen to "Floored" in it's entirety? it's like were talking about a completely different band here...
yep, didnt like it... i prefer the sold out Sugar Ray better, seems they found there niche doing the summery pop songs, other wise theyd be workin at Maccas

[Chris Fallon]

"Sugar Ray aren't fond of sidestepping any issue that doesn't deal with..." I would rewrite that sentence if I were you. The double negative combined with the word sidestepping makes it unnecessarily hard to read, though it does come through with context. Something like, "Sugar Ray are fond of all issues dealing with love... but nothing else" is much more clear.

I realize grammar isn't high on the priorities list for this site, but I thought you would still take the input.

And yes, you talked this skeptic into giving the album a listen.
Yeah, now that you mention it... that does kinda sound weird. I try to put a spin on a simple sentence, and it sounds worse than before! Thanks for that :-)

[world_is_static]

i know for a fact that i have better music taste and listen to more music than pretty much anybody on this website, yes. sometimes i dont even know why i look here.

i dont have to listen to a new sugar ray album to know if its bad in the same sense that i dont have to check out the new nickelback album to know that its bad.



i'm just bitching about the quality of the reviews on thsi website, which are obviously terrible if you can give a sugar ray album 79 or 80%. might as well review the new jonas brothers cd and hand out the 80%s there too

for the record i like blink okay, i was just making a joke about them

ahhahahahahaaahaaha
i can't even think of a response this is so ridiculous

[justinmfi]

been listening since yesterday, its a good feel good summer type album.

[Ron57]

I really like this album. Such a great summery pop album. It's empty, sure, but I strongly believe sometimes disposable music is worthwhile.
That's exactly how I'm feeling about it. I like it for what it is, I feel good listening to it. Haha. Rainbow is definitely my favorite.

And am I the only one that thinks the chorus of "Closer" sounds like Hot N' Cold by Katy Perry?

[AussieBoy]

That's exactly how I'm feeling about it. I like it for what it is, I feel good listening to it. Haha. Rainbow is definitely my favorite.

And am I the only one that thinks the chorus of "Closer" sounds like Hot N' Cold by Katy Perry?
i can hear it what u mean that bouncy up n down feel it has in it


first 3 songs ive gone what the fuck is this drivel, was shattered but really picks up on track 4-7, and is a pretty nice little album, the end few songs good too , liking the one with Frankenreiter in it

not as good as S/T album but better than Leisure

still was hoping theyd pull out some awesome songs like the 2 they did for soundtracks in between records
Mark McGraths "love like this" from Raising helen
and "Into yesterday" from Surfs up
2 of my fav ever songs by them ever!

[starseed]

yep, didnt like it... i prefer the sold out Sugar Ray better, seems they found there niche doing the summery pop songs, other wise theyd be workin at Maccas
Floored is interesting for what it is, but Sugar Ray is one of the few bands I can think of where I agree that selling out was the best idea they ever had. Although I do miss songs like "Glory" and "Personal Space Invader" though.

[EchoPark]

Nice review Chris.

I was not a fan of their last 2 releases and hoped this album would match their Floored album and so far after a few spins through it, I'm pretty impressed.

Long live the mid to late 90's!