Wonder Years, The - The Upsides

[Alex DiVincenzo]

The Wonder Years - The Upsides
Record Label: No Sleep Records
Release Date: January 26, 2010

Dan "Soupy" Campbell is not sad anymore. After years of struggling to keep his head above water, The Wonder Years' frontman is looking for the upsides to life. The newly adopted mantra is also the namesake of the band's sophomore effort, The Upsides.

The album ups the ante in every way possible. The songwriting is more dynamic, sans the out of place breakdowns and unnecessary keyboards. (Keyboardist Mikey Kelly left the band prior to the recording of the album.) In their place are more opportunities for the other instruments to shine. Mike Kennedy displays some impressive skin work with his upbeat drumming throughout the 40 minute duration. Matt Brasch and Casey Cavaliere's guitar work is more refined and melodic, while bassist Josh Martin keeps the low-end thumping. Campbell's vocals have also improved immensely. He offers more soaring choruses and crooning melodies.

The lyrics are more personal than ever. You won't find tracks about zombies or ninjas, but that's not to say that the songs are without humor, with topics mentioned including sexting, cock-blocking, and fist pumping. Although Campbell may no longer be sad, that doesn't mean that there isn't plenty about which he is unhappy. Lyrical content ranges from the loneliness of tour life ("Everything I Own Fits in this Backpack") to social awkwardness ("This Party Sucks") to persevering through the bad times ("Washington Square Park"). The production was lacking on the bands debut, Get Stoked on It!, but this time around they enlisted Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer guitarist Vince Ratti (Circa Survive, Valencia), who gives the band a nice full sound.

The album doesn't have any obvious hits but is not without its stand-out tracks. "Logan Circle", "Hostels & Brothels", and "Melrose Diner" are all memorable for their anthemic high energy and catchiness. "Dynamite Shovel" is a blistering, one minute song against bigotry. "Hey Thanks" features ukulele, trombone, and guest vocals from Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer's Rachel Minton, making it impossible not to bob your head along to the whimsical jingle. Album closer "All My Friends are in Bar Bands" concludes with a plethora of the group's talented friends - Shane Henderson of Valencia, Dave Mackinder of Fireworks, Matty Arsenault of A Loss For Words, Jamie Rhoden of Title Fight, Nik Bruzzese of Man Overboard - repeating the disc's opening line, "I'm not sad anymore / I'm just tired of this place." It ends the album perfectly, cementing the recurrent theme and bookending it nicely.

In the refrain of "New Years with Carl Weathers", Campbell sings "It's gonna be our year, boys." It's an appropriate statement; with a January release, the band is looking to capitalize 2010 with an early contender for album of the year for any fan of pop punk. Appropriately, there aren't really any downsides to be found on the album. Since their inception, The Wonder Years have been getting better with each release, and The Upsides is their greatest accomplishment yet.

The Starting Line; Saves the Day; New Found Glory; Fireworks; The Swellers
myspace.com/thewonderyearspa (http://www.myspace.com/thewonderyearspa)

[thisisntworking]

Before anyone asks, vinyl pre-orders start shipping today

[cwhit412]

Such a great album. Positive and fun. Been listening to it for the last few days nonstop.

[TwelveTribes230]

Nice. Cannot wait to get my hands on this!

[Drew Beringer]

I love this record.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Solid pop punk. Soupy and the boys delivered with this album.

[kabir]

Es un buen album pero me gusta más Get Stoked on It!

[therookielot]

Such a great album to start off 2010.

[Deth]

Only an 86%!? This album deserves perfect 10s!

[inthemidst]

Great freaking album. AOTY contender for me, for sure.

[zack-182]

Amazing record.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Before anyone asks, vinyl pre-orders start shipping today
already got mine last friday?

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Such a great album. Positive and fun. Been listening to it for the last few days nonstop.
Yup! Totally agree.

[ARo2431]

Haven't given these guys a listen yet, I think I'll get on that this week.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

already got mine last friday?
Hot Tub Time Machine!

[Chris Fallon]

Yeah, pretty good album. Has some real good upbeat tunes on it. I expect these guys to be getting a lot of exposure over the course of the year.

[Thomas Nassiff]

good brief and to the point review, alex. i really took to this album and i think the review i wrote is almost 1000 words. i like yours though, it hits the most important parts of the album.

best pop punk album of 2010 guaranteed.

[highfidelity203]

I've never listened to these guys before but from what I've heard from the song "Everything I Own Fits in this Backpack" I'm really intrigued. Absolutely am going give this record a shot.

[McIrish]

Not a bad album, but can't stand the vocals. Why do all these poppunk/hardcore bands insist on having high vocals.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Hot Tub Time Machine!
lmao! i'm a fan of john cusack. he always makes me think of high fidelity, i love that movie.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Not a bad album, but can't stand the vocals. Why do all these poppunk/hardcore bands insist on having high vocals.
his voice got so much better!!

[wroteurname]

I don't think this is going to be topped by any other pop-punk band in 2010 including Four Year Strong.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Only an 86%!? This album deserves perfect 10s!
fanboy alert. everything is relative. you wouldn't give the vocals and instrumentals 10s because there are people like manchester orchestra. the reviewer tilt is where you let your bias seep in.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

good brief and to the point review, alex. i really took to this album and i think the review i wrote is almost 1000 words. i like yours though, it hits the most important parts of the album.

best pop punk album of 2010 guaranteed.
Thanks bud. I had like two paragraphs of random stuff that I cut out because it just wasn't necessary. Got a link to your review? I'd love to check it out.

[Thomas Nassiff]

I don't think this is going to be topped by any other pop-punk band in 2010 including Four Year Strong.
absolutely agree, even though seeing FYS live a week ago makes me incredibly excited to hear Enemy of the World.

[Blake Solomon]

i'd say the standouts for me are "Washington Square Park", "My Last Semester" and "Melrose Diner."

I like the idea of having friends close out the album (reminds me of what The Forecast did a few years back), but one of the guys' voice, I'm not sure who, is so whiny and terrible that it completely ruins the whole ordeal for me. I just listened and it's the second guy. Bleh.

But yeah, this record is outstanding. Should be getting my preorder today.

[SomedayTheFire]

It's ok, not seeing what's so great about it though

[Thomas Nassiff]

Thanks bud. I had like two paragraphs of random stuff that I cut out because it just wasn't necessary. Got a link to your review? I'd love to check it out.
i sure do, just put it on my blog and i'll put on here later today probably.

http://heartonsleeveblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/the-wonder-years-the-upsides-album-review/

it is long though, don't say i didn't warn you. thanks for being interested though dude :D

[Thomas Nassiff]

It's ok, not seeing what's so great about it though
most pure pop-punk to come out in a while.

[drudo182]

I want to hear this.

[JonnyJonnyJonny]

It's ok, not seeing what's so great about it though

this.

[Deth]

fanboy alert. everything is relative. you wouldn't give the vocals and instrumentals 10s because there are people like manchester orchestra. the reviewer tilt is where you let your bias seep in.
Did you really think I was serious...

[amped513]

i'd say the standouts for me are "Washington Square Park", "My Last Semester" and "Melrose Diner."

I like the idea of having friends close out the album (reminds me of what The Forecast did a few years back), but one of the guys' voice, I'm not sure who, is so whiny and terrible that it completely ruins the whole ordeal for me. I just listened and it's the second guy. Bleh.

But yeah, this record is outstanding. Should be getting my preorder today.
The singer you're talking about is David Mackinder of Fireworks. I'm in love with Fireworks. However, his voice does sound a bit off, but the ending to this album is so good that I can overlook it though. When the kid from Title Fight kicks in, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh my.

[tyramail]

i really enjoy this album.

[NateFoundGlory]

I've never heard of em, but I keep reading good things...looks like I'll have to check it out.

[zachff]

I keep seeing TWY pop up on AP.net but I have never given them a listen. Maybe I will now

[zachff]

I've never heard of em. but I keep reading good things...looks like I'll have to check it out.
^^
are you reading my mind?!

[watm8dusoscared]

This album is amazing and they're awesome dudes. Can't wait for friday to see them with Ben

[NateFoundGlory]

^^
are you reading my mind?!

If I said yes, would you be offended?

[Star Slight]

So far my favorite album of the year, if that's saying anything.
Definitely going out to buy this as soon as I can.

[zachff]

If I said yes, would you be offended?
If by offended you meant turned on, then offend away

[ikikwe]

Some of the lines in the lyrics are absolutely awesome/hilarious. I.e in this party sucks "Can someone tell these kids that liking the rain no longer counts as an idiosyncrasy" and "I can't believe I got stuck here again, where the kid with the dreads tells me he's smarter on acid."

Awesome fucking album and super stoked to see them on Friday.

[marky2468]

when jamie from title fight sings in the last song it sounds so fucking good. great album.

[owiseone35]

Ya this album is really good. I actually think this will end up being one of my favorite pop punk efforts of 2010. I love the lyrics, this album just really puts me into a happy place when i listen to it. Job well done to Soupy and the boys. Hostels and Brothels is my jam.

[Alex1410]

I love this album

[forget_december]

I love this record so, so much. I can't get through "Melrose Diner" without going back to listen to the drums during "My friends all say he's just the broke-dick version of me..." multiple times, and the guitar riff in the prechorus of "This Party Sucks" drives me crazy. So goddamn good. And "Hey Thanks" will most definitely be playing at my wedding.

[JonnyJonnyJonny]

most pure pop-punk to come out in a while.

what does that even mean?

[inthemidst]

Hot Tub Time Machine!
Cusack's the man!

[HometownHero]

No offense Alex but I think someone else should have written this. Tad biased

[Drew Beringer]

The singer you're talking about is David Mackinder of Fireworks. I'm in love with Fireworks. However, his voice does sound a bit off, but the ending to this album is so good that I can overlook it though. When the kid from Title Fight kicks in, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh my.
Title Fight rules!~

[inthemidst]

No offense Alex but I think someone else should have written this. Tad biased
How so?

[Drew Beringer]

No offense Alex but I think someone else should have written this. Tad biased
all reviews are biased.

[lakemichigan]

The Upsides is the best record of 2010 by far.
well only if IATA wont release their new record this year haha
and yeah. dont forget to get The Upsides CD or vinyl. these dudes need your support, really.

[SomedayTheFire]

most pure pop-punk to come out in a while.
Still doesn't mean it's great. It's ok, it's a good album, not great though.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Some of the lines in the lyrics are absolutely awesome/hilarious. I.e in this party sucks "Can someone tell these kids that liking the rain no longer counts as an idiosyncrasy" and "I can't believe I got stuck here again, where the kid with the dreads tells me he's smarter on acid."

Awesome fucking album and super stoked to see them on Friday.
I love the latter line. As an edge kid, that's the story of my life.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

No offense Alex but I think someone else should have written this. Tad biased
I've become friendly with the dudes thanks to my work for this site, but I think I gave it a relatively unbiased review, all things considered. Just happens to be an awesome album. I did my best to not sound like a fanboy (which I admittedly am); does it sound otherwise?

[laxcrs]

well i love all those bands guess im checking this out

[imtellingseb]

been listening to this album non-stop for the past 2 weeks, and its just brilliant. im guessing this and the new FYS will be my favourite albums this year.

[ikikwe]

I love the latter line. As an edge kid, that's the story of my life.
Haha. Even though I'm the farthest thing from straight-edge, I completely agree. I can't help but roll my eyes when kids I smoke with tell me that drugs make them do better in school.

[Blake Solomon]

I've become friendly with the dudes thanks to my work for this site, but I think I gave it a relatively unbiased review, all things considered. Just happens to be an awesome album. I did my best to not sound like a fanboy (which I admittedly am); does it sound otherwise?
no, it doesn't. you sound about as even-handed as anyone ever is when they review something they love.

[acratertocoffin]

As much as I absolutely love this album, I would be lying if i said that I didn't miss the keyboard.

[_thisisme*]

It needed some getting used to for me...dont know why... but I'm starting to love this record more and more.. awesome band

[shimmyshakes]

Not a bad album, but can't stand the vocals. Why do all these poppunk/hardcore bands insist on having high vocals.
Really? They're the only pop-punk vocals that I can stand.

[gr33ndayfr3ak]

I can't remember the last time I connected this much with an album in the lyrical department.

[seraph1214]

This record is miles ahead of Get Stoked on It!

[Thomas Nassiff]

what does that even mean?
something different to everyone, i suppose.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Still doesn't mean it's great. It's ok, it's a good album, not great though.
everyone has their own opinion, i guess. one of my favorite albums in my favorite genre. to me, it's great.

[ZWarner]

I can't wait to listen to this one, just picked it up

[snu]

Not to bad of an album...but best pop punk in a while (my opinion at least which is worth as much as the air you just breathed) is hands down Teenage Bottle Rocket or The Dangerous Summer. They both have a different take on the pop/punk thing but great bands.

I can hear what everyone is saying though and I'm going to let this album play through a few times and see if catches me like a butterfly in a net...or a dream catcher above my bed.

[middlenameboom]

Got mine in the mail a couple days ago as well. Anyone who didn't get the preorder missed out. The T-shirt is awesome, plus I got a free signed poster, sticker, free download of other songs, and the 7" is super bad ass looking.

I think it's interesting that you mentioned starting line as RIFYL, because there are time where his vocals are so similar to Kenny's it's kind of uncanny. Also I never felt like the keyboards were unnecessary, and even though I really like this record, I found the guitars to be fairly generic through the album.

[xapplexpiex]

I can't wait to get this tomorrow.

[jay_klinkhammer]

Absolutely NO filler on this album. LOVE THIS BAND SO MUCH

[SomedayTheFire]

everyone has their own opinion, i guess. one of my favorite albums in my favorite genre. to me, it's great.
I'd rather listen to say Valencia or The Dangerous Summer over this :shrug: They maybe different genre's or whatever but I myself would lump them together.

[So-Crates]

just brilliant

[DearShithead]

I'm loving this record so much. This band jumped to one my most listened bands on last.fm in a month.

[UnderMyDreams]

Not to bad of an album...but best pop punk in a while (my opinion at least which is worth as much as the air you just breathed) is hands down Teenage Bottle Rocket or The Dangerous Summer. They both have a different take on the pop/punk thing but great bands.

I can hear what everyone is saying though and I'm going to let this album play through a few times and see if catches me like a butterfly in a net...or a dream catcher above my bed.
Dude come on, TDS are not pop punk...

I absolutely love this record. Haven't stopped playing it since my preorder got here!

[COTA]

Beyond stoked for the Philly CD release show on Friday.

[RiskyXBandit]

I love this album so much and am actually offended by the few negative responses I have read. I like it that much.

[ZoSo1886]

i just started listening to Get Stoked on It, can't wait to grab this

[Mochem]

Granted I've only listened once, I don't think the creativity or musicianship should be as high. It all seemed pretty standard. Definitely better than average, and definitely better relative to their past work, but maybe just a point lower than they were given. Regardless, I really liked it. Worth the pre-order money. Great band, great guys, great message.

[wall e]

This cd is really good. Not sure if I like it as much as the other full length yet though.

[Danny PlayWork]

So excited for this. Amazing band

[Ciattk]

One of the best pop-punk albums of the decade in my opinion; so fucking addicting and personal.

[yayitsjoe]

have to get this soon.

[TriangularDuck]

Some of the lines in the lyrics are absolutely awesome/hilarious. I.e "I can't believe I got stuck here again, where the kid with the dreads tells me he's smarter on acid."


and here I've been listening to that as "and some kid in a dress tells me he's smarter on acid." you're completely right about the lyrics, but I like the way I heard it better.

[ikikwe]

and here I've been listening to that as "and some kid in a dress tells me he's smarter on acid." you're completely right about the lyrics, but I like the way I heard it better.
yeah at first i thought it was "some kid with tourettes" which works too I guess haha.

[get up kidd]

I have been listening to this cd nonstop for the past few weeks.

I have fallen even more in love with this band.

[HometownHero]

all reviews are biased.
True but being friends with a band will tilt all reviews

[RiCCioLi]

i listened to their myspace songs and wasnt impressed at all. nothing stood out, but I shall check them out again

[zippoX41]

this cd is so solid. favorite track is hostels and brothels.

[joppyxtsl]

pre-ordered on itunes.

[Kyle Garchar]

I'd say my favorite song on here is it's never sunny in south philly. the hook at "you know that i can't take naps cause they end in panic attacks..."

Such a good album. I'm hoping I don't wear it out.

Yeah, it's never sunny is definitely my favorite.

[Mudkip]

I love this band so fucking much, and this is one of the greatest albums I've ever listened to. Can't wait for the release show on Friday.

[Bongi5788]

interviewing soupy tmr...any questions?

[Cøltøn]

Can't wait for my preorder. Record is amazing.

[Cue the Sun]

so fucking good.

[JTMcKrackles]

Such a fantastic record, and good review, Alex. I got my CD, hoodie and 7" last week, can't wait to get my LP package

[more heart]

Just got my pre-order from Smartpunk today and I've just been blown away by this record since I first popped it into my CD player(Yeah, I still use them). Definitely the kind of record i can listen to from start to finish. I'm already calling this a potential AOTY and I'd be heavily surprised if this doesn't make my top 5.

Great review Alex. You definitely nailed what makes everything about this record amazing.

[SteveD]

Meh

[ohmymadeline]

are we just going to ignore the great arrested development references?

[tossit]

i love this record and this band

[COREhorizon]

They definitely matured on this release, and it might not be as "fun", but a great album nonetheless.

[rob2004]

"And I, don't think I love anything the way that some people love Morrisey, it's just that nothing speaks to me that way"

Heard "Stoked" in November, fell in love. Heard "The Upsides" last month and can't stop listening to it.

Thanks for making this, keep it up. I hope you guys get tons of exposure as it is definitely well deserved.

[NateFoundGlory]

If by offended you meant turned on, then offend away

This is starting to get very innapropriate...part of me likes it. Guess which part.

[myownillness]

Great dudes. Love this album.

[ManicanParty49]

Great album.

[snu]

Dude come on, TDS are not pop punk...

I absolutely love this record. Haven't stopped playing it since my preorder got here!

I don't know. I would consider them pop/punk to a degree. Pop/Punk kind of covers a vast amount of different sounding bands. Some bands although originally rooted in the genre branch out...but they still have some pop/punk elements. I heard the same thing years ago about Fenix TX when they released Lechuza. Not pop/punk compared to Agent Felix or something of that nature.

In comparing tracks from the two albums The Dangerous Summer's "Settle Down" and The Wonder Years "Washington Square Park" have some strong similarities...even lyrically. So I'm just wondering how you came to the conclusion?

I would say The Starting Line are pop/punk and even though they branched out over the coarse of their final two albums to more of a rock thing they still maintained a "pop/punk" sound to a degree.

That's all opinion though and you're free to yours. I like the album cool stuff, good lyrics, strong tracks...I'm just not sold it's the best I've heard in a while.

I did look at your best of list though and I see The Dangerous Summer are in the top fav. releases of last year...so it's all good I guess as long as you aren't dissing them ha.

[afriendinjersey]

my favorite album of all time

[UnderMyDreams]

I don't know. I would consider them pop/punk to a degree. Pop/Punk kind of covers a vast amount of different sounding bands. Some bands although originally rooted in the genre branch out...but they still have some pop/punk elements. I heard the same thing years ago about Fenix TX when they released Lechuza. Not pop/punk compared to Agent Felix or something of that nature.

In comparing tracks from the two albums The Dangerous Summer's "Settle Down" and The Wonder Years "Washington Square Park" have some strong similarities...even lyrically. So I'm just wondering how you came to the conclusion?

I would say The Starting Line are pop/punk and even though they branched out over the coarse of their final two albums to more of a rock thing they still maintained a "pop/punk" sound to a degree.

That's all opinion though and you're free to yours. I like the album cool stuff, good lyrics, strong tracks...I'm just not sold it's the best I've heard in a while.

I did look at your best of list though and I see The Dangerous Summer are in the top fav. releases of last year...so it's all good I guess as long as you aren't dissing them ha.
They absolutely hate when people say they're pop/punk. They'll argue against it forever... They've even designed a shirt that says "The Dangerous Summer IS NOT A POP PUNK BAND." They really don't have any of the definition of pop punk... No punkish beats, not really many power chords, no palm muting, etc.

http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466499212
http://pt-br.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2629k4h&s=6

[Ava1anche]

This album rules. 2010 is already off to a great start.

[xevandox]

This album has made my top five for sure. The lyrics really hit home on so many different levels.

[(penguin)]

Well-written review. Can't wait to hear it.

[therookielot]

I got mine on Thursday. So great. I can't say enough good things about this album.

[Thomas Nassiff]

I'd rather listen to say Valencia or The Dangerous Summer over this :shrug: They maybe different genre's or whatever but I myself would lump them together.
i think both of those bands are classified as pop-punk. i really like valencia. the dangerous summer is slower but i think that makes them really unique so i like them too, just not as much as TWY i guess.

[Thomas Nassiff]

They absolutely hate when people say they're pop/punk. They'll argue against it forever... They've even designed a shirt that says "The Dangerous Summer IS NOT A POP PUNK BAND." They really don't have any of the definition of pop punk... No punkish beats, not really many power chords, no palm muting, etc.

http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466499212
http://pt-br.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2629k4h&s=6
i mean, not exactly pop-punk but i think they're right around the corner. at least some songs. after reconsidering it i guess i'd have to go with indie rock? tough band to classify.

[mymusicismylife]

I'll have to check this out. If I like the song off of No Sleep Till Death I definitely will.

[FourStarters]

I love this record so, so much. I can't get through "Melrose Diner" without going back to listen to the drums during "My friends all say he's just the broke-dick version of me..." multiple times, and the guitar riff in the prechorus of "This Party Sucks" drives me crazy. So goddamn good. And "Hey Thanks" will most definitely be playing at my wedding.
Hi Karen!

[EchoPark]

Great album, I am enjoying it a great deal. Well done TWY.

Nice review pal

[Nick_K99]

Great Record, Bad review. I can't put my finger on it, but i just don't like the way you have summed up this album. As far as i'm concerned this band is the future of pop punk. Bands like ATL should be ashamed to be considered in the same genre of music as this.

[snu]

They absolutely hate when people say they're pop/punk. They'll argue against it forever... They've even designed a shirt that says "The Dangerous Summer IS NOT A POP PUNK BAND." They really don't have any of the definition of pop punk... No punkish beats, not really many power chords, no palm muting, etc.

http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466860843
http://twitter.com/codypaynetds/status/7466499212
http://pt-br.tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2629k4h&s=6

I hear a lot of similarities, some bands hate being called emo, but everyone still calls them that and notes the similarities. Regardless if they consider themselves to be of that genre (if it is even a genre). That being said if they say they aren't then I guess I won't argue that they are.

[gjpinizz]

my favorite album of all time
i don't know why but this made me laugh, maybe because the album came out today.

I'm almost through with my first listen, and i'm a fan so far, i think i'll need at least a few more to be as excited as everyone on this site is about it, definitely solid stuff so far though

[ZeoVGM]

The Upsides is the best record of 2010 by far.

How can anyone say this with a straight face?

It's January.

[_><_]

So good. I have been listening to nonstop since it leaked. Really good.

[lbopm]

i'm sorry but some of the songs felt too preachy

[UnderMyDreams]

I hear a lot of similarities, some bands hate being called emo, but everyone still calls them that and notes the similarities. Regardless if they consider themselves to be of that genre (if it is even a genre). That being said if they say they aren't then I guess I won't argue that they are.
I really don't get the whole pop punk thing. But, Cody said at one point that they're emo over pop punk.

[Drow Swordsman]

Album closer "All My Friends are in Bar Bands" concludes with a plethora of the group's talented friends -- Shane Henderson of Valencia, Dave Mackinder of Fireworks, Matty Arsenault of A Loss For Words, Jamie Rhoden of Title Fight, Nik Bruzzese of Man Overboard-- repeating the disc's opening line, "I'm not sad anymore / I'm just tired of this place." It ends the album perfectly, cementing the recurrent theme and bookending it nicely.

Anyone else think some the guest vocalists sucked in that song?! Particularly the second guest singer that sang the line, my ears literally cringe when he sings. I think he sung the same part in a higher octave towards the end and sounded a lot better. I'm sure they're great in their own bands, but at first I thought "oh, maybe they're the other members of the band, it explains why the singing isn't great, and it makes the ending pretty sweet". The fact that they're vocalists from other bands and it sounds so...bad is kind of shocking.

That being said, this is one of my favorite pop punk releases in a LONG time.

[SomedayTheFire]

i think both of those bands are classified as pop-punk. i really like valencia. the dangerous summer is slower but i think that makes them really unique so i like them too, just not as much as TWY i guess.
No doubt, I just prefer the styles of them two bands over this, it's good don't get me wrong, but it's not an album I'd put on over the other two.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Great Record, Bad review. I can't put my finger on it, but i just don't like the way you have summed up this album. As far as i'm concerned this band is the future of pop punk. Bands like ATL should be ashamed to be considered in the same genre of music as this.
I'd like to hear your reasons why.

[Yellowcard2006]

I don't know. I would consider them pop/punk to a degree. Pop/Punk kind of covers a vast amount of different sounding bands. Some bands although originally rooted in the genre branch out...but they still have some pop/punk elements. I heard the same thing years ago about Fenix TX when they released Lechuza. Not pop/punk compared to Agent Felix or something of that nature.

In comparing tracks from the two albums The Dangerous Summer's "Settle Down" and The Wonder Years "Washington Square Park" have some strong similarities...even lyrically. So I'm just wondering how you came to the conclusion?

I would say The Starting Line are pop/punk and even though they branched out over the coarse of their final two albums to more of a rock thing they still maintained a "pop/punk" sound to a degree.

That's all opinion though and you're free to yours. I like the album cool stuff, good lyrics, strong tracks...I'm just not sold it's the best I've heard in a while.

I did look at your best of list though and I see The Dangerous Summer are in the top fav. releases of last year...so it's all good I guess as long as you aren't dissing them ha.
Cody (from TDS) said word for word "they are not pop-punk"

EDIT: I see someone already told you. I consider TDS pop-rock.

[Drow Swordsman]

Great Record, Bad review. I can't put my finger on it, but i just don't like the way you have summed up this album. As far as i'm concerned this band is the future of pop punk. Bands like ATL should be ashamed to be considered in the same genre of music as this.
I think people gave him enough of a hard time for praising the album and calling him "biased", if he said this was the future of pop-punk or something like that, I think half of the comments on here would say it was way too biased.

I agree with the ATL part though. It's sad when I talk to people who aren't super familiar with the pop-punk scene about the genre and they think All Time Low is one of the main contenders. I normally reply "uhh x band is kind of like ATL, but much much better". Though, in that kind of girly-ish pop-punk/power pop/whatever genre, Mayday's first album was fantastic. I saw them before they released their second (crap) album and they totally put on a better show than ATL imo.

[Schmidty Says]

I just can't get in to this album. I loved Get Stoked On It, but there's just something about this album that I don't like. I'll spin it again, maybe it'll be a grower :shrug:

[CoreyMadVillain]

Really awesome album. As much as I like Fireworks, it kind of reminds me of them, but with better vocals. Hope these dudes blow up this year.

[quickandsilver]

The drummer is HORRIBLE on this. so sloppy

[Broclee]

I absolutely love this record. The lyrics are just brutal honesty, and I can connect to them in ways that I haven't connected to other new records in a while.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Great Record, Bad review. I can't put my finger on it, but i just don't like the way you have summed up this album. As far as i'm concerned this band is the future of pop punk. Bands like ATL should be ashamed to be considered in the same genre of music as this.

:thumbup:

well said.

[BigMouthStrikes]

Love it, love it, love it

[fothermucker]

In my top 5 albums of 2010, without a doubt.

[robat19]

love this album. can't wait for the southgate release show.

[The Summer Ends]

such a great album, "they turned on the fountain today at logan circle, i felt something in me change" always gets stuck in my head

[SomedayTheFire]

In my top 5 albums of 2010, without a doubt.
This cannot be serious.

[mybravedesign]

good review.... the entire album is amazing front to back...and personally came at the right time for me...i had my worries as the e.p. was such a powerhouse.... i look forward to shouting these songs back at the band in a couple months.... i'm not sad anymore...

-sean-

[Soupy]

Thanks everybody! I hope to see and hang out with everyone on tour over the next few months. Also, I like all time low. Dudes write catchy catchy songs.

[Star Slight]

Just tried to order it from No Sleep but it said there was an error. Beat because I'm in Bumblefuck PA right now and there's no good CD stores.

I'll try again later I guess

[xapplexpiex]

AH! I was just at Best Buy and they said they don't carry it and they won't anytime soon.

[erinfxs]

lovedddd this for a while, since spotify accidentally put it up on there mid december, which sucked for the band, but i've bought a copy of it now anyway.
definitely a contender for my aoty

[lechoesl]

this album sucks compared to their first..every song sounds the same. I quote "sans the out of place breakdowns and useless keyboards" well that means its not the wonder years anymore..thats what made them good.

[Broclee]

this album sucks compared to their first..every song sounds the same. I quote "sans the out of place breakdowns and useless keyboards" well that means its not the wonder years anymore..thats what made them good.
:rolleyes:

So you're one of those guys.

[suplina]

my love for this album cannot be put into words. I saw them down in CT several weeks ago, ahh small venue but good night.
This will be my favorite album all year.

[broaddplease]

Anyone else think some the guest vocalists sucked in that song?! Particularly the second guest singer that sang the line, my ears literally cringe when he sings. I think he sung the same part in a higher octave towards the end and sounded a lot better. I'm sure they're great in their own bands, but at first I thought "oh, maybe they're the other members of the band, it explains why the singing isn't great, and it makes the ending pretty sweet". The fact that they're vocalists from other bands and it sounds so...bad is kind of shocking.

That being said, this is one of my favorite pop punk releases in a LONG time.

Yes! The second singer's voice makes my ears cringe too. The others are all right though.

[Drow Swordsman]

Yes! The second singer's voice makes my ears cringe too. The others are all right though.
Yeah, the others are all right, I was probably a bit harsh in that post, its mainly the second one that I really could do without.

[broaddplease]

Yeah, the others are all right, I was probably a bit harsh in that post, its mainly the second one that I really could do without.
Ha, just a little harsh. I just have to prep myself for the 2nd guy & then its okay.

[shimmyshakes]

haha I don't think the second guy is that bad. He just sounds a lot different than the others.

[RifFir]

i kinda love this.

[Brett9]

I admit that I came in a little late to this band, but I absolutely love this album. An awesome way to start off 2010.

[Star Slight]

I know this seems nitpicky since Lyrics got an 8.75, but I would definitely have given it a 9 or higher. The lyrics are what stand out most to me in this album, they're fantastic.

Other than that, a great review

[Cøltøn]

What's with the hate for Dave from Fireworks? I love all the guest vocals.

[zachff]

I know this seems nitpicky since Lyrics got an 8.75, but I would definitely have given it a 9 or higher. The lyrics are what stand out most to me in this album, they're fantastic.

Other than that, a great review
I agree. Never listened to this band before this week (and this CD), but man the lyrics on here are like someone is writing down what's in my head.

[tonyC4L]

i'm sorry but some of the songs felt too preachy
I'm trying to think of a better adjective than "preachy" but I know exactly what you mean.

[MorningStar10]

Im liking the album so far, and im thinking it will grow on me even more.

I also like the whole concept of having one lyric as the centre of a whole album. 'Im not sad anymore, im just tired of this place'

[lbopm]

I'm trying to think of a better adjective than "preachy" but I know exactly what you mean.
yeah it really wasn't about fun anymore...

[oarg89]

Amazin album

[not.sad.anymore]

Great album. I will be surprised if I enjoy any other new albums this year as much as The Upsides. I think the rating could be higher though, maybe around 91% I think this one will stand the test of time.

[truthbetoldxx]

i'd say the standouts for me are "Washington Square Park", "My Last Semester" and "Melrose Diner."

I like the idea of having friends close out the album (reminds me of what The Forecast did a few years back), but one of the guys' voice, I'm not sure who, is so whiny and terrible that it completely ruins the whole ordeal for me. I just listened and it's the second guy. Bleh.

But yeah, this record is outstanding. Should be getting my preorder today.
yup, dave sounds really weird on anything that isn't a fireworks song haha

[songisland]

great review. greatest album

[XSTAYGOLDX]

If you live in Sacramento.

they're playing next week at branch st.

2/17/10 3130 branch st sacramento $8.00 6PM

myspace.com/sacramentopunk

[Schmidty Says]

I hated this album at first, but after giving it another couple of listens, it's grown on me. Love this album.

[XSTAYGOLDX]

If you live in Sacramento.

they're playing next week at branch st.

2/17/10 3130 branch st sacramento $8.00 6PM

myspace.com/sacramentopunk
this

[xapplexpiex]

I just started listening to this. Honestly, the lyrics speak to me like nothing else right now. Great, great album.

[Loyaltabk]

can't find this in any store near me :badmood:

[drevans18]

Aoty.

[hailjake]

cool

[hailjake]

its aight total typical pop punk vibe

[daveinreallife]

this release was amazing, this genre (what ever it is) has never been my cup of tea. but, man what a way to get over some depressing shit in your life. WOO!

[R3ality]

Started listening, album is definitely growing on me.

[Merkin]

never gave a chance to these guys until late december. disappointed i didn't listen sooner. great album.

[StarPlanDave]

started a whole two months of every drive to work with logan circle. one album i consistantly listen to beginning to end.