Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls

[Tony Pascarella]

Boys Like Girls – Boys Like Girls
Release Date: August 22, 2006
Record Label: Red Ink/Columbia Records

[Overall Score: 6.5/10]

Do you like generally upbeat, overwrought pop songs guaranteed to make you either tap your foot in agreement or cringe at their vapidity? If so, you’ll love the highly refined yet still cookie cutter sound of Boys Like Girls’ self-titled debut record. With the sheen of a major label behind them, Boys Like Girls have written a record whose catchiness is surpassed only by its complete lack of substance. There are times where it works, amazingly enough.

The first five songs are the strongest on the CD, and as a result will get the most plays over the long term. Up until the infectious ballad “Thunder,” Boys Like Girls is a promising pop-rock album. Once it passes “Thunder,” the album meanders through a collection of minor hits and major misses that compose the remaining seven songs. Making “Dance Hall Drug,” one of the weakest songs on the album (next to “Learning to Fall”), a possible single may backfire. It is bouncy and upbeat but the lyrics fall well short of memorable. In fact, this is a perfect example of the cookie cutter sound that Boys Like Girls have. Once you wake up from this bore, you will get to hear the Eve 6-esque “Learning to Fall.” A dead ringer for any generic late 90’s alternative radio hit, complete with the predictable breathless intro and the mindless chorus that will stick in your head for days, this song will probably polarize listeners. Some will enjoy it for the radio-ready potential that it entertains, but others will point out the emptiness of the song once it stops, namely the clichéd “this is the worst day of my life” woe-is-me bullshit that seems to find its way into so many albums lately. Frankly, I’m tired of it; bands should sack up and write a ballad or any slow song that your typical angsty teen cannot churn out on a bad day. A chugging riff highlights “Up Against the Wall,” but it is yet another (pleasant yet) predictable pop song.

Many of you will probably enjoy Boys Like Girls to some extent. Inherently, most music fans in this scene enjoy a few bands like this; I know I do. They lack originality, but their songs are loud and bold, and most of all, infectious. The CD is well produced (by Matt Squire), and the instruments are a key focus of the record. Disappointingly, many of the chances that the band had to mix it up and experiment musically went by the wayside in favor of straightforward pop. If you enjoyed any of the releases from The City Drive, Liam and Me, The Summer Obsession, and October Fall this year, Boys Like Girls is probably worth the purchase. Otherwise, I suggest you give them a listen beforehand because the staying power is a bit weak unless they catch hold with you and simply don’t let go. For a major label-supported band, you could do much worse than Boys Like Girls, but given the frequency of pop and pop-punk releases over the past few years, you could also do a lot better.

Buy Boys Like Girls' self-titled album on iTunes (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=PjIvm57kicI&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D276649797%2526id%253D276649794%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

01. The Great Escape
02. Five Minutes to Midnight
03. Hero/Heroine
04. On Top of the World
05. Thunder
06. Me, You, and My Medication
07. Up Against the Wall
08. Dance Hall Drug
09. Learning To Fall
10. Heels Over Head
11. Broken Man
12. HolidayMyspace (http://www.myspace.com/boyslikegirls) | Purevolume (http://www.purevolume.com/boyslikegirls) | Official Site (http://www.boyslikegirls.com/)

[zizou1790]

way too harsh i love this album

[i12punk]

This album is going to be huge.

[The Silencer]

way too harsh i love this album
true.

[i2ockbotm]

Very well-written review in my opinion. But I like gratuitous pop music I can just nod my head to in the car, so it's probably right up my alley.

[ResideInMyMind]

good review. forgettable CD.

[knux]

agreed. i am in love with this album.. and the end of the album is killer.

[siimpx]

6.5? No way. This is one of the best pop-rock cd's I've heard in a long time & I've been listening to it non stop. They're a pop band & they do it extremely well. Your argument is basically that it's not good because they don't go out of the way to create something different when they don't need to.

[TheGoodnightMoon]

The mindlessness imo, is what makes this album so great. It's predictable as hell, but I have yet to hear a better summer album than this so far this year. Sometimes it's good to just lay back and enjoy pop for what it's worth and not try to dig deep and find some kind of meaning in it.

[Tony Pascarella]

Very well-written review in my opinion. But I like gratuitous pop music I can just nod my head to in the car, so it's probably right up my alley.As I said in the review. If you like that type of music, this will appeal to you. Period. My review shouldn't change your mind; go buy it. If you want more from your music, BLG isn't the way to go without listening first to see if you'd like it.

[MattRM]

Whaaaat? I think Dance Hall Drug is great.

[Melie]

i like happy poppy music, but i can understand where you're coming from with this review. none of the music or lyrics are anything that is going to stick, but it's definitely fun for me.

[laxcrs]

a little harsh and dance hall drug is a bad single choice five minutes to midnight shouldve been single number one and then the great escape

[Jason Tate]

Well written. I agree.

[Of Dust and Nations]

i also agree...i like "the great escape" but after that the album lost its footing with me.

[beauty is dead]

i think it's a good record. good to drive to, and good for summer.

[Jason Tate]

(Comparing this to Liam and Me makes me wanna punch you though Tony)

[Tony Pascarella]

(Comparing this to Liam and Me makes me wanna punch you though Tony)True. That's my #1 release of the year at this point (subject to change). But it does have that same refined pop sound (just with much, much better lyrics, imagery, and musical talent). That's kind of what I was getting at.

[Chris Fallon]

I agree with you, Tony. It is a generic sound that is vapid and empty, but at the same time, it has a lot of great elements any pop-punk/pop-rock record has, and that is why I enjoy it. It's not going to be on my best of 2006 list, but I know it will make me feel good and that's all that matters to me, really. But I think you make some valid points - well written review, Tony. Keep up the good work.

[Chico]

Interesting review. I think I'll still check it out when it comes out though.

[Base3Studd]

good review good album

[painisaillusion]

Another horrible generic pop punk band that releases another horribly generic pop punk cd. So good review on finally calling out this genre and docking points for being so noncreative.

[hobbes2809]

I like this cd a lot, and plan on buying it asap once it comes out.

[kg00d]

Better than a 6.5 imo.

[whitelines]

good read but overall i'd give them a 7.5/8.

[BeerNSluts]

I bet the guys actually only created about 10% of this album. I know most of the songs were actually written by someone not in the band.

[halfwayXthere]

I know for a fact that the band wrote their songs.
I also know for a fact that "Dance Hall" isn't the first single anymore. "Hero/Heroine" is.
"The Great Escape" is planned on being the second single.

Also, if you call this pop-punk, something's wrong. This is a straight up pop record. No "subgenres" or whatever.

This is my favorite album of the year so far simply because it's the most feel-good album for me.

Great live show, nice dudes, and a solid record.

[BeerNSluts]

Actually they didn't write the songs. A couple of them were written by the lyrcist in an up & coming unsigned band from MA.

[Colin Farrell]

which ones did lord alge mix other than great escape?

[Russ Hockenbury]

"Cookie-cutter" is an apt description Tony!

[againstthecoast]

i too like this album, but i think the review hits head on

[Scott Weber]

6.5 is too high for me.

[Drew Beringer]

6.5 is too high for me.
That's cause you're a badass.

[booyah.achieved]

A very fair review. However, that's not to say I don't enjoy this CD tremendously. But it really is nothing new. But that's the beauty, it's a rehash of everything I love about pop punk.

I don't mind hearing rehashes so long as they're done well.

[koala72]

I was looking forward to this review because i was wondering if you also noticed the boringiness of this album and you did:D as you said the first few songs are very good (i really love hero/heroine) but it just dies and sounds all the same.
Great review!

[*crying stars*]

good review. you're right for the most part.

[GoodTimes]

Actually they didn't write the songs. A couple of them were written by the lyrcist in an up & coming unsigned band from MA.
I don't know the ins and outs of the music biz, but don't quite a bit of major label bands have ghostwriters?

[earlynovemberX]

I bet the guys actually only created about 10% of this album. I know most of the songs were actually written by someone not in the band.

proove it.

[the_narrator]

Right on target, Tony. Good for what it is, I suppose.

[piaffeprncess98]

I really like this cd. It's fun. I don't really expect originality out of every band ya know?

[Shatter_Glass]

Hell, it's still better than Cartel's full length.

[earlynovemberX]

Hell, it's still better than Cartel's full length.

u go to wake?

[GoWaitInTheCar]

The Great Escape?

We Are Scientists has a song with that title. I bet it's better.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Hell, it's still better than Cartel's full length.

Korn is better then Cartel. That says nothing.

[PassedOut]

i think this band is ridiculously over-rated

[Scott Weber]

The only time new people register for this site to comment on reviews are when they are a) female b) a negative review c) a generic pop-punk band.

True story, I mean absolutely no offense. It's just funny.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Actually they didn't write the songs. A couple of them were written by the lyrcist in an up & coming unsigned band from MA.

Oh yeah, who? I'm pretty active in the local MA scene.

[TonyJ]

holy shit.
i didnt realize this band was so big.

[DanEmo]

Seriously... the Eve 6 reference only makes me want to hear this..
Man i miss that band...

[koala72]

Hell, it's still better than Cartel's full length.
What the hell are you on??

[EKU Baseball 10]

how has everyone heard the album already..it didn't leak yet or did it...?

[1000shadesofred]

6.5? No way. This is one of the best pop-rock cd's I've heard in a long time & I've been listening to it non stop. They're a pop band & they do it extremely well. Your argument is basically that it's not good because they don't go out of the way to create something different when they don't need to.

ditto.... def deserves a better score like an 8 or 9

[Drew Beringer]

Agree with score/review, but I still like this album.

[the sob]

Making “Dance Hall Drug,” one of the weakest songs on the album (next to “Learning to Fall”), a possible single may backfire.

they have changed the single from dance hall drug to hero/herione

[whatsername104]

I bet the guys actually only created about 10% of this album. I know most of the songs were actually written by someone not in the band.

Actually, all the songs are written by Martin Johnson, who is the LEAD SINGER of the band. and i believe that means that the band wrote the music.

I do agree with parts of your review. Dance Hall Drug is a bit annoying to me. and i do like the first half more than the second, but i would go further than thunder, to Up Against The Wall. and Holiday is good as well. I would have given the album an 8.5 or a 9, because there are some things that could be changed.

but i think it's still very very very very good. :D

[bsquad08]

Don't listen to the author because he clearly is one of those grunge punk rockers. If he bothered to listen to the last few songs he would have discovered two very good tracks("Hells Over Head" and "Holiday"). And i garuntee if you buy the album you will enjoy it. If the other user reviews don't tell you its better than the author said. THe fact its #3 on Smartpunk and its purevolume site should convince you otherwise.

[a_newdisguise]

Actually they didn't write the songs. A couple of them were written by the lyrcist in an up & coming unsigned band from MA.

I just first would like to note how rediculously false this statement is. And secondly how contradictive this whole review is. One sentence states how "the lyrics fall well short of memorable." and two sentences later claims that "chorus that will stick in your head for days." It's also noted that this album possess a "complete lack of substance", yet it is "infectious." Please. This review is terrible, and this album is amazing. Every other sentence the writer is changing his mind. As another user commented that the last songs on this album are incredible. Did you listen to "Broken Man" or "Heals over Head". neither lack substance and both will stick in your head and want you to keep this album on repeat.

[Scott Weber]

I just first would like to note how rediculously false this statement is. And secondly how contradictive this whole review is. One sentence states how "the lyrics fall well short of memorable." and two sentences later claims that "chorus that will stick in your head for days." It's also noted that this album possess a "complete lack of substance", yet it is "infectious." Please. This review is terrible, and this album is amazing. Every other sentence the writer is changing his mind. As another user commented that the last songs on this album are incredible. Did you listen to "Broken Man" or "Heals over Head". neither lack substance and both will stick in your head and want you to keep this album on repeat.
That's not contradictory. Lyrics have nothing to do with how catchy a song is...how else do songs like "My Humps" get stuck in our head for days - the lyrics are awful, but the hooks are there. Songs can also be catchy but ultimately lacking in substance...that's the way many pop-punk records are. Infectiously fun for 3 days, then once you get over the hooks, there's nothing more to keep it there. This is exactly what this album is like. Tony did a good job.

And for the record, it's spelled "ridiculous."

[Drew Beringer]

That's not contradictory. Lyrics have nothing to do with how catchy a song is...how else do songs like "My Humps" get stuck in our head for days - the lyrics are awful, but the hooks are there. Songs can also be catchy but ultimately lacking in substance...that's the way many pop-punk records are. Infectiously fun for 3 days, then once you get over the hooks, there's nothing more to keep it there. This is exactly what this album is like. Tony did a good job.

And for the record, it's spelled "ridiculous."

redonkulous!

[a_newdisguise]

and how is that not contradictive. I never said lyrics have anything to do with how catchy a song is, but since you mentioned it, that depends directly on the listener. Also I didn't even say the lyrics were good, but even "My Humps" lyrics are memorable. The contradiction was that he said these lyrics are not memorable, but they'll be stuck in your head for days. Not that "these lyrics suck, except their catchy with great hooks"

&& as for the journal entry. I am in junior high, or close enough to it.

[Scott Weber]

and how is that not contradictive. I never said lyrics have anything to do with how catchy a song is, but since you mentioned it, that depends directly on the listener. Also I didn't even say the lyrics were good, but even "My Humps" lyrics are memorable. The contradiction was that he said these lyrics are not memorable, but they'll be stuck in your head for days. Not that "these lyrics suck, except their catchy with great hooks"

&& as for the journal entry. I am in junior high, or close enough to it.
Memorable in the sense that the chorus may get stuck in your head, but who the fuck knows what the lyrics in the verses are in that song? I sure as hell don't. There's a lot more to lyrical depth than just the chorus...and if we're talking about memorable in the sense of impact, which I'm sure Tony was, then there's nothing there.

[Branevember31]

very goood...incredibly catchy

i understand the score tho..theyre a lot like everyone else, they just do it better

[Branevember31]

redonkulous!


word. you could cut the tension with a knife...

[Elfie7X]

I respect that you gave this album an honest review even though you're doing an AbsoluteExclusive on them. I agree 100%.

[tayyytay]

okay,, seriously,, whoever in the hell wrote this should b fired. fucking idiot. <3<3

[tayyytay]

and to the scott idiot.. ya,, I know all the lyrics to the v e r s e s. its not that hard. theyre memorable,, youre not. got it??

[Darkgem187]

This album is awesome and the music is awesome. There is nothing else to say except to buy it and listen to their music

[PoisonInMyVeins]

i really dig this album, for some reason.

[K-a-t89]

From what i've heard off the CD.
Sounds amazing.
So far.

[AMBERCOMPULSIVE]

Actually they didn't write the songs. A couple of them were written by the lyrcist in an up & coming unsigned band from MA.

All songs are by Martin Johnson, who obviouslyin the band. So they DID write their own songs.

But The Great Escape, Five Minutes To Midnight, Up Against The Wall & Learning To Fall are by MARTIN Johnson, Sam Hollander & Dave Katz.

And MA does'nt have many good bands, so i don't know what lyrcist could have wrote songs that amazing.

[SiLeNttAnGeLl]

i love this album! keep it up!

[Idontunderstand]

your music is amazing.
keep it up!
=]]

[bummm]

So catchy.

[roisterboy]

I like three songs from this album! The rest is complete trash.

[XxParamorefanxX]

Great album! I love it. The whole CD is my fav. tracks. Lol....

[johnandwhisper]

agreed. there is no way it should be over a 70%... no lasting value and no creativity at all. "they do well for a pop rock band"... so does every other one.
their next album (if they're even considering putting another one out) = sophomore slump? not even. epic fail is more like it.

[Piss]

im pretty sure the lead singer uses autotune

[JoelJo21]

wtf?
i fucking loved the album and soo many can agree with me
fucking ass hole!

[stereokiller]

wtf?
i fucking loved the album and soo many can agree with me
fucking ass hole!
you registered just to post that? huuh?

[chelseaxsmilexD]

you registered just to post that? huuh?
i know right... screams pathetic fat d&d nerd hailing HAZZAAA!!! doesn't it.

[chelseaxsmilexD]

6.5 is too high for me.
meeee too.... like 2.1?

[chelseaxsmilexD]

. "they do well for a pop rock band"... so does every other one.
their next album (if they're even considering putting another one out) = sophomore slump? not even. epic fail is more like it.


u are officially my bff... lolzzz but anyway i'm trashing this album in a review... then metro station...

[chelseaxsmilexD]

im pretty sure the lead singer uses autotune
i think he does too... like you'll go to his concert and he'll be replaced with a dying cow halfway through the first song.... he does such hard work doesn't he?

[denissuxx]

Good album.

[Amilleraz]

Heels Over Head is on the backside of the album....and in my opinion is one of the top songs