All Time Low - So Wrong, It's Right

[Shatter590]

All Time Low – So Wrong, It’s Right
Record Label: Hopeless Records
Release Date: September 25, 2007

Autumn is an odd time of year to release a pop-punk album. For a genre that relies primarily upon rolled-down car windows and late night weekend parties, it seems strange to put out an album when school is back in session, the temperature is beginning to fall, and the days are getting shorter. And yet, only a few days after summer has officially been retired for another year, All Time Low have released a gem of a pop-punk record, almost a last hurrah to days well spent with friends and family.

So Wrong, It’s Right arrives about a year after All Time Low released their last EP Put Up or Shut Up, a collection of typical pop-punk fare about growing up, parties, and a desire to do bigger things with life. So Wrong, It’s Right continues this trend, full of accessible, radio friendly, and extremely catchy pop songs with a slight edge; more than enough to get kids dancing and singing along without sounding too generic. There’s nothing new here, as All Time Low seem to have no desire to reinvent the wheel. But like several other notable releases of this past summer, the band attacks its source material and instruments with flair and energy. From the opening chords of the mosh-friendly “This is How We Do” to closing bars of “Poppin’ Champagne,” All Time Low invite the listener to abandon responsibility, regulations, and possibly even maturity in favor of “Boys raise your glasses / Girls shake those (get up get up) / We’re the party, you’re the people / Let’s make this night a classic.”

“This is How We Do” segues into the equally hooky potential single “Let it Roll,” which could easily have been a reply to Put Up or Shut Up’s “Break Out,” a cry for youthful freedom and exploration, and a yearning for California. This theme is present quite frequently on the album, actually, as a good chunk of the songs mention California in some way [like the particularly energetic “Holly (Would You Turn me On)” and other potential hit “The Beach”]. Given the band is from Maryland, this could easily be an East Coast idea to head west…or maybe the band just idolizes the territory of bands that came before. Indeed, the album has so much in common with left coast pop-punk, at times it fails to set itself apart from bands like Allister and Amber Pacific, who released albums almost identical in musical theory, if not subject matter, back in June.

If So Wrong, It’s Right has one flaw, it’s the lack of originality. Many of the songs sound the same, and there is little variation in chords or melodies - not only from other songs on the album, but from other bands in general. While Alex Gaskarth is a fine vocalist, at times he mimics Matt Young from Amber Pacific almost perfectly, and at others wails like Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line. While this is not necessarily a detriment, it also doesn’t separate them from older, more established bands, or set them apart from their peers. The same holds true for the music itself: you almost know what’s coming before you hear it, you can almost predict the next riff, the next lyric. And while pop-punk was never really about variation, to long time fans of the genre there is little to latch onto.

Despite the lack of originality, So Wrong, It’s Right is still a solid and extremely enjoyable record, with an excellent assortment of songs to blast in your car (albeit with the windows up) or sing along to with your friends at those end of year parties. While it won’t win any awards, it will stick in your head for weeks, if not months, reminding you of this past summer, and gearing you up for the one coming.

Suggested Tracks: "Let It Roll," "Holly (Would You Turn me On?)," "The Beach"

For Fans Of: Amber Pacific, New Found Glory, The Starting Line

[xerovision1]

great album.

[Adrian Villagomez]

great pop album.I just approved this. You move quick.

[xerovision1]

I just approved this. You move quick.

haha, i just saw it in the reviews and checked it out. didn't know how recent it was added -_-

[Praetor]

This is a good review, but the scores are far too high, IMO. The lyrics, while sometimes clever, don't exhibit any kind of intelligence that a score of 9/10 would imply. Also, the instrumentals are very basic (~6/10.) Like I said, this was a good review, but I wouldn't have rated it nearly as high.

Also, let it be known that I really enjoy this album.

[billyboatkid]

Sweet cant wait to pick it up between classes tomorrow like every new music tuesday HAHA!!

[tm decomposer]

That song Poppin Champagne is catchy.

[CWeezer2]

haven't heard it yet but my expectations have been dropping with them lately so i doubt i'll be hard to impress. everything with them seems so forced all of a sudden and i feel like it's all been a reflection of this album. but i haven't listened so what the fuck do i know.

[Shatter590]

i rate a little on the high side. The album didnt do anything grossly wrong to reflect a poor rating anywhere really. (its a side effect of being a freelance A&R guy- i hear a lot of stuff, which sets the bar at another level) For me a 6/10 would be grainier quality or fuzzy riffs, whereas this album has neither.

[AP_Punk]

Agreed.

[Gumbyjag]

Allister released an album this year? I had no idea. Good review, still not buying this. Please, any reviewer on this site, do not say "nothing new here" when describing a pop-punk album as it is assumed that pop-punk bands follow the same musical formula. Not trying to be an asshole or anything, just a suggestion.

[Shatter590]

Allister released an album this year? I had no idea. Good review, still not buying this. Please, any reviewer on this site, do not say "nothing new here" when describing a pop-punk album as it is assumed that pop-punk bands follow the same musical formula. Not trying to be an asshole or anything, just a suggestion.

i knew there was a semantical glitch in there...

[spike22988]

I hear Cartel similarities. Particularly in the vocals.

[adam289]

fucking awesome record.

[DrewSkylinepres]

This is the album Cartel wish they had made instead of that shitty self-titled bubble album.

[heyyo289]

This is the album Cartel wish they had made instead of that shitty self-titled bubble album.
if i had a nickel for ever time i heard that one...

[pickett47]

This is the album Cartel wish they had made instead of that shitty self-titled bubble album.

Most definitely. This album is catchy as hell, and it sounds like a logical progression from Chroma. Looks like All Time Low learned more from Cartel than Cartel did. Very good pop-punk/powerpop album. This will be stuck in my head for a long time.

[angelusdomini]

This review made me want to give it a change.

Great job Cory.

[billsiph]

Very good review. I agree, it will be stuck in my head for quite some time. However, I would like to see if anyone finds the same amount of creativity in "Remembering Sunday" that I do. I think its possibly the well thought-out song on the album. Seriously took me 3 listens to figure out it transitions from an acoustic song into a more full band version because I was so caught up in the moment. (but in the right way)

Any thoughts?

[Shatter590]

Very good review. I agree, it will be stuck in my head for quite some time. However, I would like to see if anyone finds the same amount of creativity in "Remembering Sunday" that I do. I think its possibly the well thought-out song on the album. Seriously took me 3 listens to figure out it transitions from an acoustic song into a more full band version because I was so caught up in the moment. (but in the right way)

Any thoughts?

its a very good song. every song on the album is good.

and i agree with the cartel reference.

[bduke13]

its a very good song. every song on the album is good.

and i agree with the cartel reference.

I think its funny that Juliet Sims sang on both the new Cartel and ATL records. Another somewhat interesting "similarity" between the two bands.

And for the record I think she is absolutely incredible in Remembering Sunday

[antlerboy182]

This cd is amazing!!! and i do hear the similarity w/ cartel, and Hit the lights, but the whole cd never lets down! it will keep you rocking out all day :-)

[G apostrophe Ra]

Likable band with a standout vocalist. The album is catchy and very pop-smart, but a little on the bland side- even by pop-punk standards. A few variations in arrangements or lyrical subject matter would've been a simple way to improve the overall quality of this record.

[Enoma Otenki]

actually i think the lyrics are the band's strong point. it deviates from the cookie cutter approach to pop music but doesn't change the rules. which is fine, the rules have worked but a new spin on things is always appreciated. alex is a great vocalist and the music is definitely catchy. it's a great album and i can't wait to see these guys soon.

[Heart-A-Tact]

Excellent review, though I'm not a huge fan of the album. It has a few tracks I like, though.

[average_jane]

I don't think this album has quite the intensity of their last EP, but it's still a well done pop-punk record. I'll be spinning this one a lot.

[lassise]

This is so far my favorite album of the year, not just because I am biased, it honestly is an AMAZING release. Its only flaw is how strong his "P" sounds are, just listen you'll notice, but thats pretty picky and if thats the worst part of the album... then you know its good

[lassise]

Very good review. I agree, it will be stuck in my head for quite some time. However, I would like to see if anyone finds the same amount of creativity in "Remembering Sunday" that I do. I think its possibly the well thought-out song on the album. Seriously took me 3 listens to figure out it transitions from an acoustic song into a more full band version because I was so caught up in the moment. (but in the right way)

Any thoughts?
yea i had a demo recorded from a live show back on christmas last year, the new version with the guest vocals is absolutely amazing. she adds a whole new element to their sound. I don't really get where people come off saying it sounds like every other pop punk cd, i feel gaskarth's lyrics are definitely a notch above most all other pop punk bands, and the songs at least have some variation as far as not playing 4 chords all 8th notes the entire time. Their acapella verses are definitely a nice variation, and come on. who doesnt love the line boys raise your glasses girls shake those YOU YOU

[bluetoes]

This is a much better review than the first one on this site, except for the lyrical rating bit

[gahbee__x]

Completely agreed with the review, particularly the lack of originality part. While I was listening to the full album stream on ATL's myspace I had a hard time differentiating between songs, with the exception of a few. Still a good album though, and I plan to get it soon.

[WasteSomeTime]

Well I thought it was good a good review except for the fact you say their musical theory is the same as amber pacific. I think amber pacific's musical theory is far more advanced for the pop punk scene. I really dont see many similarities to amber pacific. Amber Pacific is much more hard hitting, the drums on amber pacific dont sound anything like atl.but instead many similarities with the starting line

[RussVanderhoof]

amazing cd..........didn't care much for the review.......so wrong, it's right is like night and day from put up or shut up

[SemiFict10n]

Great CD, good review.

[NotThtKndaGirl]

my new favorite :)

[michellex4292]

great review.

[sweetestxsin]

i <3 come one, come all.
:)

[richie]

nice review, but the rating is way toooo high

[NFG4ever]

Good review , I pretty much agree with everything you said. It's defenitly nothing we haven't heard before but it's damn good. Sometimes I feel kinda old for enjoying this kinda stuff haha. I find the album flows very well , I like the production on the drumming to. Overall a good pop punk album.

[dru]

Great record, great review. Cartel reference agreed.

[1000shadesofred]

it doesnt sound anything like amber pacific or allister... it sounds exactly like boys like girls if anything... but still an amazing album

[calibouncee]

this is an amazing album. definitely one of my favorites so far this year.
but i think that my favorite song of the record is "Remembering Sunday"
Anyone else agree? i dont know why, but i think that song puts a whole new spin on things.
i just cant get enough of it.

[ashleighjayne]

great review.
amazing cd.
reminded me why they're my favourite band.

only thing ive picked up on, well actually a friend pointed it out. The drums seem to be dumbed down alot compared to thier live performance.

[itaketoberlin]

"full of accessible, radio friendly, and extremely catchy pop songs with a slight edge; "

and thats my problem with this release. i think all time low used to have a lot of "edge" with their music, dating back to the first EP and especialy with The Party Scene. it sounds like they cleaned up a lot on this record, even the bass lines let me down since im used to them being all over the place.

i think they would have had a better record if they just left it up to themselves and paul leavitt.

and i think the rating it was given was too high.

[Zarina Rexroat]

Very good album.
Verryyyyy catchy.

[Shatter590]

as ill say again

i work in A&R. because of that, I hear plenty of total crap, which leads to my ratings being a bit higher than most others. If a band has the gusto to get signed, and really work on an album, they deserve recognition for it. Unless, of course, its total crap. But compared to what I have to listen to on a daily basis, ATL is amazing.

[kaykillah]

Truly, one of the my absolute favorite albums. All Time Low can produce amazing music, look good, and still put on a spectacular show everytime. How can you complain with that? I give full recommendation to buying this album!:-)

[all time (joe)]

i could listen alex sing all day and all night.

yeah a lot of the songs sound the same, but the songs are amazing so it's all good!

i'sm just afraid that they are goin to turn into the next fall out boy and when i go see them at my local venue there will be a hundred little 13 year old girls there.

nothing pisses me off more than that bull shit.

[Jerad123]

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