The Wonder Years - The Upsides album review
“I’m not sad anymore.”, is the battle cry of this album. And if you hate simple but descriptive lyrics, pop-punk, or good music in general, well this isn’t the album for you then. The Wonder Years have been throwing out heart-filled pop-punk since June 2005, with numerous singles and splits with like minded bands. Their debut LP “Get Stoked On It!”, really kick-started them off into the scene, but was filled with lyrics about moshing for exercise and pirate proms. But the music behind these goofy lyrics was quite well constructed and gave me hope for these dudes. Then they brought out “The Upsides”. This album is deep, sentimental, and borderline depressing, which is contrasted by the fast, fun, and exciting pop-punk background. The lyrics are the most honest words I’ve ever heard, with lyrics about being down and out, and also lyrics about pursuing happiness when the world around them is so caught up in themselves, and just finding hope. These lyrics come off as a bit cynical at first, but then you realize they’re not looking for fame, they’re just looking to make the most out their lives. There’s a song about hating parties (This Party Suck), being homesick (Hostels and Brothels), and just growing up (All My Friends Are In Bar Bands). Vocalist Dan “Soupy” Campbell delivers these lyrics with a very raw quality. He sounds like a regular guy singing and he makes it sound real. There’s no autotune or production tricks, its all him. The music is what pushes this album forward. Its driving and fun with the these hardcore punk drum patterns and some of the most interesting guitar lines in this genre. There also gang vocals galore, and some really sharp hooks with the vocals. For example, in “New Years With Carl Weathers” in the chorus and further in the song, it’s non-stop catchiness. And pretty much the whole album is like this. Another highlight is the track “All My Friends Are In Bar Bands”, which begins with acoustic instrumentation but builds into full on altrock track, its slower than most the other song but still retains the same energy and intimacy. The track also feature several vocalists from other groups, taking turns repeating the “I’m not sad anymore” battle cry and it sticks in your mind. Still there’s not a song in here that doesn’t shine, but there are tracks that outshine others which is the only downside. They album doesn’t feel balanced at times with songs feeling more superior than others, leaving the others kind of forgettable. But all in all , a solid release from these guys. Definitely a step up from their earlier releases. But check it out and support them, also check out their most recent LP “Suburbia, I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing”, which I’ll probably review later.
Listen to: New Years With Carl Weathers, All My Friends Are In Bar Brands, Hostels and Brothels
Have a great day guys:)
