Spring Break
Hoobastank progress sound on 'For(n)ever'
3 out of 5 stars
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 1/29/09 Section: Focus
Hoobastank has always been a pretty solid band. Never exceptionally good, but also never too boring, they've always done a stellar job at delivering consistent, catchy alternative, radio friendly rock. However, after their massive success with "The Reason," which sold over two million copies in the U.S., they released the overlooked "Every Man For Himself" to abysmal sales, and it seemed as if it were all but over for the California band. But apparently, that's not the case because Hoobastank returns with a new attitude but that same old sound on "For(n)ever."
Right out of the gates, the first thing to notice is that this album is a bit harder than their last two and more similar to their self-titled debut. The album's lead single, "My Turn," which also happens to be the lead track, brings rougher guitar riffs and lead singer Doug Robb sounding a bit grungier than usual. Unlike record label-shaped ballads like "The Reason," "My Turn" bleeds emotion, like much of the rest of "For(n)ever."
The theme of much of the album is breakup and heartbreak, and it's good to see Hoobastank let loose a bit and unveil a more human side to their music. Robb puts a lot more work into his vocals this time around than in their previous outings and it shows. On "I Don't Think I Love You," he sings, "I wish that we would go back / To what we were before / But I don't think that I love you anymore, anymore." As cliché as the lyrics are, he makes them feel believable.
Pay attention to tracks "All About You," a song that finds Robb realizing that the world "spins without you" over an aggressive snare drum/guitar combo, "The Letter," which seems like a sequel to one of the band's early hits, "Running Away," and out-of-place (for the running theme at least) "You're The One." All of these demonstrate the best qualities that make Hoobastank fun, but at the same time show some new life in them.
Sure, Hoobastank isn't as popular as they once were, and they probably will never achieve that level of fame again, but if it means more of a progressive sound for the band with songs that actually represent something, then that's just fine. "For(n)ever" won't convince the skeptics, it won't win any year end rewards, but it certainly is some finely crafted modern alternative rock.
Right out of the gates, the first thing to notice is that this album is a bit harder than their last two and more similar to their self-titled debut. The album's lead single, "My Turn," which also happens to be the lead track, brings rougher guitar riffs and lead singer Doug Robb sounding a bit grungier than usual. Unlike record label-shaped ballads like "The Reason," "My Turn" bleeds emotion, like much of the rest of "For(n)ever."
The theme of much of the album is breakup and heartbreak, and it's good to see Hoobastank let loose a bit and unveil a more human side to their music. Robb puts a lot more work into his vocals this time around than in their previous outings and it shows. On "I Don't Think I Love You," he sings, "I wish that we would go back / To what we were before / But I don't think that I love you anymore, anymore." As cliché as the lyrics are, he makes them feel believable.
Pay attention to tracks "All About You," a song that finds Robb realizing that the world "spins without you" over an aggressive snare drum/guitar combo, "The Letter," which seems like a sequel to one of the band's early hits, "Running Away," and out-of-place (for the running theme at least) "You're The One." All of these demonstrate the best qualities that make Hoobastank fun, but at the same time show some new life in them.
Sure, Hoobastank isn't as popular as they once were, and they probably will never achieve that level of fame again, but if it means more of a progressive sound for the band with songs that actually represent something, then that's just fine. "For(n)ever" won't convince the skeptics, it won't win any year end rewards, but it certainly is some finely crafted modern alternative rock.
Be the first to comment on this story