Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that Bowling for Soup isn't the name of a documentary by Michael Moore. It's the name of a band from Wichita Falls, Texas, comprised of lead vocalist/guitarist Jaret Reddick, guitarist/vocalist Chris Burney, bassist Erik Chandler, and drummer Gary Wiseman. Their third record with Jive, A Hangover You Don't Deserve is a blend of up-beat, catchy tunes filled with wicked guitar riffs and hilarious lyrics about girls, having fun... and girls. It's the perfect soundtrack to jump around to at a party while secretly crushing on that cutie across the room. In fact, the band's music has graced the soundtracks of lots of teen flicks, such as Freaky Friday, Crossroads, and Scooby-Doo 2, just to name a few.
Bowling For Soup - The Tunes
With a sound that is part Sum 41, part Simple Plan (they give props to both bands on their website), Bowling For Soup has that perfect blend of edgy punk and good-times pop that is so hot today. 1985, the first single off the album, throws back to artists like U2, Madonna, Wham and Blondie. The video will have you cracking up, whether or not you were around way back then. Almost, the first track on the album, is about a guy who "almost" had the girl of his dreams. In Ohio (Come back to Texas), the guys show their love for the lonestar state and give shout-outs to Texans like Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce and the Bush twins. With lyrics like "all I need is some ice-cream and a hug", Shut-up and Smile is one of those feel good songs that just makes you want to go and play with puppies in the park on a sunny day. In Trucker Hat, the guys spout, "I'll never go out of style on you". Could they be referring to last year's headwear trend?Bowling For Soup - The Nomination
The song Girl All the Bad Guys Want, from their previous album, Drunk Enough to Dance, earned the guys a 2003 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. On their new album, they refer to this nomination in My Hometown, a song in which they thank everyone who believed in them and diss the people who suddenly wanted to be their friends once they became famous.Bowling For Soup - The Deal
The enhanced feature has a behind-the-scenes look at the guys recording their song Ridiculous. It's too bad that it's not longer, especially since these guys are so funny and could have probably put together some great extras. However, the fact that the album contains 17 solid tracks more than makes up for it - since most albums today are much shorter. Bottom line - this album is pure punk-pop goodness.Bowling For Soup Rating:
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