Driven Far Off

Artist: Sum 41
Album: Underclass Hero
Label: Island Records
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: July 24th, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 8.5
Production: 7.0

Sum 41’s latest album, “Underclass Hero”, is “sound” proof that the quality of bands’ music doesn’t necessarily dwindle with passing years and changes in lineup. Following three well-received albums, “All Killer, No Filler” (2001), “Does This Look Infected?” (2002), and most recently, “Chuck” (2004), “Underclass Hero”, although perhaps not the most remarkable of Sum 41’s albums, certainly has its impressive elements. Former lead guitarist and backup vocalist Dave Baksh’s absence from this album, although somewhat noticeable in frontman Derek Whibley’s change in vocal style, hardly hinders its sound. In fact, the guitar throughout this album is especially notable, even without Baksh, Whibley producing loud, and passionate guitar riffs and meshing with Jocz’s aggressive drumming to create a generally hyper punk rock sound. Various portions of the album are, in fact, “All Killer, No Filler”-esque, while others display the more mature sound and lyrical content present in “Chuck”. This latest album has a loose political concept, some songs attacking the concept of government and elitism, and supporting the “underclass”, while others convey different, more personal themes. “Underclass Hero” as a whole is a very diverse album. While the songs it includes are mostly raucous and enthusiastic, a few slower songs are enclosed, such as “Best of Me”, “So Long Goodbye”, and “Look At Me”. A certain amount of piano seems to be enclosed on various tracks of this album, something not often heard in Sum 41’s music. The most unique element of this album, however, is not the addition of piano, but the inclusion of a song entirely comprised of French words, titled “Ma Poubelle” (translating to “My Waste” in English). Although it would be difficult to analyze the lyrics displayed throughout “Ma Poubelle”, the lyrics presented in the English tracks on this album, although not completely groundbreaking or wholly conceptual, are insightful and opinionated, rather than whiny and sorrowful, something that seems to be a trend in the rock genre as of late. These songs could have been better organized, however. Overall, “Underclass Hero” is an appealing album in sound and message, although, the album could do with the exclusion of a few of its less prominent, more mediocre-sounding songs. Some mentionable tracks off of this album include “No Apologies”, “This is Goodbye”, and “Walking Disaster”.

Track Listing
1. Underclass Hero
2. Walking Disaster
3. Speak of the Devil
4. Dear Father
5. Count Your Last Blessings
6. French Song
7. Carnival of Sins
8. The Jester
9. With Me
10. Long
11. King of Contradiction
12. Best of Me
13. Confusion and Frustration in Modern Times
14. So Long Goodbye
15. Look At Me