By: Molly Van Engelenhoven
2016 is already a year of pop-punk band comebacks. Sum 41 is actively touring again, Good Charlotte has reunited and is releasing new music, and Simple Plan, the unofficial band of moody teens everywhere, has released their first full length album since 2011.
Simple Plan hails from Montreal, and currently holds the title as the Canada’s most successful pop-punk artist. Unlike many bands, they have maintained the same 5-member lineup since their formation in 1999. Their popularity peeked in the early 2000s, when 4th wave pop-punk, also known as “The Emo Invasion,” was exploding. With hits like “Welcome to My Life” and “Perfect,” they were an instant success in the alternative community. After “Get Your Heart On” was released in 2011, Simple Plan decreased their time on the road and faded into obscurity. But now, with the release of their new album “Taking One for the Team” and a world tour underway, it is safe to say that Simple Plan is back in the spotlight.
“Taking One for the Team” mixes many different styles, without compromising the band’s original sound. Tracks feature guest appearances from rapper Nelly, New Found Glory front-man Jordan Pundik, Juliet Simms, runner-up on The Voice and original front-woman of Automatic Love Letter, and half of the hip-hop duo Rock City, R. City. “Singin’ In The Rain,” with R. City, blends pop-punk and reggae, creating a delightful, chilled-out atmosphere, and is guaranteed to make anyone bob their head to the bouncy beat, at least a little. “I Don’t Wanna Go To Bed,” featuring Nelly, produces a similar reaction. Other songs, like “Opinion Overload” and “PS I Hate You” are guaranteed to give the listener a wave of nostalgia for early 2000s pop-punk. On top of that, the album gracefully slows it down with emotional ballads, such as “Problem Child” and “I Dream About You” (featuring Simms). And yet, Simple Plan still manages to bring in upbeat, punk-dance anthems, such as “Kiss Me Like No One’s Watching” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Sad.” The album showcases a dynamic range of emotions, styles, and genres.
This album is the pinnacle in a graceful evolution for Simple Plan. They’ve retained much of their original sound, without it becoming stale. This album allows Simple Plan to expand on their old sound, and grow into a more mature act. Their evolution can be summarized in lead vocalist’s Pierre Bouvier’s new style. While he maintains the classic pop-punk voice, he sounds much better, now that he has eliminated the “boy-band wine” vocal style, heard on early albums. Simple Plan’s new music doesn’t feel as emotionally volatile anymore, which is a double-edged sword. While new songs are not all about being alone and misunderstood, there doesn’t seem to be a track on this album that really stood out as the clear hit, like “Welcome to My Life’” did, when it was released in 2004.
Overall, I would give this album an7/10. It demonstrates an excellent, mature evolution for an older band, but doesn’t seem to have a stand out track on the album, simply because they’re all good.
Favorite Tracks: Singin’ In The Rain, I Don’t Wanna Be Sad, Opinion Overload
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