Do you know the hits? Maybe you’ve heard ‘Authority Song’ or ‘The Middle’ play defiantly on the radio. There is a very real defiance and optimism to the album. A little angsty and sad vibes at times, but that feels expected and perfect. I admit that before recently I had also only heard the hits. Upon diving into the full album and some of the extended discography I found I was long overdue. This is some essential sound of the angsty yet optimistic era it lived in. 

You’ll find stereotypical alt-rock musical style here. With a little flourish that feels distinct to the era and vibe. “The Middle” is a riot of shouting lyrics and huge energy. “Your House” is rich in sound and much softer in the album context. “Sweetness” feels like a concert in your stereo. “Hear You Me” has a heartfelt sound that practically transports you to a mid 2000’s music video or movie. “Get It Faster” is that grungy and angsty vibe that you can imagine jumping and shouting to at a concert. When the hook hits it certainly hits. “Authority Song” also hits. It has that big guitar and heavy drums. And those vocals with backing! A stellar track for sure. The album wraps with the somewhat underwhelming, yet deeply feeling “My Sundown.”

It’s a great album with no real misses. When I revisit this era of music I’m always challenged to find what made a specific album good. What made it stand out from a crowd of so much similar music. Sure this has “The Middle.” Sure it feels incredibly in period. Sure it has great playing and music. I think it falls in a nebulous area of feeling ‘just right.’ So fall into the sweetness of 2000’s Alt-rock. Maybe you’ll feel something, maybe you’ll wanna burn the world down. Give it a go.