Hearts on Parade

First of all, I'm from Brazil and it's a shame that they're barely known down here. I wish they would be given more credit for their work outside North America and Europe. It's so difficult to find their albums here. I really wish they'd tour around here. I'd hate to die without seeing them play live. OK, to the album.

Yeah, yeah, anyone can tell their style is a bit different on this album. But!! To say they have changed their style for the worse would be a huge (HUGE, REALLY!) mistake. I really think they sound better now. The last CD is nearly flawless.

I've read some reviews that made me wonder: What the hell's wrong with these people!?!? Giving this album 1-star ratings (because they say they couldn't give it 0-stars!) and saying AMERICAN HI-FI is EMO?!?! Some id**t said he won't listen to bands from the mainstream radio or something like that. I say 'You can't be serious! Time to wake up, buddy!'

First. This EMO thing is just some stupid stereotype that KIDS who want to look too cool create. It's just ridiculous. Why, why in hell, would anyone not listen to music just because everybody else listens to it!! I can't understand it. REALLY. Grow up!

Second thing. It makes no sense to say AHF is EMO anyway. They're 100% good rock. And pretty original. "Corporate radio??" "POP sell-out?" Taht can't be AHF you're talking about. Seriously. I refuse to discuss that any further.

Now to what really matters. Best song is "Where Did We Go Wrong" no doubt about it. Most people don't seem to feel that way towards this song, but I always have to listen to it at least twice. The title track is also amazing. A slower pace, alright, but this just adds to the depth of the song. Very simple riffs and solos, and that's what I really like in music. It doesn't have to be awfully difficult to play to sound good(there's quite a lot of guitarists out there that should be told this, really). The lyrics are simple, but not shallow. "Hell Yeah!" - their second single - also deserves a lot of credit. Stacy's high vocals are... absolutely stunning... amaaaaaaaazing.... I didn't even think he could do that with his voice!! ...Though some people'll say he sounds girly, I think he did a great job (NOW, THAT'S INNOVATION). I could go on and write about every other song but that would take me the whole day. The other top highlights are "Highs and Lows" and "Something Real". On the other hand, "Baby Come Home" is probably the weakest song on the whole album, but definitely not just 'filler material'.

If you like Not By Choice, Finch, Yellowcard, Sum 41, New Found Glory, Counting Crows, Sugarcult, The All-American Rejects, Goo Goo Dolls, Story of the Year or Green Day you'll most definitely enjoy AHF. Guaranteed.

Outstanding offering from the skinniest band in rock. The tracks "Hell Yeah" and "Geeks Get the Girls" are catchy but not in a pop "sell-out" way. If you ever get a chance to see these guys live...just do it. They put on a smokin hot show. I saw them twice during the recent Bowling For Soup tour and they were flawless. Take the Ramones and The Knack, split the difference and you have American Hi-Fi. 100% geek endorsed.

A lot of people seem to be pleased with the new sound American Hi-Fi went with on this album. Personally I think its terrible. I was hoping for another in your face rock album in the mold of Art of Losing. Instead I bought some popped out, 80's influenced garbage. I know Butch Walker produced this album, and you will not find a bigger Butch fan than myself (his former band Marvelous 3 was the greatest and both of his solo efforts are amazing), but American Hi-Fi was not the band to try and experiment a new sound with. If you're looking for something COMPLETELY different than their first 2 albums buy this one, if you want to rock, this isn't the CD for you.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 34 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars