Sound: This is the second album by the Saginaw, Michigan native pop punk group. Their first one: "No Looking Back" was a bit of a mixed result. The album sounded like cliche pop punk... But there was something that kept me from taking it out of the CD player in my car. "The Goodtimes" definitely rectifies this. For this, they obviously put as much effort and energy into this album as they do for their live shows. It is a bit of a mix between 90's skater punk and modern pop punk. It's kind of like old Blink-182 had a lovechild with The Wonder Years. The prevailing theme of it seems to be "have fun, don't get tied down, and party hard while you're young." This is hardly an original theme for an album, but something about it just makes it an awesome pop punk CD. I also just have to mention the guitar skills, it isn't just three chords and a pop punk breakdown. There are some genuinely good guitar hooks and even some solos. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Again, lyrically it won't blaze any trails, but they know it, and their audience knows it. It's not the words they say, but how they say them. The album's catchy-ness comes a lot from the bands ability to all get in on a song. The gang vocals are better than ever and beg to be heard live. Taylor has a higher voice, but it's not stereotypical pop punk whiny, there's real emotion in it. The last song, also called "The Goodtimes" easily has the best lyrics. Though the rest of the CD calls upon failed relationships the greatest years of a life in retrospect, this one shines above the rest. It's a bit of a mental slideshow of the band's highlights since they formed in 2008. From a bunch of friends forming a band, to buying the van, to touring across the Northeast, to playing Warped Tour, to whatever the future holds for these guys, they want you to have as much fun and passion for the music as they do. // 9
Impression: This album probably won't be the next "Upsides", but it will be a pop punk masterpiece to those who listen. The only complaint you could really raise about it is that about half the songs are re-recorded older ones, but that's also part of the beauty of a CD about growing up. The best songs are probably "The Goodtimes", "Truth Dog", "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday", and "Get A Real Job, Do Real Life, And F**k Off". This album is one for the ages for fans of pop punk. Do yourself a favor and listen to it, you'll be glad you did. // 9
