CD Review: New Found Glory's Hits

Several weeks ago I wrote a brief news story regarding pop/punk band New Found Glory’s decision to leave their label, Geffen Records. I debated over whether the release of a final album through Geffen was simply a way to squeeze another few (hah!) dollars from the prolific bastards. Little did I know, I would receive a copy of the compilation, succinctly titled Hits , in the mail several days after the initial article. I know, I know, several of you Cinema Blend fans are still rocking the pale-face-hidden -between-several- layers-of-eyeliner/fiendish black nail polish look. Thus, I won’t begin a diatribe discussing all the ways that New Found Glory sucks at writing music. I won’t discuss how Jordan Pundik’s vocals make him sound like a whining sycophant. I won’t even deign to poke fun at the mass amounts of goofy New Found Glory gear one can purchase at any local Hot Topic. Instead, I will focus on this album simply as a compilation. And, thank the big man upstairs, that view ain’t half bad.

For a band that has only been round ‘n’ about for eleven years and has never actually had a song receive a distinction higher than a whopping #5 on the alternative charts, this compilation actually has several tunes that I could hum and even a couple of tracks I could outright sing along with (guilty!). The album begins with the previously unreleased track, “Situation,” which teases briefly at the beginning, sounding like the intro to a metal song, then following up with exceptionally nasally pop vocals. It’s easy to see why it was never released. However, the rest of the tracks are not so bad they’d render insidious thoughts of mass exterminations. In fact, the rest of the album sums up New Found Glory’s career thus far quite nicely. Like many compilation albums, beginning with the track “Hit Or Miss (Waited Too Long),” the songs are in order by album release, making it uncomplicated to dissect the pros and cons of the changes in style and sound the band has made over the years. For those of you not savvy concerning the New Found Glory discography: have no fear, Jessica is here. The order goes New Found Glory-Sticks and Stones-Catalyst-Coming Home . Make some sort of mnemonic device; you’ll be quizzed on this later.

Because the tracks are in order and because, like most compilations, you don’t have to go through the shit (Well, minus “Situation”; what a fucking disaster) to reach the roses, Hits is a nice add for any avid fan of New Found Glory, as well as anyone who has either a. ever attended a Warped Tour Concert or b. has caught themselves singing a New Found Glory song while drunk or in the shower. Besides, buying this compilation will do for you what every compilation does best—leaves you slightly warm and fuzzy with nostalgia and feeling as if you are far more knowledgeable regarding said band than, let’s face it, you actually are. C’mon, it’s always good to out-elitist someone by embellishing what you’ve actually learned about the music…

I nearly forgot the crème de la crème of this Cd review. Be not afraid, according to New Found Glory, the band will continue to forge on in the music business. Here’s to hoping it won’t be all downhill from here…