Wednesday, March 11, 2009

26

Buy this album. Immediately.I have never been disappointed with New Found Glory and I still am not.

The energy filled-opener "Right Where We Left Off" should bring a sigh of relief to those who were hoping for a "return-to-form" type album. After New Found Glory's last full length, Coming Home, in 2006, many were disappointed at the change from fast, catchy, angsty pop-punk to songs with softer melodies that brought on the feeling of autumn rather than summer. Though on Not Without a Fight, it's clear that New Found Glory still haven't lost their way of creating an album with sing-a-long choruses and memorable guitar riffs that fans will love. The lead single "Listen to Your Friends" carries a "My Friends Over You"-esque hook, while "47" could serve as a Sticks & Stones b-side. "Truck Stop Blues" is the obligatory "on the road" song and "Tangled Up" features subtle guest vocals from Paramore's Hayley Williams. Both songs have a Coming Home feel to it while still being the same old New Found Glory. "I'll Never Love Again" has become one of my favorites and will be pleasing to those who were big on NFG's Tip of the Iceberg EP. "Heartless at Best" is another highlight of the album as it's one of the band's strongest songs to date. Finally, "Don't Let This Be the End" continues the cycle of New Found Glory always having a strong closing song to their records.

As far as production goes, they couldn't have enlisted a better man than Blink-182's Mark Hoppus. Although Neal Avron would have been great for the job, he still did exceptional on mixing it. The production certainly isn't as raw as Nothing Gold Can Stay but it's nothing too over-produced; it reminds me of the sound from Self-Titled. Not Without a Fight's production is bound to be nostalgic to those who enjoyed New Found Glory in their high-school days.

Based on first day sales, New Found Glory is expected to sell 25-30k copies of their new album the first week.

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