All American Rejects - When The World Comes Down Album Review

Review of All American Rejects' album 'When The World Comes Down'.

After initially appearing to be a by-numbers punk rock band, The All-American Rejects' second album, 'Move Along', scored hit singles on both sides of the Atlantic. Such was the quartet's mainstream success that they ended up supporting Bon Jovi, as well as performing a duet on a TV appearance. This, their third record, was released before Christmas in America and hits European fans in February.

The Rejects' success last time out was very much down to them nailing the fine line between rock and pop; being cool enough for the alternative crowd whilst infusing their tunes with an infectious nature to capture the masses. Beginning with 'I Wanna' they seem to have lost none of that formula and Tyson Ritter is even in danger of sounding a positive man. They've even upped the ante on the likes of the moody
'Damn Girl' and relentless 'Breakin', which aspire for the arena venues graced by the aforementioned collaborators. Lead single 'Gives You Hell' is a bitter two finger salute that sees the band at their best, with a chorus reminiscent of Weezer's 'Beverly Hills' and with a gang vocals section which adds to the sing-a-long nature of the track.

Spreading their wings a little, the band are joined on 'Another Heart Calls' by The Pierce Sisters for a cinematic number which once it picks up could soundtrack a Hollywood chase scene. Other experiments aren't quite as successful though, with title track 'Mona Lisa' a forgettable attempt to tap into the market exploited by Plain White T's 'Hey There Delilah'. The bass-driven 'Real World' is very much filler (which is also something that can be said of 'Believe') and perhaps this record is best summed up on 'Back To Me'. It ticks all the boxes for a power ballad and could make a huge impact on radio, but you can't help but feel a little uninspired when it is placed next to previous hit 'It Ends Tonight'. What it does do is showcase Ritter to be a stronger vocalist than previously thought, but the song itself just seems like it is trying too hard, which is ultimately the downfall of half of this release.

Alex Lai