There are two ratings for video games, modeled after Homer Simpson: Good and Groin-grabbingly Good. NFS is good, but just that short of groin-grabbingly good.
A mid-tempo groove welde to smooth natural vocals and the abiliy to strap on the big kick drum/cowbell when the proceedings start to bog down (not too often).
While never straying from the formula of pop punk, Fanmail delivers the goods with such vitality and perfection, you almost forget you’ve heard it all before.
Ignorance is Bliss has all the elements fans around the world have come to know and love from the band, but it also illuminates a higher level of songwriting.
While this record unquestionably sounds good and has some cool-sounding guitar riffs, there isn’t really anything here that sticks after a couple of listens.