Simple Plan "Heart On!"

This band has had a Simple plan from the beginning. OK, I'm sorry that was soo brilliant and witty, I know. I think I see you rolling your eyes. Anyways, what I was trying to say is that they started with an intent to make songs that can completely relate to the teen, and even tween, generation; not only were they heartfelt, but also brash, bratty, very catchy, had lots of hooks, and were hit worthy. Even though the first record declared it had balls, it wasn't anything new, but it had lots of energy, hooks, and was very fun to listen to; who can forget the hits? The last single from that record was a perfect way to end that cycle from a record that was pretty close to pop-punk perfection. Their second record had a little more to offer emotionally, yet was not without its spunk; such as the really catchy song that made me want to jump,  a song about a perfect world, that asks if everyone has gone crazy, or is it just me against the world? The latter has got to be their heaviest song to date still. The first single was OK, that reached for sympathy, but not as good as some of the aforementioned songs that SHOULD have been singles; the rest of the singles were good choices, and crazy was a single that never charted. Their self-titled album had some really awesome experiments, and while they tried different things on the third record it didn't sound as forced as those changes made on the second one ( they tried to change the formula ever so slightly because they wanted to keep the  energy and fun which was lost for the most part). Despite some of its production values, such as those of my generation, they still didn't think it was time to say goodbye to the style that brought them to success, or the end of their experimentation ( which blends both styles quite well). The third record had more than made up for the slump produced by number two in single choices, and the fact that practically every song was a winner; besides the aforementioned, there was another song that blended both styles pretty well. Just take my hand. You know what? I have always liked simple plan, but wasn't really expecting much from the record that tells us to get our hearts on. Well, I gotta tell you I think it takes some of the best elements  from each of the records and shows their growth as a band: it's fun,  snarky, catchy, interesting, hit-worthy, heartfelt,and that may be it. The record doesn't seem as epic as that of number three at times,but it still shows their growth and is more organic than that of their awesome self-titled. The first song tells me "You Suck At Love." Hey! Don't swear at me I didn't say that...well, do you? The opening chords and riff that follows tell you that even though they did grow up as a band that they are not ones to shun a very sugary guitar riff. The lyrics are definitely better, and the last four lines of the first verse are the best, and so true for some too. The next song sounds like it could have been a song by Weezer ( circa 2009?), and there is a part where the guy singing sounds like him too...hmmm. Very catchy and hummable, clap-along-worthy, and the lyrics are funny at times ( in a good way), and also suggest that I may need a personal assistant to take care of all the bills and maintenance of the living space because I "Can't Keep My Hands Off You" apparently. I think my brain may have been suffering "Jet Lag" because my sense of time is off based on my work schedule, and I go to bed so..back to the lyrics, which deal with the struggle of living far away from the one you love, and getting used to the times zones over and over again; as one goes back and forth from one place to another. The song  may be the best thing to help promote the record because it sounds so radio-friendly with its great percussion, catchy hooks, high energy, and  vocal interplay between Bouvier and Natasha Bedingfield; it becomes a little more congested and reaches it peak, and then leads us right into space. The next song's acoustic strumming along with the sounds around start off disparate and  make it easy to visualize, but then as the guitars and drums are turned up louder the effect is lost until the bridge. However, the lyrics and sentiment in the song make up for that mislaunch. I'm just saying if the rest of the instrumentals weren't so loud then maybe the composition would have been stronger, and the connection easier, but then the bridge would have lost impact and maybe it would have been too obvious? I still like the song though, but it's funny how one minute you're a heroic, courageous "Astronaut," and the next you become "Loser of The Year." Ok, it's not funny..it SUCKS!!!!! The latter starts off pretty cool with a different beat and a slightly annoying yoo-oo background refrain heard throughout, and may I say that the song proves they did not lose their spunk, and that they cannot be guilty of taking themselves too seriously as the song's instrumentals are almost as fun as some of the lyrics. The next song starts with airy melodies, some synth, prominent beat, that leads to a bowl of gang oh's. Then, the key loop below the drums becomes more prominent and  goes in the background again. There are some more gang vocals that are not too extreme, which almost make you want to stand up, but instead of rioting you would just propose something to the town council? The lyrics can be understood and related to by anyone who would rather be "Anywhere Else But Here." The next song is "Freaking Me Out" with its techno,staccato beat intro and some vocal distortion that gives way to a driving beat, more vocal distortion, sparse guitars,good chords, and even a short screaming passage in the bridge that builds up before the final chorus, and that slowdown at the end.So apparently the girl is not the same as she was before and something happened, but what? Why don't we just take a break in the very sunny, reggae-tinged "Summer Paradise" with not only our guys, but K'naan who drops a nice short verse. The piano/string driven "Gone Too Soon" seems like a nice song to follow that little break in the breeze at night as you look at the stars that may shine on! The "Last One Standing" cannot be denied because that riff is killer and reminds me of Hawthorne Heights, that staccato keyboard in the back, the driving beat, catchy chorus, and the persistence/determination portrayed in the lyrics, as well as that tension building until the final chorus is sung. I'm not saying sorry for that comparison, and i must say that it sounds like a couple more of their songs in one. I don't know if I can say that "This Song Saved My Life," but this song is a perfect finish for this album. Not only is it truly heartfelt, but it has soaring instrumentals, including a backing riff that reminds me of The Edge, a small backing choir helping with the last chorus, and lyrics that help portray its importance as well as its sincerity. If I had to choose my favorites: You Suck At Love, Can't Keep My Hands off You, Loser of the Year, Anywhere Else But Here, Freaking Me Out,Summer Paradise, Last One Standing, and This Song Saved My Life.