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Sum 41 have always seemed like blink-182's baby brothers, right down to their nonsensical numbers in the name, so it's only appropriate that they're also attempting to grow up just like blink -- or better still, a bit like blink and a bit like Green Day, who have proven to be the standard-bearers for how latter-day punks can grow a social conscience and become mature, as evidenced by American Idiot. Sporting a similar-sounding but not as politically potent title in Underclass Hero, Sum 41's fifth studio album extends upon its predecessor Chuck's deliberate attempt at getting serious and relevant, giving the impression that they're telling a story, creating an anthem for the "underclass hero," the slacker who can't be labeled as an underachiever because he never attempts to achieve. The first couple songs here -- the fists-in-the-air wannabe anthem title track, the narcissistic self-loathing "Walking Disaster" -- hit as hard as processed pedal distortion can, but Sum 41 (now down to a trio after the departure of guitarist Dave Baksh) soon abandon any larger narrative as they start to stretch out with acoustic guitars, keyboards, and Queen harmonies uncannily reminiscent of My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade. Despite these flashy accoutrements, Sum 41 don't want to be emo, they don't want to be prog, they don't even aspire to the mock the U2 atmospherics of Angels and Airwaves; they want to be nothing more than predictable punk-pop. Like all Sum 41 albums, Underclass Hero is ingratiating and hooky enough to have momentum but not enough to linger in the memory. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
See all-
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- All Killer, No Filler
- Released 2001
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- Chuck
- Released 2004
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- Does This Look Infected? (Parental Advisory)
- Released 2002
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- Half Hour Of Power
- Released 2000
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listener reviews
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So Long Goodbye
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- By Mitchstave
- 1/16/2009 21:51:22
- The final listed track on this album is EXTREMELY similar to Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life). For starters, it has the same lyrical meaning and relevance (leaving and reminiscing). It, like its Green Day counterpart, is a great song for those graduating or departing in general. But you find the true similarity if you look at it musically. It's in the same key as Good Riddance (G major), and uses stringed ensembles to fill vocal breaks. They also have the exact same chord progression in their verses (I I IV V), and both choruses fall to the relative minor chord. But don't take my word for it, listen for yourselves. They're both great songs. (And really easy to play on guitar!)
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A Great Album
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- By Bulletforlove
- 7/5/2008 19:55:28
- I fell upon these guys by accident while looking around for some new music to listen to, and I am really pleased, with this album, It was healthy for them to try to do something that isn't what you would normally expect from a band like Sum 41. A whole bunch of soft songs is something that not very many people would expect but they worked out perfectly, and most of the songs on this album I can listen to over and over again. Like "March of the Dogs" and "Confusion and frustration" those songs I can have stuck in my head for days on end. This band has totally taken the cake, with how many songs are on this album I was completely able to have 3/4 of these songs captivate me, probably even more than that. This album I give a complete 10/10 it was amazing and I can't wait to hear where they will go next.
- 3 out of 3 people
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General, and Track #15 Name
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- By soxfan0138
- 5/11/2008 19:03:45
- Their newest album reminds me a lot of All Killer No Filler in terms of how heavy it sounds. It has been criticized by some Sum 41 fans because of how many "slow" songs it has. It should also be noted that the untitled track 15 is call "Look at Me", that is according to band members on their site.
- 2 out of 2 people
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top listeners
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