By this point in time, Sum 41 had achieved some critical and commercial success with their Pop Punk Music. This third studio album, released on 12 October 2004, was the last album by Sum 41 to feature their original lineup. Dave Baksh left the band in 2006 and didn’t return to Sum 41 until much later on in 2015. The newer material consisted of a darker nature with some more grown-up lyrics, which was at odds with their public persona. In any case after an interesting stint recording a documentary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which the group barely survived from, this album was recorded at various locations in California and Canada and was released through multiple labels. The album was produced by Greig Nori. Sum 41 were, at the time: Deryck Whibley (vocals, guitar and keyboards); Dave “Brownsound” Baksh (guitars); Jason “Cone” McCaslin (bass guitar) and Steve “Stevo32” Jocz (drums). This album runs for nearly 42 minutes in length. Let’s take a listen to this album, and hopefully, it will be as good as it is promised to be.

1. Intro begins with some dark and moody guitars that are multitracked. This definitely sounds different, compared to earlier Sum 41 offerings. It sets the scene for the album and sounds good for what this is. It’s only 45 seconds long, mind you. It segues into the next track.

2. No Reason launches right into it with some ferocious guitars and shouted vocals, which sound quite excellent. This is Sum 41’s answer to blink-182’s change of musical direction around this time. This sounds dark, punchy and moody throughout. Sure, it’s a leftfield step in another direction, but nonetheless, this sounds really good as a song. There is a definite vibe of negativity throughout this song, but regardless, it does sound really fantastic for what this is. A powerful, emotional and punchy tune with a catchy chorus, Sum 41 was back. A loud and interesting tune with a great Pop/Rock/Punk sensibility, the vocals, in particular, signify the greatness of this song. Excellent to hear. A thoroughly enjoyable three-minute-long Punk tune.

3. We’re All To Blame begins with a false start, before launching into a pseudo-Metal sounding tune with distorted guitars and enters into a good but odd song for Sum 41. Nonetheless, this creative tune still sounds good for what it is. It is dark, introspective and moody throughout, but sounds refined and different from earlier Sum 41 offerings. One can hear that this is a genuinely good listen, even if this sounds somewhat out of character from the band. Nonetheless, Deryck Whibley’s vocals are pure, on point and nicely melodic throughout. This is Sum 41 looking inward, whilst flirting with Metal Music at the same time. A really powerful tune to hear, this does sound amazing, in its own way. An honest self-admission and a good listen. It ends with softly sung vocals and acoustic guitars, with some softer drumming to match. Not bad.

4. Angels With Dirty Faces launches into a very, very dark-sounding song with softly sung vocals and equally dark sounding guitars, before launching into another solid tune with distorted guitar sounds throughout. This is another short, sharp music-based punch-in-the-face that Sum 41 fans in particular will enjoy. This song is less than three minutes long, and is designed for repeat listens, considering its length. This more moody and introspective listen does sound very good. Deryck Whibley in particular sounds menacing and brutal with his singing, and this is another decent tune to hear.

5. Some Say is one of the main singles from this album. It sounds rather morbid and depressing, but even this sounds very, very good despite its air of negativity. It is a steady, sturdy mid-tempo rocker that sounds very direct. There are acoustic guitars and backward parts present, pointing out the musical development at the time of the band. This is about the degradation of life’s situations, in particular concerning relationships. Even though this is quite morbid, the music quality makes up for it in many ways. The production, performances and singing are all top-notch, even if Sum 41 was likely dealing with some personal issues, expressed in this material. A good listen with many surprising twists and turns throughout this song. It ends with an early fade-out before some electronic textures lead into the next song.

6. The Bitter End begins with loud, roaring guitars and drumming. This sounds a lot more like Metal than Punk, to be frank. Still, this is a very good listen and launches right into a Hardcore Punk/Metal tune that is blistering in its pace. Some excellently shredded guitar parts are present in this song, and even if Sum 41 was in a bit of a funk mood-wise, they still kicked some serious rear. This song is fast and interesting throughout, just sounding amazing for what it is in its musical context. In any case, this is a punchy tune which is excellent and what Goth/Emo types may enjoy listening to. A good and quick listen with a frenetic ending.

7. Open Your Eyes begins with some interesting guitars and launches into another dark, downtuned and moody song which sounds deep and emotional for Sum 41. The drums and guitars drive this one along, with Deryck Whibley singing moodily over the top. One of the best songs from this very consistent album, Sum 41 reveals itself to have a side that was not previously shown in their earlier recordings. This is a good album for those who thought that earlier Sum 41 efforts were too bright and poppy. In any case, this is a key song from this album and it does sound awesome. The guitar solos are different, but very well calculated. Another solid listen that will impact you emotionally. Worth it all the way through.

8. Slipping Away begins with dark-sounding acoustic guitars being strummed with a touch of bass guitar and samples of voices in the background. Deryck Whibley sings softly in this song, and he shows that a different approach to Sum 41’s music really does count in this scenario of this particular album. A gentle listen, which has drumbeats leading into a gorgeous and melodic ballad that sounds moving yet beautiful. Sum 41 was at this point able to articulate the harsher side of life. There is a string section, which sounds like a keyboard patch in this song to conclude with the backing track. It’s over after two and a half minutes.

9. I’m Not The One begins with hi-hats galore, before launching into palm muted and melodic guitars. This sounds very minor key and dark from the go. Obviously, Sum 41 was more than a sum of their parts so to speak, and had some issues to deal with emotionally at the time. This is a more uptempo song that articulates relationship issues and personal dramas at hand. Nonetheless, this song is a solidly good one. This is a good example of a Punk/Metal crossover song (and album) for people out there to enjoy. This is furious and manic sounding, and it just has an angle of Sum 41 that we have never heard before this release. Nonetheless, this song is a winner and has power, fury and emotion pulsating throughout it all. This is another good effort that is a worthwhile listen. Another essential listen from this album. Good to hear, despite the off mood throughout.

10. Welcome To Hell is a short tune with loud and heavy guitars to begin with. It quickly enters into a symbolic tune from this album that is a musical assault on the listener. This is about a person who one despises who loses it all. Hence the name of the song. Still, this is very enjoyable and punchy music to listen to. A really exciting and powerful listen from start to finish, this music is better than even the critics think. A fast and enjoyable song.

11. Pieces begins with some melodic electric guitar chord strumming and launches into a sad and heartbreaking song at hand. This is about being rejected throughout life and is a moving and deep listen throughout. It is a breakup song but it is so well done and executed that, in the mood for it, is something to shed tears to. A beautiful, tragic and sad song, Sum 41 showcases a more human side to their public image. This is a very decent listen, with some excellent acoustic guitars, layered instrumentation and precise drumming. Nonetheless, this works incredibly well. Very much worth listening to and something that can be valued upon hearing. A great breakup song.

12. There’s No Solution begins with some intricate drum beats and some chiming electric guitars, launching into a seriously dark and messed up emotionally sounding song. This is Joy Division territory by Sum 41: deep, dark and introspective. These guys must have had a rough time dealing with things around this time. Nonetheless, despite the depressing nature of this music, this is quite a good listen. It will require a certain sort of mood to sit through, but regardless, this music is effective when needed. In any case, this album is a brother album to blink-182’s self-titled 2003 album release. Sum 41 pulls no punches on this album, and they succeed well in revealing the difficulties of life. Nonetheless, this sounds good and worth your ears. Another three-minute-long piece of personal-sounding music.

13. 88 begins with some intensely minor key melodic guitars and enters quickly into a four-minute long song that was the main song to wrap up this original album. It sounds deeper, more melodic and sadder than most of the songs before it. Some neat piano and acoustic guitar are played on this song before it launches into chaotic Rock Music at hand. Nonetheless, this is another very consistent and solid listening experience for most music fans out there. This is the sound of moody teen angst directly put onto an LP. One of the better albums from around this time, Sum 41 lay their emotions bare for us all to hear. In the midsection is a Metallica-style solo section with choppy drum fills to match. It launches into a Thrash Punk/Metal monster that sounds extremely hard and powerful. The second half has sustained guitars and other unusual sounds thrown into the mix. This definitely isn’t happy Pop Music. Deryck Whibley starts singing again nicely to conclude this tune, and this song is a good wrap-up of an Alternative Rock album that matters, to this day. The tune finally concludes with some keyboard textures.

14. Noots is the bonus track on re-releases of this album. It begins with some more melodic guitars and enters into a punchy Punk Rock frenzy. Again, this follows the rest of the album with a power and abrasiveness that is rarely matched in music history. This was the era that saw Green Day’s American Idiot (2004) become popular with a similar mood and intent. This is a song that really should have been added to the main album but is a good bonus to listen to in any case. All in all, this is a bitter but essential conclusion to an album that is consistently good and which explores the dark side of human nature. In any case, this has some interesting guitar work and performances throughout. A very solid and interesting listen throughout. The drumming in particular is extremely intense to listen to. Again, a worthy and energetic song from Sum 41. This song wraps up with sustained guitars that gradually fade out for quite some time.

This is a very good album that needs a bit more love from the general listening public. Yes, it isn’t exactly what original Sum 41 fans would have expected. However, having said that this is the perfect album to listen to when life hits you for six. It’s not the greatest album of all time, nor is it the greatest Sum 41 album made. However, it is a solid and emotional listen. Should you listen to this album? If you like the blink-182 (2003) and Green Day American Idiot (2004) albums, then you should hear this album. Fans of more lighthearted styles of music may wish to avoid this, however.

A glimpse into the raw and naked nature of humanity.

8/10