ALBUM REVIEW: Smash Mouth returns for some magical ‘Magic’
The quintessential party band has returned to its roots, and the result is a fun, if not terribly courageous, album of 11 songs.
Smash Mouth, famous for “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun” and their rendition of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” have achieved a unique southern-Cal style that sets them apart from other rockers. Their lyrics are imaginative and yet accessible, always painting a picture of relaxed enjoyment, carefree living and recognition of the world’s oddities. The band is certainly not for everyone, and that extends to their new album Magic (out Sept. 4), but for those who can still sway to the familiar beats, Smash Mouth can be harmless, head-bopping fun.
The 11-track album begins with “Perfect Planet,” a strong opening narrative about a chance encounter in a bar. Although the concept of the world “spinning round and round” is something we’ve heard countless times before, the song still feels like a worthy anthem to the possibilities of life.
“Live to Love Another Day” covers similar ground, this time with the singer trying to woo a mysterious lady. Some of the lines are cheesy, but serve their purpose.
The album’s title song, “Magic,” is a nice addition, but it’s largely eclipsed by “Justin Bieber,” a hilarious tune about the changing trends in the marketplace. From Bieber to high-top sneakers to Facebook and Twitter, just about everything in society is covered. More than any other song, “Justin Bieber” epitomizes the sound and feel of a Smash Mouth song.
When things slow down on “Out of Love,” it seems slightly out of place, but does offer a respite from the other songs. “Flippin’ Out” features J-Dash performing some appropriate and catchy hip hop to complement Steve Harwell’s vocals (J-Dash also appears on “Magic”).
“Future X Wife” is passably fun, but way too obvious to elicit any smiles. “Better with Time,” “The Game” and “She’s Into Me” are much more respectable. A faithful cover of “Don’t You Forget About Me” ties the entire album together, and it’s no wonder the band included the well-known song as the final track. If there’s one thing that Smash Mouth knows how to do well it’s add some flavor to classic tunes from the past (“I’m a Believer” being the best example).
Magic is an admirable effort from an admirable band. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Smash Mouth, including original members Harwell, Paul Delisle and Mike Klooster, has rekindled the fire that first made them such a success in the 1990s. Randy Cooke on drums and Mike Krompass on guitars help to resurrect the old sound, while leaving their own mark on the 11 new songs.
Smash Mouth is less than smashing, but achieves what’s expected of them. It’s not hard to enjoy this Magic — far from perfect, but still quite magical.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
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Magic
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By Smash Mouth, featuring Steve Harwell, Paul Delisle, Mike Klooster, Randy Cooke and Mike Krompass
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11 songs
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429 Records
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Rating:
