Customer Reviews

Hopeless Romantic

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are, of course, lots of bands combining punk and pop now, but the Bouncing Souls seem to have a special aptitude for throwing in bountiful pop hooks and humorous lyrics (e.g., "he's got penis envy denial") without diluting the music's punkish aggression. In other words, they seem to have the Ramones' feel-good punk formula down better than any other band I've heard. The result is a collection of catchy and anthemic tunes adressing such topics as drinking, friends, and girls. Virtually everywhere, the guitars are crunchy, the vocals enthusiastically barked, and the lyrics funny. Highlights include the aggressive opener "Hopeless Romantic," the nostalgic "'87," and the hilarious and insanely catchy "Bullying the Jukebox." Even as I write this review, I'm laughing hysterically at the duet "Wish Me Well, You Can Go to Hell." If you like punk, or any good music in general, this album is worth your money.

Bouncing Souls, purveyors of great, fun, bouncy yet streetwise punk rock. These Jersey kids have a perseverence that would put pretty much any other band to shame. In their earliest days, when they had just started playing, when no one liked their music, and when they couldn't even find a label to put them out, all of a sudden they're out on Chunksaah records. How you may ask? They started Chunksaah themselves. They have toured relentlessly their whole career, and have in the process, converted anyone whose cared to listen to their unique and rocking mix of joke songs, drinking songs, and love songs. Hopeless Romantic is probably their most listenable album, and while I recommend that you buy their 1994 release Manaiacal Laughter before or at the same time as you shell out for this, buy them both, for they are amazing.

The Bouncing Souls have an innocent charm to them, opting for a combination of fast-paced fun songs and sweetly reminiscent ones instead of taking the angst-ridden approach of so many other modern punk bands. Songs such as '87, Night On Earth and Kid display the sensitive side of these guys who have the ability to expertly relate to their fans through their lyrics, and Kid especially taps into the punk mindset perfectly. Other songs such as Wish me Well, It's Not The Heat, It's The Humanity, Monday Morning Ant Brigade are as uplifting and fun lyrically as they are musically and Greg's vocals bring out that certain quality by which you can tell he's singing through a permanent smile. Personally I can't stand Ole, and god only knows how You're So Rad made the final cut - if I was Master of the Universe whoever made the decision to include it would be forced to swallow a sack full of nunchucks. As i'm not Master of the Universe (yet) I took a star off the rating instead. Nevertheless, putting aside that little mishap, the album is a classic from those sweet soccer-loving punks who you'd bet wouldn't hurt a fly.

Bloody hell they say third time is the charm....This being the third time I've bought this cd!! The two other copies seemed to have walked away on there own!! This is perhaps the best album by the bouncing souls minus a few quirks. Whats a bouncing souls album without one or two s#$$y songs. Seriously, I understand the goofyness behind this band and just their straight up just want to have fun East Coast style... But, what the f#$k is up with "You're so Rad?!?" I'm also not a fan of the title track, but, it's ok... Songs like kid will have you humming along and singing plus, it has a nice if a tad long bass solo. Another great song is the rather goofy but, fun break up make up break up song "Wish Me Well (You Can Go To Hell)" It's got guest vocals by Kara Wethington. Bullying the Jukebox is a great sing along song about drinking and taking over the jukebox cause your taste in music just sucks. Well, if you want some catchy bass lines and just some fun punk thats not crap and theres only a few that can pull that off this being one of those albums.

This is the first Bouncing Souls record I've heard, and while it is good, it's just not what I was expecting. I had heard that it was their best record, so I thought maybe it would be a good place to start. A few of the songs are really good, like the title track, Hopeless Romantic, Wish Me Well (You can go to Hell), It's not the Heat, it's the Humanity, Ole`, and Bullying the Jukebox. Yet a few of the songs were just weak, especially for a punk band. I won't judge the band by this one record, but overall, this record is average.

not only their best album, but an amazong one as well- maybe a little more pop than some of their other stuff- but not in a bad way. and check out the Vandals if u like boucing souls.

i just finally got this cd yesterday and i already listened to it 10 times.i have heard the 1st 5 songs live before and i knew what to expect when i heard them but the rest of the album kicks the same amount of butt that the 1st 5 do.this album has really catchy songs and melodies.(it's really cool cause after all the songs it has the little scratchy sound a record makes)all the songs are really good.if i could compare it to their other 3 studio albums i would have to say it sounds more like their last album(the self titled one)songs like '87,fight to live,kid(the same as the one on tie one on),undeniable,bullying the jukebox,ole,and wish you well(you can go to hell)are the catchiest of the 13 songs(that's not saying anything bad about the rest cause they are good too)so go buy this album and go support them at the warped tour this summer(they are way better in a club though,see 'em there if you can too)

Bouncing Souls are probably the best punk bands out today, if not ever. Now with this album im going to label them the most consist as well. Hopeless Romantic I believe is probably there best cd to date...and that says a lot to anyone knowing my love of "Maniacal Laughter." This album their most mellow and catchy release yet. And though these are not necessarily ideal qualities in a punk album they mix it in with talented musicianship and, as always, lyrics with heart. The kind of music that makes you sing out loud.

Being a punk rock fan for most of my life (I'm 27), I can say not many bands can put out great albums on a consistent basis. The Ramones, Superchunk, Replacements and now the best punk band since the Descendents...The Bouncing Souls. This album is solid, true to their roots and style, and still holding on to the punk rock edge with a tight grip. I saw them live right before the release of this album and the new songs hit me hard before you could even buy them. The title track shreds, '87 is a classic Souls stomp, Bullying the Jukebox is simple & clever at the same time and the duet/duel between Greg & Kara in "Wish Me Well, You Can Go to Hell" is the best duo since Westerberg/Napolitano. Suggested to anyone who likes real old school punk in a new school era. Best Tracks: ALL OF THEM!!!!!! Especially: Wish Me Well..., Monday Morning Ant Brigade & Night On Earth

This CD is still one of my all time faves. It rocks along in the car, while I am cleaning, cooking or just loving life! A must have!