Simple Plan - Still Not Getting Any

You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, after listening to the much-anticipated new Simple Plan album Still Not Getting Any, it is readily apparent that the Montreal, Canada-based quintet are strong believers of that particular proverb. Considering the success of their Lava Records debut No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls, who can blame them?

Over three million records sold. Successful tours with such mainstream icons as Green Day, Blink 182, Sum 41, Avril Lavigne, Good Charlotte and the ever popular Warped Tour. Nominated four times for the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. Winners of the MuchMusic People’s Choice Award. TV appearances on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, Pepsi Smash…need we go on? In short, it’s a no-brainer. “Why mess with success?”

So, if you’re one of those millions of fans out there who loved the debut, chances are you’re going to love Still Not Getting Any. Why? Because it offers up the same raucous, yet clean-cut blast of fun-filled, punk-influenced pop that made you fall in love with the band in the first place. Whether it’s the relatable lyrics & sing-along choruses of the current hit single “Welcome To My Life”, “Perfect World” or the love song “Everytime”; the energy of such angst-ridden tracks as “Shut Up!” and “Jump”; or the group’s ever-present sense of humor – just visit the website to the group’s titillating album title (www.stillnotgettingany.com) to see what we mean – it’s apparent that Simple Plan hasn’t lost their edge.

Of course, not every fan out there will be satisfied with just “more of the same” from these Canadian rockers, and this is where we have to give the band props. After all, Simple Plan could have made an album of nursery rhyme covers and it probably still would have sold millions. Instead, the group put forth a sincere effort in recording their follow-up album, writing and perfecting the new songs for months before enlisting the aid of notable rock producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi) to bring them to life. Not only that, the group demonstrates on the record that they are not afraid to “spread their wings”, even if it’s only for a bit. Just read the lyrics to the socio-political “Crazy”, listen for the solo in “Promise”, rock out to the edgier “Me Against The World” and marvel at the string sections in “One” and the beautiful “Untitled” for examples.

At the end of the day, it is pretty clear that Simple Plan has another Platinum-busting record on their hands. And while there’s no denying that this is “corporate rock” at it’s very best (or worst depending on your stance), like any guilty vice in life, you can’t help but enjoy the hell out of it…

www.simpleplan.com