Review Summary: A legislative listen still relevant
With the 2016 presidential election recently ending, a new president arises to power. The way the results came out, it may be quite confusing on how events turned. After seeing all the media backlash against Trump, it's surprising how he won the campaign. Of course, no one should ever rely on nonsense like social media or national news channels for knowledge; you'd be asking to be brainwashed. I don't know much about politics, but as a guy looking from the outside in, it's easy to conclude that politics is a very controversial topic. As bold as this will seem, has political agenda become our new reality show?
Named the biggest electronic event in US history, look up the presidential debates featuring both Trump, and Clinton. You'll notice they both believe their proposed plans will create a stronger country for the better. Similar to any popular role-playing game storyline, there is no simple “good or evil” side, but polarizing perspectives of right and wrong. They called it a debate; I saw it as “professional *** talk”. In one corner of the ring, a candidate spits cliché claims to improve the economy. While the other hits you with the infamous phrase, “Make America Great Again!”. I know I wasn't alone when I thought: is this really necessary?
In 2004, pop-punk band ‘Sum 41’ releases their definitive output, ‘Chuck’. The change here is republican and democratic from previous albums. Themes get darker and political. And the band's recipe for mixing punk and metal is refined. Even though this record is more than a decade old, perhaps the messages found here are timeless. Especially these days; where many American citizens are mistrusting of our newfound president. Is this record still an accurate representation of the confusion, fear, and discrimination we Americans face on a daily basis? Yes; it is.
If there could only be one choice of songs on this album to choose from for a campaign run, it would be the third track in this thirteen part disc. The popular vote may favor differently, but my electoral vote for the best track is ‘We're All To Blame’. One of the band’s best written songs, this most exemplifies the punk/metal influences with a twist. Using a heavy-then-soft pattern of instrumental, this is the most experimental song of the album; reminiscent of ‘System of a Down’s’ ‘Chop Suey’. The verses are heavy and loud, while the chorus is softer and mellow. This repeats until the bridge runs its course, and then the final chorus explodes into an anthemic protest of our closed-minded selfishness as people; presented in a melting pot of feelings.
Runner-ups advertise ‘No Reason’, ‘Angels With Dirty Faces’, and ‘Open Your Eyes’; all of which are standard ‘Sum 41’ punk goodness. Other nods to mention are the key slow tunes, ‘Some Say’ and ‘Pieces’. Bringing the record to a close is ‘88’, one of the most metal tracks on ‘Chuck’. Featuring a fast tempo breakdown, this is one epic kind of an album ender. Most songs on this album are high quality; while others act as vice president rather than the main man. Overall there are a bunch of hits found on ‘Chuck’. They're as catchy as a campaign slogan.
Flaws can still be found however. Take a peek at the first line in the beginning verse of ‘No Reason’. The melody is exactly the same as ‘Linkin Park’s’ ‘One Step Closer’. The only difference is that the vocalist here isn't telling you to shut up. Somebody in my family circle thought this track was a cover! There are pieces of this album that borrow a tad too much influence from others; to the point of copying and near plagiarism. The Pop-Punk genre has never been known for its artistic originality, but for it's mindless entertainment. Think of this like a senator complaining about gun laws. We've all heard the story. ‘The Bitter End’ begins with a guitar riff. Some argue it sounds too similar to ‘Metallica’s’ classic piece, ‘Battery’, but without the slow acoustic intro.
Speaking of tales everyone knows, a lot of people are aware that this album was named after a man named Chuck, who escorted the band members away from a bombed hotel they were staying in. This event enabled the political direction of this album. But the works created here can be viewed personally as well. The directive opinions in the lyrics are a relevant as ever in this day and age. With the disenfranchised, there are tons of moments that create chips on our shoulders. Not because we're not good or talented enough, but because we were never given a fair chance to show ourselves, developing competitive anger against the privileged preponderant. With an overpopulation of humans on Earth, and so many outlets for information due to technology these days, it's easy to spread misinformation and ignorance. Because of this, we misunderstand how some of us think. And in these terms, it's better that way!
Due to their situation at the time, ‘Sum 41’ create their magnum opus that hits hard personally, and politically. No wall could ever hide the serious punk rock spirit of ‘Chuck’. And if it did, someone else would have to pay for it. No matter how many emails get deleted, this is ‘Sum 41’ at their musical peak. This is a record where I could confidently walk out of a building with an “I listened” sticker on my shirt. While others will worry about the country's infrastructure, I suggest ruining everyone's day: by blasting this album in your car stereo; with your middle finger up and ***s given down. Salute to these guys for taking advantage of the first amendment. What came out was a strong punk record that hasn't aged terribly. While this band may be forgotten these days, at least their political perspectives found on ‘Chuck’ will always have a place for someone out there.
