Review Summary: Following the release of their third album "Sticks and Stones", New Found Glory found themselves in the studio once again, with Catalyst. Faster, harder, and rawer than any of NFG's other material, this album combines NFG's signature pop punk sound with a
By the year 2004 pop punk was starting to get old. The music that we all know and love was slowly going downhill. Bands were being dropped from labels left and right. Some bands however decided to carry on but with darker songs and a more mature image. This includes Blink-182, Green Day, Sum 41 and now New Found Glory. While in the case of some bands this new "mature" sound didn't work, for NFG it did quite the opposite. Catalyst is a great album and is right up there with NFG's other works.
Now for the track by track:
1.Intro- This is a quick track! Not so much of a song as a statement. NFG talks about not getting the respect that they deserve A great track none the less and it really starts the album off well. (NR)
2. All Downhill From Here- The albums first single, this song starts off with a ballbreakingly hard intro riff. Great lyrics is the verses leading into one of NFG's best choruses. Great interlude with acoustic guitar.The guitars are great on this song, as well as the drums (as always), and the bass is pretty decent as well. One of the best songs on the album. (5/5)
3. This Disaster- This song begins with a slow, heavy metallic like riff. Great choruses and cool guitars in the bridge. Lyrics are good but not the best on the album. (4/5)
4. Truth Of My Youth- The intro riff is classic NFG, one of the best riffs on the album. This song is full of energy. Lyrics are great, dealing with growing up. Another standout track.(4.5/5)
5. I Don't Wanna Know- The album's third single, and best song overall. Starts off with a simple clean electric guitar riff, with strings coming in before the first verse, eventually building up to the chorus. About the joys of love, and it's unpredictability. (5/5)
6. Your Biggest Mistake- Starts off with a staticy electric guitar riff builiding up to one of biggest and most emotional choruses. Not exactly a standout track compared to the others, but still a great song. (4/5)
7. Doubt Full- To be honest, the intro is a bit boring here. Same for the verses. Just basic musicianship,bland lyrics and a boring melody. Luckily out of nowhere the song builds up to a GREAT chorus but continues to throw another boring verse afterwards. Another chorus keeps this song listenable and the bridge is well done as well. All in all, don't judge a book by it's cover (or a good song by it's boring intro). (4/5)
8. Failure's Not Flattering- Following NFG's expanding musicianship, this song features keyboards and a dance beat. Now many fans of NFG would throw up a red flag right about now, but suprisingly this song works and is one of the strongest tracks on the album. Also, the album's second single.
9. Over The Head,Below The Knees- Perhaps the weakest point of the album begins here. After 8 great tracks NFG show signs of filler with this song. IT's alright but after the previous songs, alright just doesn't cut it. The worst track on the album. (3/5)
10. Ending In Tradgedy- Another so-so track here, but like "Doubt Full" this song's weak intro is made up for by a decent chorus and bridge. Not much more for this one. Good interplay between electric and acoustic guitars. (3.5/5)
11. At Least I'm Known For Something- After a few lackluster tracks, NFG return with what they do best. Fast, loud, pop punk. Simple guitar riffs work great through the verses with a sorta stop and go chorus. Just what the album needed. (4/5)
12. I'd Kill To Fall Asleep- Like the previous track, another fast paced song. But it's just not the same. Pretty weird concept that just doesn't work as well some of the other tracks. Melodically boring, nothing really special here. (3/5)
13. No News Is Good News- Politically charged (GASP!!!) NFG here. Pretty basic NFG musicianship backs up great lyrics about commercialism. Another standout track (4.5/5)
14. Who Am I?- Another great song starting off with clean electric guitars and building up to an explosive song. Great lyrics here. A decent way to end the album. (3.5/5)
