A huge improvement over the third-- and most critically acclaimed-- album, "Rocket to Russia". This album shows the Ramones maturing, yet still keeping their punk edge. "I Just Want to Have Something to Do" opens up the album and it's teetering on the edge of calmness and insanity throughout the entire run time; excellent. "I Wanted Everything" is a dud, and it bores me. "Don't Come Close" is a much quieter ballad, and it reminds me of some of the best songs on their second and third albums (which were all fiery punk ballads). "I Don't Want You" is fiery and a better version of a very similar song, "I Don't Care" from their third album. "Needles and Pins" is a stellar cover; melancholic and pleading. An excellent, satisfying song. "I'm Against It" is angry and aggressively punk; I love it. "I Wanna Be Sedated" is a bit silly but still rocks indubitably hard. And, for that reason, it's a great song. "Go Mental" is a dud and is too stupid to enjoy, much like "Teenage Lobotomy". "Questioningly" is my favorite song on this album, since this is not what we nor I would expect from the Ramones; thus, it highlights the preeminent element of maturity in this album. Amazing, intoxicating song. "She's the One" is a rocking ballad of sorts, quite similar to ballads from "Leave Home"; excellent. "Bad Brain" is yet another stupid song; a dud. "It's a Long Way Back" is a depressing yet ultimately perfect album closer. On par with "Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World", if not better. This album does have its flaws, but the level of maturity found throughout makes up for the silliness and stupidity sprinkled throughout. A solid punk album with more heart than any of the Ramones' first three releases. A
- Zach
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