Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls

Genre rock Publisher Columbia Records External Links Official Boys LIke Girls Website Official Columbia Records Website

As Boys Like Girls' self-titled album opens, you are greeted by an all too familiar "punk sound," or at least the modern-day version of it. It has the high energy, clean pop sound, a vaquely whiney lead vocalist with just enough effects to mask whether or not they can actually sing, loud driving guitar riffs, simple "punk" drum beats and the usual angst. The album is primarily made up of loud songs that make you want to dye your hair pink and jump around your bedroom. Just like the hair band fad that came before, Boys Like Girls have one or two ballads to round out the album that show their "softer side."

As the album rolls along, it begins to deviate from the typical format. Each song keeps that same high energy, the vocalist still sounds over-produced and whiney, but the songs begin to show variety of style and emotion. The vocalist actually even conveys a little dimension in his voice from time to time. Instrumentally the sound shows a great range, conveying more of a progressive or modern rock tone than the usual punk/emo vocal mix.

Are there things Boys Like Girls need to work on? Sure. The lead vocalist is much more appealing when pushing his vocal range and sometimes the drummer needs to add more character to his playing. These are all little things, however. Overall the album is fun and well worth the time.