The All-American Rejects
The All-American Rejects

Doghouse Records
Release Date:  February 4, 2003

"What the heck is on the cover of this album?" some may ask themselves.  I’d say it is go-kart without a motor...but the real question is "Is this a good album?"  This album rocks!  If you are looking for something different to listen to, this is the CD to cherish.

Tyson Ritter, vocals and bass, and Nick Wheeler, guitars, drums, keyboards and programming, have cleverly blended techno and rock into their self-titled debut album.  It’s a music style that is explored and almost never prevails, but in this album, these two styles mix in a harmonious blend of drum machines and guitar.  The lyrics of this album are about all aspects of love:  losing love, finding love, and winning back love.

As I first read the lyrics, I thought about a poetry notebook I kept.  Short sentences that talked about love, except, The All-American Rejects probably know more about love than me.  The lyrics, if read separately from listening to the song, sound like an excerpt from a book of poetry.  When listening to the music, you will sing along out loud!  Yes, out loud.  Even though the lyrics are repetitive, the music is so darn catchy, you can’t help but love it.

There’s that word again...love.  Every song on this album is about love.  My personal favorite song is "Drive Away."  It is more of the rock aspect of their style rather than the techno side.  If you like techno more than rock, I recommend "Don’t Leave Me." T he drum machine and keyboard effects go wild in this song.  "Too Far Gone" is the only song on this CD that is not upbeat.  Its melody is slow and has a sad tone.  It is still a great song and I wish I could learn it on my guitar.

This album good to listen to while driving in your car, if you want to sing your lungs out or dancing in your room.  If you like new rockers, like The Killers, you should listen to this CD.  The All-American Rejects started a new genre of music with this album:  Rock Tech.  (Whatever you want to call it still rocks!)

XROXX.com Album Rating: XXXX (4 X’s out of 5 possible X’s)

Vicky Kerill
writer@XROXX.com