Descendents Album: “Cool to Be You”

Let me start by saying that as a man in his mid-20s I was barely born by the time the Descendents started recording, and I honestly got into them because of Sublime's cover of Hope. So my review isn't based on 20 years of fandom, just on the music.

Now, this CD is defintely different than old Descendents, but that is to be expected. These aren't the teenagers of Milo Goes to College, these are gentlemen in their late 30s, early 40s, who have a different view of the world. As I listened to this CD, I really noticed the different tone in the lyrics than previous works. The two songs that hit me the first time I listened to it were She Don't Care and 'Merican, two VERY different Descendents song. I like the use of overdubbing voices in She Don't Care, and it's nice to hear a "political" song from the guys, with 'Merican. Mass Nerder is another favorite, very Milo, if that makes sense. The rest of the CD is adequate, Cool to be You is a pretty good song, and I like the lyrics to One More Day, but somehow the lyrics don't match the music.

I put the Descendents somewhat in the same class as Bad Religion, they've gotten older, and possibly a little more jaded (take Cool to be You as an example). No, they're probably not going to make Milo Goes to College or ALL again, just as Bad Religion probably won't make Suffer or No Control again, but just as the bands change, so must their fans. Let's just hope the next CD isn't another seven years in the making.

I am amazed at how many people are saying this release is a let down. I just don't get it. The great thing about the descendents is that you know your always gonna get quality, and this one is no different. Talking, Nothing with you, She don't care, Mass Nerder, I could go on and on, these are classic descendents songs. This is the greatest punk band ever, and they continue to make songs most bands could only dream of.

Nerds Rule.

This is the first Descendents album since 1996's "Everything Sucks" and it was definitely worth the wait. The record is full fast, catchy, and fun songs that are mostly easy to relate to. Some of the subjects include girls, being a nerd, watching T.V, all written in typical Descedents fashion. The whole band sounds great, especially Milo whose vocals sound like he hasn't aged much and Stephen's riffs and solos which are sure to stick in your head. The best track is probably "Cool To Be You" which rivals the classic "Hope" for my favourite Descendents song. Other standout tracks are "Talking", "She Don't Care", "Merican" and pretty much everything else on the album. This is a must have for fans of the band or punk in general.

The Descendents are not sell-out! I don't what the hell people are thinking! It is probably because there too much posers into the punk-rock scene presently! So let's make it clear! If you guys think that Good Charlotte or NFG or the new Blink182 is great pop-punk music you guys are all mistaking, The Descendents are the creators of the pop-punk style and they're back with an album that has enough force (...) All the songs, ALL THE SONGS on it are simply masterpieces! First The Descendents created the sytle than after they perfected it after! Simply a perfect cd!

OK, I love Descendents, have for many years.

I was anxious to get this one, got the vinyl the day it came out. I've listened to it for about a week now, and really, I think it is just OK.

I hate to say it, but it kinda sounds like a mid-90's Bad Religion or Pennywise record. Good, but not great.

When Everything Sucks came out, I was blown away at how ballsy it was, the angst was still there. This one I just don't get that same feeling of wow cool, another bitchin Descendents record!

It's good, but a far cry from their best efforts of years gone by. Maybe this is why there is no tour scheduled yet ?