Disco de Simple Plan: “Simple Plan [CD/DVD]”

Well, well, well. It seems that, though they're famous for writing furious songs from the perspective of a 12-year-old, Simple Plan have achieved in this new album what no one thought possible: they have grown up into the almost-30-year-olds that they are, musically and lyrically. Those who are fond of their other albums can breathe a sigh of relief, because this is better than what they did before. No doubt that the preteens who once adored their work are now teenagers who will appreciate a more substantial CD. We saw glimpses of this on their last work but it has finally come full circle.

As others have probably noted, Simple Plan spent the first few years of their career writing songs in the voice of, and marketed at, preteens frustrated by authority and puberty (think "Perfect", "Grow Up", and "I'm Just A Kid"). Then, they focused more on loneliness and reflecting on the shallowness and confusion of society in general ("Crazy", "Untitled"). And on their self-titled album, they tackle bits of all that's gone before, but most importantly they are starting to act their age.

This CD is undeniably their best, though obviously hard to stack up to their last couple because it's pretty different. There are a lot of electronic sounds and synthesizers, but they are still outweighed by exasperated guitars and irresistible hooks. Even if they weren't always so worldly, Simple Plan can always write something catchy that will stick in your head. "Take My Hand" and "Generation" are good examples.

And the lyrics here are so much more sophisticated. Take the bitter "No Love", a tale of an abusive relationship, as one of the best examples: "Broken down like a mirror smashed to pieces / You learned the hard way to shut your mouth and smile". I, for one, didn't know the guys had it in them and I am thrilled to hear that they do. I'm a little annoyed that the uncensored versions of the songs are only on the special edition of this CD, but the bonus tracks are worth the extra few dollars (especially "Running Out Of Time" for a sound more reminiscent of their older songs).

So in the end, what we have here is a more mature and artistic--but no less thrilling or rocking--side of Simple Plan. It's easy to listen to this one over and over, and you may find yourself replaying a song to make sure that you heard what you thought you just did, because this transformation may be unexpected but I think it will be more than welcome.

I was very excited when i heard this album was coming out. I have been an avid Simple Plan fan from the beginning!

The lead single..When im Gone..was a let down for me personally.. it just seems like its not simple plan. Thats when i learnt that it was co writen by Nate Danger Hills...the songwriter for the latest Britney Spears album.

The Album progresses into a few different genre styles..Take my Hand is the standout track for me on this CD,..it shows through a few of their musical influences...The Used and Good Charlotte..on their latest album that is...not the whiny Good Charlotte days.

The album continues in a good way..The End, Your Love is A Lie and Save You are all strong tracks.

You then come to the track Generation...i just stop and feel that i have heard these songs before...as though the songwriting is so similar on EVERY album and EVERY track that they record..theres no adventourousness at all...they really do come across as 'Emo'.

The end of the album finishes on a good note...Time To Say Goodbye and I Can Wait Forever are awesome well written tracks...could be hits?..Holding On, No Love and What If are tracks that i usually find myself skipping past. The bonus tracks are good! Running Out Of Time is a great song and the acoustic version of When Im Gone is what you would expect it to be...a version of the song without music!

On the all this album is OK..i feel that if simple plan want to stay in the game they need to make some drastic changes...a new look..and new sound...a new songwriter ..i dunno...but with the fact of the matter of this album flopping on the american sales chart...it isnt looking good for the future of Simple Plan.

THIS IS AMAZING. The best Simple Plan CD yet. I cannot have a favorite song on this, because they are all amazing. I love the bonus songs and DVD. All in all, this is one of the best CDs you will ever find.