Sugar Ray Album: “In the Pursuit of Leisure [Bonus Track]”

I've been listening to this album since it's release and I can definitely say that this album can tap into your mood and imagination. This album can take the stress right out of a bad day if you let it. It can take you from partying on the river with songs like "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" and "Chasin' You Around"; to the carribean beaches with "56 Hope Road" and "Whatever We Are"; to relaxing by the pool with "Heaven" and "She's Different". All you need is the mood and an imagination. I enjoy listening to this new album because of where it can take me. Try it and see where Sugar Ray can take you.

Some songs aren't of the caliber that I would expect from Sugar Ray. But many of the songs on this CD have a very carefree and beach party feel to them. This CD will turn off fans of Sugar Ray's old CDs such as Fly and Lemonade and Brownies. But this is their new style and I am starting to like it.

Many of the songs on this CD carry on to the style of "Fly" and "Someday" and is worth picking up.

This CD is the best of the year, and the best Sugar Ray album since "Floored." It begins with the kick-[tail] song, "Chasin' You Around," which definetely has the possibility of being a hit single. It goes to their rendition of Joe Jackson's "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" and keeps getting better. The only flaw I found with the album was the skit, "Bring Me The Head Of..." which I think we can all do without. Nothing to fear though, for following the skit is the first single off of the album, "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)." After that everything is uphill. They have a song featuring Shaggy called "56 Hope Rd," and one called "In Through the Doggie Door" which shows an 80's style of music. All in all, this CD kicks [tail].

Sugar Ray's "In the Pursuit of Leisure" is their best CD yet. ITPOL shows this bands true musical talent and how they matured together from their "alternative" days but still holding on to their rockin Californian style. The CD opens with "Chasin You Around" (my favorite) has a beat that immediately gets you moving in your seat and just puts you in a good mood! Next, the remake of "Is She Really Going Out With Him" an old Joe Jackson hit is superb to say the least. Mark McGrath's voice stronger than its ever been you can hear in this song. His well known raspy tone heard here. Done with perfection with an added touch to spice up it up. Third song, "Heaven" light and airy makes you feel like your in heaven gives you that butterfly feeling in your stomach. Fourth, Bring me the Head of....(shows you just how much fun these guys have and is before) "Mr. Bartender (It's So Easy)" a great dance song thats so cheerful keeps it in your head all day! Six, "Can't Start" has a nice summery beat, tells a story about guy/girl perfect for listening in the car while your cruising along. Seven, "Photograph of You" written for memories of anyone who has a deceased family member/friend etc. but not a sad song it shows they are safe where they are. Eight, "56 Hope Road" (another favorite) has an island sound with great beat and added extras and is a must listen to. Nine, "Whatever We Are", another island type beat, great song overall, says it just like it is keeps you boppin to the rhythm while putting out a special message to that "certain someone." Ten, "She's Different" tells a story. Another perfect summer song. Eleven, "In Through the Doggie Door" I absolutely love. Brings back Sugar Ray's original rockin sound with an exta bite. Lastly, Twelve - "Blues from A Gun" has a soft sound with a calming effect for the last song of the CD shows how Sugar Ray has musically mastered their sound for this great CD! Get your copy today you will not be disappointed.

"In the Pursuit of Leisure" might be better titled "In the Pursuit of another Paycheck." Fans of the Lemonade and Brownies CD, the classic self titled CD, or any of their hard rock should save their money and not even give this a chance. I tried, I really did, to like this CD but you know what? the songs are repetetive with no real idea to hold interest. Maybe they're after an older, not so likely to headbang crowd this time around... but for those of us who still like RPM and other heavy music... this album is just too leisurly.