A Hangover You Don't Deserve

by

Bowling for Soup

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A Hangover You Don't Deserve is a great, fun album. I really wish more people would give it a chance. "1985" is a great song, but I think that the album has a lot of songs that people would like, but they will never hear them because they can't get past "1985."

1. "Almost" - This is is the most catchy song on the album, and that's really saying a lot because they are all pretty catchy. The verses are really witty, and you'll be singing the chorus in your head for weeks.

2. "Trucker Hat" - At first I wasn't really into this song, but then I started liking it more and more. It's really funny how the relate a love song to a trucker hat. Only Bowling For Soup could that. The chorus is really catchy too.

3. "1985" - You've all heard it. Not much to say about it.

4. "Get Happy" - This song is okay. It's a typical non-single BFS song. I like the chorus more than I like the verses.

5. "Ohio (Come Back To Texas)" - This song is one of the funniest on the album. It's a good song to listen to when you're in need of a laugh because you miss someone who left you.

6. "Ridiculous" - This is just a nice acoustic song.

7. "Shut-Up And Smile" - This song has a really good message: "all we need is some ice cream and a hug." It just tells everyone that we all need to just chill and love everyone. Stop worrying about how bad life is when it really isn't bad at all.

8. "Last Call Casuality" - I think a lot of people can probably relate to this song being on either the side of getting drunk calls in the middle of the night or being the who is doing the calling. Bowling For Soup turns this crazy situation into a fun song.

9. "Next Ex-Girlfriend" - I don't really have much to say about this song. I don't think I've heard another song about wanting an ex-girlfriend before he has even dated her before though. It's Bowling For Soup style music, but a twist in the topic of the song.

10. "A-Hole" - This song is about realizing you're "just an a**hole sometimes" and realizing that's why she kicked you out.

11. "My Hometown" - This is a great song to all the people who helped Jarret along the way in his life.

12. "Smoothie King" - This is my favorite song on the album. "Love songs suck and fairy tales aren't true" is a great line that I just love.

13. "Sad Sad Situation" - This is a song about someone using you, but you just can't seem to make them go away because you want them around. It's just a sad, sad situation which almost everyone gets themselves into at some point.

14. "Really Might Be Gone" - This song has some good harmonies. But other than that, it really isn't that memorable.

15. "Down For The Count" - This is another song with really witty lyrics. I love it. It relates a dying relationship to wrestling.

16. "Two-Seater" - Ever wish you could mess up someone's car really bad after they dump you? Well that's what this song is about. It's great fun. Jaret loves to sing it live and watch people laugh at the lyrics.

17. "Friends O' Mine" - This song is an acoustic song about the band's existance pretty much.

Ohio Hidden Track - The first time I head this I was laughing so much. Now that I've heard it a lot, there's really no need to listen to it anymore because it gets old. Whatever it's just a hidden track.

Boy band Belgium - I love this. It's soooooo funny--especially if you used to be a fan of the whole boy band scene a couple years ago.

Overall, this it a really fun album that can put you in a good mood really quickly. I have listened to most of these songs over 100 times, and I still laugh at them. I highly recommend this album for anyone who wants some light hearted pop rock.

I discovered Bowling For Soup at a Tower Records listening station almost two years ago, when their last album "Drunk Enough To Dance" was released. I heard "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" and based on that one song, bought the album. I loved the blend of bouncy New Found Glory/Blink-182 rock with the self-deprecating, comedic sensibilities of Barenaked Ladies.

This album continues that same musical style, without too much change. I think the songs on the prior album are better overall than the songs on this one. But there are some corkers here, and I can guarantee you at least five full-on belly laughs and dozens of chuckles, all while bopping your head pleasantly along to well performed and sweetly produced music.

"1985" is the breakout "hit" single, and if there is a "classic" BFS sound, this is it. Yes it's a little "novelty"-ish...but it's SO well done and super catchy to boot. The chorus is instantly memorable, and you'll be humming it immediately.

The opening track, "Almost" is terrific too. Again, it's a brisk, uptempo rocker sung with brio by their adenoidal lead singer.

That is not a criticism. It's a character trait. His voice lends an authenticity to some of the story-songs, and you feel that you yourself could be singing these songs just as well. Except you can't. His singing shows more craft to it upon subsequent listenings, with an artful turn here or a particularly powerful note there. His range isn't huge, but he uses it well. The harmonies are nicely done as well. The same goes for the singing on Blink-182's last album. Both underrated.

The guitars, bass and drums thrash along fine...these guys are a seasoned band, and play effortlessly together.

"Ohio (Come Back To Texas)" is an out-and-out riot. When they get to the line, "The Bush twins want you back" I nearly drove off the road, laughing and giggling.

"Friends O' Mine" is the now-cliche "Green Day go acoustic" song that most of these bands include on their albums, usually at the end. The guitar and piano form a nice backdrop, and for the most part, it works.

Now the bad news: the rest of the album doesn't match the stellar highs of the aforementioned songs. They either have killer hooks with weak lyrics, or hysterical words with boring tunes.

It's perfectly easy and fun to listen to once or twice, but I found myself skipping to the good songs more and more frequently.

That's why I dropped this from four to three stars. A few more great songs, and this would have been an awesome set.

I think it's still essential for any BFS fan, and if you like "1985", this is a good place to get started with Bowling For Soup. If you don't have "Drunk Enough To Dance" yet, this one will make you go out and purchase it.

And don't forget the two bonus tracks...the first one's funnier than hell (an extended coda of "Ohio"), and the second one is an awesome cover selection. I won't spoil the surprise and tell you what it is, but if you recognize it, you'll be ecstatic.