A not-so-simple Simple Plan

Simple Plan established itself with an interesting mixture of upbeat melodies and dramatic lyrics in its first album. Released five years ago, it was titled interestingly enough and for no known reason as No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls. The music was punk but with optimistic undertones and the CD yielded hits like Addicted, Perfect, The Worst Day Ever, I’m Just a Kid and I’d Do Anything. Fans loved the combination. So after becoming Canada’s favorite pop punk band, Simple Plan set about winning fans in other parts of the world.

The second album, Still Not Getting Any… easily proved that the Quebec-based band was no flash-in-the-pan. In fact, the CD was even better than No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls. The vastly improved musicality, sleek production and the kind of self-confidence that only comes with success all contributed to creating an even bigger hit. Best remembered among the singles released were Welcome to My Life, Jump Shut Up! Crazy and Untitled: How Could This Happen to Me, which has been running in my head for two years now.

Good though it was and a hit, there were fans who were not happy with the way Still Not Getting Any…turned out. They thought Simple Plan had begun the process of ditching its punk roots and was moving towards a full emo metamorphosis. They were not mistaken. Punk rock is raw and free because the performers usually had no access to music theory and sophisticated equipment. Success, however handed these to them in a silver platter. The new-found knowhow and the big production budget inevitably resulted in better quality, definitely polished recordings. Of course, it is also not so punk anymore.

Very simply titled Simple Plan by Simple Plan, the CD is a first-rate production that is far, far better than its predecessors. It has punk rock, emo, power ballads, dance and even a bit of hip-hop. These guys are learning things and eager to show off what they can do. I hear echoes of Green Day and I will not be surprised if the band later moves in that direction. But there is really no need to do so. I think Simple Plan has found its niche in this album and it is a nice, comfortable fit.

The first single release is When I’m Gone, which is mostly punk but heavily synthesized. It should please diehard fans from the early days. Also included are Take My Hand, The End, Your Love is a Lie, Generation, Time to Say Goodbye, I Can Wait Forever, Holding On, No Love and What If. The best of the lot though is Save You, which is so emotive with its well-thought out arrangement. This song is the best proof of how far these guys have come.

Simple Plan was here two years ago as opening act for fellow Canadian Avril Lavigne’s Try to Shut Me Up Tour. The group is made up of Pierre Bouvier on vocals and guitar, Jeff Stinco on lead guitar, Sebastien Lefebvre on vocals and rhythm guitar, David Desrosiers on vocals and bass guitar and Chuck Comeau on drums.

Leona Lewis back on top

The Billboard Hot 100 for the week has the sensational Simon Cowell discovery Leona Lewis back on top with her Bleeding Love single. The other tunes that made the list this week are: Lollipop by Lil Wayne featuring Static Major; No Air, a duet by American Idol Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown; 4 Minutes by Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake; Love in this Club by Usher featuring Young Jeezy; Sexy Can I by Ray J & Yung Berg; Touch My Body by Mariah Carey; Love Song by Sarah Bareilles; Forever by Chris Brown; and With You also by Chris.

As for the Top 10 CDs in the Top 200 Albums tabulation, E-MC2 by Mariah remains in the No. 1 slot. The rest in the list are Spirit by Leona Lewis; Flight of the Conchords Soundtrack by Various Artists; Bittersweet World by Ashley Simpson; When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold by Atmosphere; Now 27 by Various Artists; Juno, the motion picture soundtrack by Various Artists; Troubadour by George Strait; Taylor Swift by Taylor Swift; and Prayer of a Common Man by Phil Vassar.