Greetings from California
The Madden Brothers
(Capitol)
Three Stars
A decade ago, Joel and Benji Madden were the creative force behind the big-selling pop-punk group Good Charlotte. Now, with the band on hiatus, the brothers step out on their own with their debut album, Greetings from California – and it is an album more fit for a sleepy hammock session rather than a sweaty mosh pit.
Good Charlotte fans may baulk at all the sincerity on offer, but the album is a solid and pristinely produced collection of pop rock, recalling the sounds of the famous west-coast American state, with echoes of The Beach Boys and The Eagles.
The opener Dear Jane is a smooth ride with a soaring chorus. The synth-bass lines and winning harmonies in Out of My Mind recall ELO, while the faux protest tune We Are Done is a fine, soul-fuelled romp.
Some of the energy tapers off towards the end. The Eagles' tribute California Rain is downright soggy, while Bad is way too middle-of-the-road – it's the kind of song that Good Charlotte roared onto the scene to rescue us from.
It may be decent, but Greetings from California ultimately sounds more like a stopgap than a totally new beginning.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
