Review Summary: A genuinely decent record, sadly overshadowed by an otherwise derivative and unremarkable discography.
While I'll confess to having been an avid fan of Good Charlotte back in 2002, after the release of the bands generic but fun sophomore hit, 'The Young And The Hopeless', I admit that the fact brings me no small shame. At the tender age of 12, and having had a very sheltered upbringing, Good Charlotte rocked my greasy adolescence with what I thought at the time to be heavy, rebellious Punk Rock.
If there's anything that can be salvaged from that embarassing period of my life though, it's this album.
For me, 'The Chronicles Of Life and Death' is the diamond in Good Charlotte's shabby, punk-poser crown. And although it's a pretty rough diamond, there are moments when it really does shine.
What truly thrusts 'Chronicles' head and shoulders above any other Good Charlotte release, past or present, is its surprisingly thoughtful songwriting and concept. It's exploration of lifes many difficulties extends well beyond the "strapped for cash/Girlfriend dumped me" woes of the bands first two LP's. And for once, frontman Joel Madden doesn't gripe about Dad leaving home once. Here, the lyrics focus on broader themes such as suicide (S.O.S), corporate corruption (In This World: Murder), and apathy (The World is Black).
Of course, none of these songs are masterpieces in any way, but listening to them, you really get the feeling that the band made an effort to leave their comfort zone and inject a little substance into their work.
Joel makes a few recognizable shots at pushing his vocal range, and despite a mis-step or two, pulls it off quite well. The subdued, piano driven ballad 'The Truth' is the best example of this - his attempt at dramatically changing to a high, emotional yell midway through is amusingly cracked, but he gets an A for effort.
There are one or two stand-out moments of musicianship too. 'Walk Away' is the closest the band has ever come to pop-punk perfection, with every member performing on all cylinders to deliver an incredibly catchy and tight composition. The uncharacteristic guitar solo on 'S.OS' is really pretty cool as well, and a nice change from Benji Madden and Billy Martin's usual, cookie cutter guitar work. Best of all though, is the instrumental intro 'Once Upon A Time: The Battle of Life And Death', a towering orchestral arrangement complete with japanese choir. It is both exciting and cinematic, and perfectly sets the mood for the songs to come.
The record has its faults. 'I Just Wanna Live', for all its catchyness, is pretty obnoxious, and 'We Believe' sounds like a second rate LIVE AID single. But looking back, 7 years after its release, 'The Chronicles Of Life And Death' still stands as a testament to a mediocre pop quartet that went the extra mile to be sincere and produce an authentic, respectable piece of work.
Sadly, its follow up, the horrific and dance-floor pandering 'Good Morning Revival' would dash any hopes that the boys from DC would keep building toward artistic integrity of any kind.
