Review Summary: There’s a reason why I had not reviewed this, and the reason is youuuuuu!
This is not some stroke of artistic, creative genius/magnum opus. It is, however, a decently pleasant time. This pop-punk-lite alternative rock album is certified fresh despite the album’s age. Melodies, singing, even damn choruses are squeaky clean like a rubber ducky (cool rubber duckies squeak). Hoobastank deliver cleanly produced, sharp and effective beats with a bit of guitar slapping involved while throwing down that all-important Hooba
stank in the process. It’s not everyone’s kink - much like their awkward band name - and it’s certainly not an original sound, but their formula has mild to medium potency. It does come with built-in pitfalls however.
Hoobastank have always seemed a divisive band to me. Their all-time popular album-titled single (a catchy song, you can’t deny it) has a bold mainstream direction which may sound like the band selling out; the same could be said about the album, which is a regurgitation of what was popular with kids at the time. Hoobastank don’t infuse much extra character beyond the norm. However, the music itself lightly spanks just enough to give a sore yet enjoyable tushy slap. The choruses are good enough and sometimes rock (see Same Direction, Out Of Control, and What Happened To Us?), the singing is quite nice if unexceptional, the lyrics are generic but not obnoxious, the melodies are stolen from every pop-punk song ever made and they sound lovely. It’s the perfect storm, there’s just enough good to counter the bad.
As a whole it isn’t a particularly memorable album. Aside from some standout tracks the album plays it safe with edgy guitars used to fill the space when needed and plenty bright choruses. There’s very little musical depth or personality here with tracks that sound like radio leftovers. The album is also entirely forgettable due to its lack of variety which is a shame because the tracks here are solid with choruses that kick it up. The album is front-loaded to Hell, after the first three stompers interest wanes and eventually disappears.
While Hoobastank may not have the chops of similar bands or be especially convincing as a metal band, they play safe, casually enjoyable rock. The Reason is not a special album, but there’s enough hooks to hook you along. Altogether, it’s not an album that deserves particular disdain, yet it’s not safe from the fire either. It succeeds as background music and doesn’t go beyond that. A few tracks remain solid but as an album it’s not worth diving back into the shallow pool.
