Simple Plan are a band who have always been accused for being “the generic pop punk band”, and they’ve never really been credited for being a band would could do the catchy bouncy thing well.  But it pains me that Simple Plan have been damaged with the affliction that all pop punk bands face, the apparent “need” to grow up.  It’s the third album affliction and some bands do it well, From Under The Cork Tree is Fall Out Boy’s most acclaimed album, whereas those such as Simple Plan and Sum 41 (with their album Chuck) both seem to have failed at this task.
This self titled venture from Simple Plan has left them with an overproduced sound which sounds like the latest Good Charlotte album has been thrown back into the mix, re-recorded & regurgitated into a mess for Simple Plan to release.  The catchy hooks in songs about being a teenager and rejection from life have been replaced with a formulaic mass of love songs.  All in all, the only stand out song of the album is the first single, When I’m Gone. However, if you like new Good Charlotte and Sum 41’s Chuck, then it’s likely you will love this album.