Band : Simple Plan

Album Title : Simple Plan

Label : Lava/Atlantic

Distribution : Warner Bros Records

Release date : February 2008

Review : CD

“Simple Plan” is the third studio album from the French Canadian pop-punk band Simple Plan . The band was formed in 1999 in Montreal , Quebec , and sold already more than seven million records worldwide with their first two releases, being “No Pads, No Helmets… Just Balls” (2002) and “Still Not Getting Any…” (2004).

This new album demonstrates a more mainstream sound that edges away from the pure pop-punk style (remember for instance the hit singles Welcome To My Life” and “Shut Up!” ) and makes room for straightforward modern rock. A little more daring of Simple Plan , that can't be denied. Elements that contribute to this album are the appealing voice of singer Pierre Bouvier , the dynamic and energetic choruses, the production skills from people like Dave Fortman ( Evanescence , Mudvayne ), Max Martin ( James Blunt , Kelly Clarkson , Avril Lavigne ) and Danja ( Timbaland , Justin Timberlake , Duran Duran , Nelly Furtado ).

The self-titled album contains 11 tracks (44 minutes playing time), including the following highlights: the opening track and first single “When I'm Gone” (including synthesizer loops), “Take My Hand” , the second single “Your Love Is A Lie” , “Time To Say Goodbye” , the power ballad “I Can Wait Forever” and my favourite track “Holding On”. Simple Plan will embark on a European tour in March and April 2008, with dates in Melkweg , Amsterdam on April 1 st and Botanique , Brussels on April 23 rd .

75/100

Erik.