The All-American Rejects – When the World Comes Down

Don’t Reject This Album Out of Hand

The All-American Rejects are great at creating catchy rock songs, and When the World Comes Down is no exception. Best known for the song “Dirty Little Secret,” The All-American Rejects deliver more fun rock on this new album. When the World Comes Down starts off with a burst of energy in the form of the upbeat and sexy “I Wanna” and continues in the same vein for several songs, including hit single “Gives You Hell.”AAR’s first misstep is with “Mona Lisa,” a sweet but awkwardly slow number. “Breakin’,” on the other hand, is a standout that defies listeners not to sing along with its pop-punk chorus, “In a clear view there’s a silhouette / And I watch you and I can’t forget / …Breaking’s what the heart is for.” “Another Heart Calls” is an uncomfortable duet that tries to blend arena rock with a folksy love song. It doesn’t succeed, but is not as jarring as it could be in the hands of a less adept band.

Sonically, The All-American Rejects have a happy sound. Intense drumming and electric guitars humming with energy and joy tell listeners that these four gentlemen love making music together.

The All-American Rejects’ new album indicates a band trying to evolve in both sound and content. Their standout songs improve on their already good yet cynical anthems. The band falters when it comes to slowing things down and looking inward, but despite this, When the World Comes Down is a fun, addictive album that will have fans hitting repeat.