Amusing tenth album from the Texan punk-rockers
To celebrate 15 years as a band is a significant achievement in itself. Not only have Bowling for Soup accomplished this in 2009, but the year also marks the release of their tenth album, ‘Sorry for Partyin’.
For those familiar with Bowling for Soup’s punk-rock nature, the title of their opening track, ‘A Really Cool Dance Song’, may prove somewhat intriguing. There are moments in this song that are literally laugh-out-loud funny, proving that the Texan rockers have certainly not lost their humour over the years. The second single of the album, ‘No Hablo Ingles,’ is an amusing song with a generic Spanish flavouring. Inspired by the idea that the phrase could provide an escape from any situation, it is another effective showcasing for Bowling for Soup’s comedic style.
The first single released from the album, ‘My Wena,’ is littered with clever innuendo; whether Wena is a dog, a girl or something else is left to the discretion of the listener! A great song, but do not expect it to be popular with any elderly American relatives! After following two singles, the fourth track, ‘Only Young,’ arrives with high expectations, but meets them competently; confirming that Bowling for Soup can still write for a 21st century target audience. ‘I Don’t Wish You Were You Dead Anymore’ is of a lively nature and once again displays the band’s versatility. Bowling for Soup work their magic and produce an unexpectedly happy song.
Those who have seen the film, ‘Pineapple Express’, will be familiar with the acronym of ‘BFFF’. One of the highlights of the album; it is actually quite touching considering that the quartet have remained such good friends throughout their history. Proceeding this humorous song is a love ballad; ‘Me With No You.’ Bowling for Soup rarely embark upon serious songwriting, but this collaboration between front man Jaret Reddick and songwriter Zac Maloy is a noteworthy triumph.
Considering that two of Bowling for Soup’s previous album titles were centred around the act of consuming alcohol, it presents no surprises that the eighth track, ‘Hooray for Beer,’ is similarly focused. Whilst the concept possesses very little sophistication, the chorus is full of spirit and incredibly catchy.
If you believed that Wena was a girl, then you may also believe that America is actually the name of another girl. However, in reality, 'America (Wake Up Amy)' is a brief venture into political songwriting; not something that one would expect from Bowling for Soup. A strong punk-rock song, but is likely to remain a rarity; beer and girls will always be the main focus of the Bowling for Soup’s songwriting.
‘If Only’ has one of the most impressive choruses of the album, separated by spoken answer-phone-esque verses, implemented for comedic, storytelling value. The following track, ‘I Gotchoo,’ is another new venture for the band, once again dropping the punk-rock style.
However, the tempo is revived with ‘Love Goes Boom;’ returning to a sound that is more closely associated with the Grammy-nominated band. This advances further with the even more upbeat, ‘I Can’t Stand LA;’ which, although is sure to amuse any American fans, will probably fail to make an impact on the rest of the worldwide audience.
Fan favourite, ‘Belgium’, has been rearranged in a variety of different styles throughout Bowling for Soup’s discography, but this is perhaps the most adventurous to date. Featuring fellow Texan band, Brave Combo, this polka adaptation offers an entertaining alternative to what is actually quite a serious song.
Following this are a number of UK exclusive tracks, lead by the notable, ‘I Just Wanna Be Loved,’ which would have fared perfectly well on the original track listing. ‘Walk of Shame’ is a respectable effort, whilst the articulated verses of ‘Amateur Night’ make the song a worthy addition.
‘Sorry for Partyin’ is a superb new chapter in Bowling for Soup’s history. They have explored some new musical avenues with this album, yet still retained the lovable identity that fans have grown to adore. If you have had a difficult day, put this album on; a dose of Bowling of Soup is the best musical medicine available!