Rating ("1-10" or "CLASSIC"): 7.5
Best Song: Another Perfect Day
Fun Fact: I had been mis-spelling (or naming) "Flavor of the Weak" for 2 years before I got this album. Weak/week. Same difference.
Slightly above average standard guitar rock is the best way to sum up this album. However, I did not make this site for the sake of summing up albums in as few words as I could; heck naw! I made this site to be as verbose as possible without going on for 2 pages in MS word because I was bored one day and Josh and Flow were like "Dude, let's made a site!" But that has nothing to do with this review, so I'm-a gunna get back on dat topic, der.
It may be safe to declare American Hi-Fi "one-hit wonders." "Flavor of the Weak" was a pretty big hit around mid 2001, but none of their singles since have made a significant dent in the charts (though "The Art of Losing" from their next album has been licensed out to quite a few things). Speaking of which, "Flavor of the Weak" deserved its status as a hit. Puchy, punky guitar rock, and probably one of only a few songs to rhyme "He's too stoned" with "Nintendo." And check that guitar solo. Smokin', yes?
But that's not to say that this album only has one song to offer (though you could probably tell that by the fact that this album has a 7.5 rating). The opener, "Surround," is a fine song, too, though it is rendered forgettable by "Flavor of the Weak," which follows it. Still, for the 3:11 it plays, it rocks with a catchiness that few bands master on their debut albums. "A Bigger Mood" follows with an equal punch. The "Most Effective Rocker" award, however, goes to "Hi-Fi Killer," with its (ironic) anti-radio lyrics.
The band even does a superb job on some power ballads, such as "Safer on the Outside." Subtle guitar work on the verses and powerful guitars on the chorus, with a decent build up. However, "Another Perfect Day" is by far the most effective song on the album with its (relatively) soaring lyrics.
The only problem with American Hi-Fi (the album, not the band) is that the album is not too remarkable. It manages to be immediately satisfying and at the same time takes time to grow, but in the end every song is quality pop rock. They take time to distinguish themselves from the pack, so only the devoted can name highlights.
American Hi-Fi is a band whose skill and craftsmanship exceed the limits of the pop-rock genre. Bob Rock's production helps give the band punch, but lead singer/guitarist Stacy Jones' strong songwriting provides the fuel for the fire.
