Bowling for Soup - The Great Burrito Extortion Case

In a genre of music where heart-ache and angst prevail, Bowling for Soup dare to be different. The Great Burrito Extortion Case blends melodic pop-punk with tongue-in-cheek lyrics that encourage us to take life a little less seriously and have some fun. The album is an easy listen with a solid, consistent sound. There is nothing complex or extremely memorable about the guitar riffs or basslines, however, that clearly isn't what this album is about. From beginning to end, this is simply quirky and humorous stuff, poking fun at pop culture and daring the listener to laugh and be happy. Even the most cynical among us will surely find themselves humming along and perhaps even repeating singer Jaret Reddick in his mantra, "It's perfectly fine to be a happy Individual." [Christy Scott]