[1/5]
On at least half of Hawk Nelson Is My Friend, Hawk Nelson further bastardize the term "pop-punk" by sounding like a Christian Sum 41--only more watered down and tired. Flat vocals and over-processed guitars contribute to a near-total lack of dynamics and completely banal transitions between verses and choruses. Further killing the potential for any redeeming value are at least three mopey ballads ("Somebody Else," "Arms Around Me," "I Still Miss You") that were seemingly left off the last Simple Plan album. It's certainly possible to sip the Jesus juice and write ambitious, passionate songs--just ask Underoath or mewithoutYou. But when one offers a cringeworthy line like, "I know that Jesus has the answer and he is bigger than the cancer in you"--on their third full-length, no less--you're asking for the absolution of one too many sins. (BEC/TOOTH & NAIL) Brian Shultz
 Official Website: http://www.toothandnail.com
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