‘Love Drunk’ lacks growth, maturity

I remember seeing Boys Like Girls as an opening band in early 2007. Having just released their first album, they seemed to be nervous as they tried to make jokes in between their set.

At the time, it was months before their single ‘The Great Escape' would hit airwaves. Their first CD really was the soundtrack to the summer that followed; the song ‘Thunder' always will remind me of those three short months of my life.

When I heard that ‘Love Drunk' would hit shelves in late 2009, I definitely knew I'd check it out. But after hearing the single ‘Love Drunk,' I wasn't too sure I wanted to waste my time.

But I couldn't shake those memories of that summer, and the way they looked on stage.

So I decided not to completely dismiss their new tracks, and picked up a copy.

It wasn't what I expected at all; I still can't decide if that's a good or bad thing. It opened with the song ‘Heart Heart Heartbreak,' and I couldn't help but think that this was the song Bon Jovi was missing on his last release.

After the laughably predictable song ‘She's Got A Boyfriend Now,' the album seemed to pick up.

But while it may have picked up, as it continued, I couldn't help but think it was all out of order. The songs ‘Contagious' and ‘Real Thing'-more fast pac ed tracks-would be better fit at the beginning.

The song ‘Someone Like You,' is the most noteworthy track on this release. A slow reflecting song, it's obviously about moving forward and not looking back at mistakes.

After a couple more Bon Jovi-esque tunes, you're left with the final track ‘Go,' a very fitting song of encouragement.

While listening to ‘Love Drunk,' I couldn't help but think that this attempt was missing something. If anything, it seems like some of these songs were made prior to their first CD; their lyrics are often predictable and immature.

But, that sound worked for them the first time. I just can't help but think that they are going to lose their main fan base because those fans were looking for that same growth and maturity I was.

I mean, I look at the person I was three years ago, and I'm not that person anymore. Do they think they're still that same band?

Regardless, I still can't help but smile when I go back to that concert; they obviously love what they do.