albums and tracks

It seems the usually perma-perky All American Rejects are down in the dumps, and - surprise - it's romantic trouble that's making 'em blue.

Unfortunately, it looks like the sorrow has taken its toll on the Oklahoma four-piece's lyrical skills, as vocalist Tyson Ritter moans through strange musings such as: "There are times you're so impossible/That I should sign a waiver." Nothing like a bit of legal jargon to tug on the old heartstrings, eh?

Still, the band's '80s-influenced backing goes a long way in ratcheting up the emotion of the mourning-filled four minutes.

Aching synth sounds, effects-laden guitars and key changes aplenty conspire to bring on the weepies, even if the end result lacks the punch of 'Gives You Hell''s heaving pop-rock. An effective, if rather uninspired, dollop of by-the-book teen angst.