Music Details
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Catalyst (by New Found Glory, Pop)

common sense media says

High energy, predictable formula from pop-punkers.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that despite the way these guys look in their pictures, there's lots of typical teen lyrical fare, including breakup song after breakup song. A couple of the tunes deal with some first-person depression -- which is geared perfectly for the teen market the band targets. There might, just might, be some very vague reference to the protagonist contemplating suicide, but if so, it's not obvious. There are exactly two words that could be considered vulgar -- and one, which starts with an "f" -- is in an intro song not included in the CD's lyric sheet. The other is a benign "ass." Lyrically there's nothing that could really be considered harmful.

Positive messages: Mostly positive -- on the "We're young people and we have feelings, too" side.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Very minimal, with one vague reference to a sex encounter.
Language: One "f--k" and one "ass" reference.
Consumerism: One song generically attempts to go anti-media. It works OK -- though anyone with a broader view might find this a tad hypocritical considering this is a major label, made-for-MTV band.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Catalyst

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about relationships: How can you stay strong in the middle of a breakup? What are some things you can do to make the process easier?

What's the story?

What's the story?
On New Found Glory's CATALYST album, the hooks are there, as is the subject matter, to pull in teen girls too young to remember the fuss about Green Day.However, these guys can write a chorus -- and it's usually about breaking up with a girl. Of 14 songs, 9 deal in some way with relationships. A couple deal with the songwriter being a tad depressed. "I'd Kill to Fall Asleep," is probably the most interesting song on the CD lyrically, simply because it's not that obvious.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
New Found Glory, while having some energizing moments, basically boils down to the same old formula. The band delivers speedy, occasionally chunky, guitar rock that's little more than sped-up pop rock. Like so many, it's a pop band masquerading as punk, while pulling in legions of fans. And like most pop music, it's pretty harmless and not very memorable.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: May 18, 2004
Label: Geffen Records
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Tony Hicks
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

 
It was ok
New found glory is a pretty cool band. I was kind of surprised when I listened to this cd. This cd shows a more mature side of new found glory, but in my opinion it was a turn for the worst. This cd was not as good as the band earlier albums such as STICKS and STONES. Other bands like new found glory: THE STARTING LINE, Yellowcard, Taking back sunday, and Green day.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age