Holy crap, Batman! What in the world has happened to Wakefield?? Last time we tuned into them they seemed little more than yet another band trying to capitalize on the good fortunes of Good Charlotte. Well, with their new CD, Which Side Are You On? , they have apparently decided to step out of that shadow to try and find a new voice.
As I listened to the first few tracks, I found myself liking it more than I thought I might ... and after a few more listens I started to ask myself why, exactly, this was so appealing. Suddenly, it hit me! Ok, ok ... I see what happened to them now. They discovered their parents' record collection! No wonder these songs seem so familiar... I will give Wakefield credit for borrowing from the best of the early 80's ... there are elements of Queen, The Cars, The Police, Stray Cats, and many, many others intertwined with post-millennium pop and punk all over this CD.
Is such blatant borrowing a good thing? That will depend largely on you, dear listener. In the end, Wakefield chose a fitting title in Which Side Are You On? ... whichever side of the new wave 80's fence you are on will determine largely how enjoyable you find their latest offering. If it offends your delicate sensibilities that they have borrowed sacred sounds from the precious 80's, then you better just plug your ears and start singing "La La La ... I can't hear you..."
Hopefully you can get past such a minor quibble though, as there are some really catchy songs and clever lyrics to be had here.
Standout tracks: C'mon Baby, Quietly Complaining, Girl With A Beat
