But all of those criticisms pale in comparison to my three favorite tracks. First is “Crazy for You” from Vision Quest (yeah, I barely remember it either) and featuring Max Bemis of Say Anything. This is possibly one of the best Madonna songs ever used in a film and combining the raw nature of Bemis’ voice with the excitement in Pundik’s gives the song a fresh spin. It sounds so much like New Found Glory in their self-titled days that I feel like it has always been their song.
The fifth track was one I never expected to see covered on an album because of its legendary status. “Stay(I Missed You)” was a massive hit for Lisa Loeb and made her instantly newsworthy when Ethan Hawke gave the song to Ben Stiller when he was directing Reality Bites. Loeb became the first artist ever to hit the Hot 100 chart before being signed to a record label.
With a past like that, it’s like trying to re-do perfection. New Found Glory, it seems, has improved upon it. “Stay” is surprisingly well suited as a rock number and it is magical when Loeb herself duets with Pundik.
All that said, though, the best track is by far the band’s cover of “Don’t You Forget About Me” from the legendary John Hughes’ film The Breakfast Club. New Found Glory keeps all of the teen rebellion, anger, and expectation imparted by original band Simple Minds, but puts such a modern spin on the song that it could take over radio waves today.
If you have never heard of New Found Glory, get this album. There is no better way to fall in love with a band than to hear them re-invent some of your favorite songs in a way that is both respectful and energizing.
If you are a long time fan like me, there is absolutely no way that you will be disappointed in this album. It is a great band at their very best and it truly will bring the screen right to your stereo.
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