Goldfinger - Never Look Back
Released December 4th, 2020
John Feldmann, Charlie Paulson, Mike Herrera, Philip Sneed, Nick Gross.
Genre: Ska-punk
Goldfinger. If this album came out under a different name, people would love this kind of shit. The problem is the fact that it's released under Goldfinger. This album is one of my top sleeper picks, just because of how much fun it is. People criticize this album because it doesn't sound like the old school Goldfinger, and that's a good thing- they're not supposed to be old school anymore. These guys are old now, this isn't the 90's. This is a 2020's album, and it's worth listening to and enjoying.
Thoughts & Feelings?
Never look back to the old school Goldfinger. This is MODERN Goldfinger, not 90's Goldfinger.
I can already tell this is going to be a lengthy review. The reason is because I think this is a good album, and no one else thinks so. I enjoy a lot of songs on this album for what they are- fun ska punk sing alongs. Not everyone is going to like this album obviously, especially if you're a fan of the 90's. For what it is though- I am thankful. This album just puts a huge smile on my face every time I listen to it.
This album makes me feel like I'm laying down on the beach in Miami, sipping on a coconut drink with one of those hats on that's like... an umbrella hat. The radio is on playing these albums, and I'm relaxing- enjoying my life for once.
I'm trying so hard to defend against this album because everyone criticizes it for being super generic and for not sounding like old school Goldfinger. News flash, Goldfingers last album before The Knife was in 2008. They aren't the same band, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The songs on this album are very easy to listen to, and it'll get you in such a good mood. If I'm ever feeling like shit, this is my go-to happy album. Thank you ska punk, thank you John Feldmann, and thank you reader for giving this album a chance.
I can't stress enough how my feelings paragraph above is so fucking accurate. The entire vibe of this album is exactly what I described- umbrella hat and all. The best possible way to enjoy this album is on the beach with drinks and company. If I ever get the chance to do that- I absolutely will.
Smash or Pass?
Infinite - Smash. This song is super sick. A good return to form for the band. The chorus is super catchy and gets stuck in my brain all the time, infinitely.
The City - Smash. This song is fun. Again with the chorus- it always get stuck in my brain. Definitely very groovy and moving. The bridge is fantastic. The solo is GOLD.
Wallflower - SMAAAASSSSSHHHHHH. The music video for this one is hilarious. This is the best the album has so if you don't like this one, you won't like this album- stay away. This song ROCKS. Great fucking song, gets me singing every single time.
California On My Mind - Smash. I generally can't stand slow songs, but this shit is so much god damn fun. It's so nice to close your eyes and just relax to this song. It's so enjoyable. Shoutout to my ex Kalifornia.
Nothing To Me - Smash. This song is definitely more punk than the previous and future songs. This one is fun though especially for the chorus. The FUCK YOU, AND FUCK THAT- it's SUPER good. Much love. REALLY fun classic punk rock / ska punk song.
Good Guy - Smash. The intro is sick as fuck. Also the part where Herrera (I think) sings gives me FUCKING CHILLS (1:56). Chorus is SUPER fun. This whole song is just a fun time tbh.
The Best Life - Smash. This one is probably my least favourite smash on this album. It's slow and fun, but it just doesn't have anything exceptional going for it. Still a fun song though. Fun trumpet solo near the end. Peaceful ending.
Careful What You Wish For - Pass. This one is alright I guess, I just can't justify it being smash to me. It's very fun, but it's not great. Kinda skippable for me to be honest.
Cannonball - Smash. This shit is classic punk rock. Fast and fun. I can't stress how fun this song is. This is the kinda shit that can play at a club and everyone will just jump up and down. This song is definitely more pop punk. FUUUUNNNNNNNNN.
Golden Days - Pass. This one is very fun but it just doesn't do it for me to be honest. The chorus just doesn't get me going. I wouldn't skip it for sure, but it's not going in my playlist anytime soon. The bridge solo near the end is pretty fun though.
Dumb - Pass. This song gets on my nerves. "You make my heart go boom, boom boom". Yikes, that part really annoys me. My only F tier song on this album, it's definitely skippable. Still fits the vibe because of how bouncy it is, but it's just so... bad. This one sucks imo.
Standing On The Beach - Smash, but only barely- 6 drinks in. The guitar intro is super lame to me, but other than that this song is a fun ending to an already good album. The chorus really gets it for me. This is the part where the party is ending, the sunset is going down, everyone is leaving and you're just gonna fall asleep on the beach. Good stuff.
Conclusion
I personally love this album. It's super underrated, and it's super enjoyable. If you don't agree, I will completely accept that. This album isn't for everyone. Give the medal songs a listen, and let me know in the comments what you think. This is definitely a sleeper pick, and I think it's a great album for Goldfinger. Don't compare this to their older works.
All I'm asking is you give this one a chance. Open your mind and smile. It's supposed to be fun.
RANK : B+
- Sharky
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