All-American Rejects fans looking for more of the band’s signature angst and cathartic lyrics are advised to move along. “Kids In the Street ” is an eclectic mix of 11 tracks that resemble the many directions of sound experimentation one might expect to nd on a band’s debut album rather than its fourth studio release. Simplicity has been forsaken for complex, specific lyrics in the new album, a poor decision since a driving force behind the band’s prior success was its easily identifiable lyrics. Some things never change, however, and lead singer Tyson Ritter’s falsetto croons still convey an emotional connection with the music. Ritter even explores projecting feelings other than regret or perseverance. Sunny trumpets and chipper lyrics lend “Beekeeper’s Daughter ” upbeat vibes, and the addition of female backup vocals on several of the album’s tracks adds a nice variety to the album’s sound.
Grade: C+
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Contact Josh Naquin at [email protected]