Hawk Nelson Live Life Loud

When it comes to Christian pop-punk acts, the worthwhile ones are few and far between. Hawk Nelson is of those. Despite their relatively weak third release, their debut (Letters To The President) and sophomore follow-up (Smile It’s the End Of The World) held their own, even giving Boxcar Racer a run for their money, as such there is anticipation for their fourth full length offering.

Live Life Loud feels a bit of a time machine. The opening title track faintly reminds of their hit single “California,” while “Eggshells” feels a mixture of Letters and Smile. Constructed via multiple jam sessions, songs feel a bit more rock and roll, as opposed to the more produced approach of Hawk Nelson Is My Friend. Things change up on the reggae-esque “Ode To Lord Stanley” which although has been suggested to be light hearted, feels metaphorical on some fronts and serious, and “Alive” is easily a highlight.

The main downfall of Live Life Loud is it isn’t particularly memorable. While a few of the tracks are highlights, it falls short of previous material where nearly every song stood out. Despite attempting to energize songs like “The Job” feel uninspiring, while “Tis So Sweet” borders on boring. Still Hawk Nelson is easily a favorite Christian pop-punk act, and more than likely has years ahead of them.

Rating: 2 out of 5
Street Date: September 22nd, 2009
Label: BEC Records

Track Listing:
1.) Live Life Loud
2.) Never Enough
3.) Eggshells
4.) Meaning Of Life
5.) Alive
6.) Ode To Lord Stanley
7.) Long Ago
8.) The Job
9.) Shaken
10.) Lest We Forget
11.) Tis So Sweet
12.) The Final Toast