REVIEWSGood Charlotte, ‘Cardiology’

4

• SPIN Rating:4 of 10

• • Listen:

    Spotify

Release Date: November 2, 2010
Label: Capitol

Last time we heard from these pop-punk glamour boys, on 2007's Good Morning Revival, frontman Joel Madden was reflecting on his breakup with Hilary Duff over synthed-up mall rock not unlike Duff's own. Three years (and two little Maddens) later, Cardiology dials down the sparkle, which is kind of a bummer; plodding fake-U2 anthems such as "Right Where I Belong" are definitely not Good Charlotte's sweet spot. "Like It's Her Birthday" is the appealingly airheaded exception--it's Hot Topic hair metal complete with a shout-out to Black Eyed Peas.