Sum 41

The lead-off title track of Underclass Hero sets the tone of this concept record perfectly: huge guitars and snotty underdog sentiments that are perfectly calibrated to dominate alternative radio. Produced by frontman Deryck Whibley (now the band's lone guitarist), the album presents a group that is just as confident while bashing ("March Of The Dogs") as they are with mid-tempo album tracks ("Dear Father"). The acoustic closer, co-written by all three members, is a highlight.

When they deputed six year back, Sum 41 were pretty likable and pretty ordinary - just
goofy, popwise Canadians down with vintage metal, Blink-182 and dick jokes. Since then,
Deryck Whibley married Avril Lavigne, and the band got famous and lost a guitarist, but Sum
41 haven't exactly taken their sound to new heights: Underclass Hero is long on
openhearted tunes about broken homes, youthful alienation and such, which dr... More >