Bad Religion New America CD

Bad Religion: Greg Gaffin (vocals); Brian Baker, Greg Hetson, Jay Bentley, Bobby Schayer.
Recorded at Victor's Barn, Kauai, Hawaii.
Personnel: Greg Graffin (vocals); Brett Gurewitz (guitar); Bobby Schayer (drums).
Audio Mixers: David Boucher; Bob Clearmountain.
Recording information: Victor's Barn, Kauai HI.
Photographer: Olaf Heine.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Greg Hetson; Jay Bentley; Brian Baker .
Todd Rundgren may seem like an odd choice of producer for Bad Religion, but as The New America illustrates, it was an inspired, even necessary, one for the veteran Californian punkers. Bad Religion painted themselves into a corner in the late '90s, adhering to the literate, hard-driving punk that marked their indie releases. That may have kept them pure, but as they grew older, they wound up repeating many of their musical ideas, while losing some of their focus. Rundgren blends his talents as a pop maverick and a vital hard rock producer on The New America, pushing Bad Religion to strengthen their melodies and hooks without losing their edge. Of course, if the record was just production, it would fall flat, but Bad Religion seems eager to embrace the challenge of making their tightest, tuneful record yet. Maybe some longtime fans will cringe at the big, powerful sound, the backing harmonies, or the catchy melodies, but these were all present on previous Bad Religion releases -- here, they're just presented with more focus. The focus, the careful production, and the group's solid, well-constructed songs result in one of the group's strongest records, while illustrating that the group can indeed grow old gracefully. And that's the most remarkable thing about The New America -- it is clearly the work of a band that's been around for nearly 20 years, but the experience hasn't worn them down, it's strengthened them. They've stayed true to their original vision while expanding its boundaries, which is something many veteran bands, regardless of genre, just can't do. Some credit may go to Rundgren, but the achievement really is Bad Religion's, not his. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Best described as thinking man's punk rock, the 20-year veteran of a style at times diluted by weak imitation returns with its first studio release since 1998's NO SUBSTANCE. THE NEW AMERICA triumphantly reunites Bad Religion with founding guitarist Brett Gurewitz, and if that isn't enough to capture the attention of long-time fans, rock icon Todd Rundgren lends his much sought-after producing talents for these sessions.
Vocalist and principal writer Greg Graffin's trademark layered harmonies are an integral part of what places Bad Religion far above lesser punk acts, and here they dominate songs such as "1,000 Memories," "The Hopeless Housewife," and "A Streetkid Named Desire." Bad Religion is no stranger to social commentary on technology and its effect on society, and "I Love My Computer" combines these sensibilities with melodic hooks and modem sound effects. The band's gift for writing thought-provoking, affecting music puts A NEW AMERICA in a class of its own.Alternative Press (7/00, p.87) - 4 out of 5 - "...Amazing...All of [their] trademark tricks are here....[But] the difference here is [in] Todd Rundgren's production...the sound, the delivery, the sheer overwhelming volume of it all..."
CMJ (6/00, p.52) - "...Serves up a few more big helpings of chicken-soup-for-the-punk-rock-soul epigrams....as subtle as soft money and as adult-contemporary slick, in punk terms, as anything Dianne Warren or Richard Marx ever penned."