“Real World” is a call to overcome apathy, look past media spin and help those in need. “Mona Lisa” wonders if it’s possible for humanity to make an unspecified change before it’s too late. A man is confident that his true love will come to her senses and return on the hopeful “Back to Me.” The singer mourns the death of someone special, wishing theat person peace and thanking them for the memories that will remain (“Believe”). An untitled bonus track tells hurting souls, “It’s a new day/It’s a bright day,” and offers to be a light.
“I Wanna” overemphasizes the physical side of a relationship, stating incessantly, “I wanna touch you/You wanna touch me too.” Using mild profanities and a spiteful tone, a guy berates his ex, saying anyone who treats her well is a fool, and she deserves to be miserable (“Gives You H—“). Beyond the title, one line on “D–n Girl” finds the brokenhearted vocalist accusing his former squeeze of spreading herself around too much (“I’ll press your lips and I taste everyone that you’ve had tonight”).
With sonic energy to spare, the band vents its feelings about relational ups and downs. Still, too many problems inhabit The All-American Rejects’ World.
Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.
