Superchick - Beauty From Pain

Thursday 23rd June 2005
Superchick - Beauty From Pain
Superchick - Beauty From Pain

STYLE: Pop
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12616-1883
LABEL: Inpop POD1279
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £8.78

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I've long been a fan of Max Hsu, the genius producer who is the driving force behind this Californian ensemble (recent visitors to the UK when they played The Ultimate Event) and he pulls out all the stops here to neatly fill Christendom's pop/punk/female lead singer niche. No other band on the scene make catchier, more radio-friendly music while the positive lyrics, unlike the woeful fare of most mainstream pop punk, radiates with messages of self-esteem and hope. Speaking straight to the lifestyles of a whole teenage generation, Hsu sharpens his songwriting pen, eg, "You need that boy like a bowling ball dropped on your head/That means not at all." The skill in using humour to make their spiritual points is unrelenting while the treated vocals and clean drum programming keep the foot tapping. It's ironic that the title track is a break from the usual upbeat sound of the group. One reviewer suggested it wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Sarah McLachlan album which is praise indeed for Tricia Brock's creamily emotive vocal. The message of eternal hope in "Beauty From Pain" ("After all this has passed/I still will remain/After I've cried my last/There will be beauty from pain") truly hits home. A gem with strong appeal to more adult tastes. But if you like Superchic(k)'s hot pop with gutsy punk guitars interspersed with occasional bits of reggae and rap, there's plenty of that too.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by petra in mexico city @ 18:06 on Jun 21 2007

im a mk and i just want 2 say that in a way i feel like superchic[k] has always been there 4 me from the back alleys of mexico city to the comfort of my on home. thanks 4 b-ing there 4 me.
from
pet (ra)



Posted by Caleb in Chino Hills @ 05:47 on Nov 11 2006

Were's my water buffalo? why don't I got no water buffalo Superchick?



Posted by Neil in Cheltenham, Glos @ 16:38 on Jun 20 2006

Well done, brilliant album, very varied. I love 'Anthem', and 'Courage'-both completely different.



Posted by Kendra in Rapid City,SD @ 16:17 on Jun 13 2006

Dear Superchick,
I love this album!Especially number 6 Beauty from pain because I have been going through alot and it helps to listen to some uplifting music!thanks!
Kendra



Posted by Cassi in Hesperia @ 03:58 on May 10 2006

Superchic(k) U AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love your songs inpeticular We Live and Barlow Girls(monkey lab mix) thanx for being supportive.

:)Cassi(:



Posted by Joel @ 11:41 on Jul 2 2005

A really great album. Superchic(K)s albums seem to get better and better as they go along.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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