while i think everything the souls have done is great, they suprised me with this one by writing songs that seem to be more "crafted" than "spit out" this time around. and that's a good thing. the ususal underdog themes are here, but with a bit of a feel that indicates that the guys aren't as knee-jerk as they used to be. i'm sure countless reviewers before me have already mentioned the "maturity" present here, and they would be right. this record needed to be made, and i think time will only show how poignant it is. it's one that, 5 years down the line, people will re-discover, like jawbreaker's "dear you". and wonder how they didn't see it as a classic right off the bat. well, because they didn't yet have some of the necessary experiences yet, that's why.

i could break this record down track by track, but the truth is, every song has such a thorough, unique feel to it, they're all keepers. i venture to say that this is arguably the souls' best record, but i am swayed by the fact that it speaks more to fans that are 30 instead of 17 this time around, and i am closer to the former. every record of theirs is special, but this one just has a quality that resonates with me more than ever right now. feeling older or out of touch a bit, maybe? not sure if the souls still do it for ya like they used to, years back? pick this one up and you'll find that they've still got it, and they'll still convince you that you do, too.

If you are considering the purchase of this album, don't hestitate. It sucks that you do not own it already, but Souls fans are willing to forgive (under conventional circumstances). Anyway, the tracks on Anchors Away not only have the classic amazing Souls lyrics and hooks, but this is the best sounding Souls record yet.

If you LOVE the Bouncing Souls, this is a must have album! Great songs that are diverse, yet 100% authentic.

I'm an old school guy. The Ramones are the best band. I love '77-style punk and American hardcore and old UK crusty (don't want you bloody revolutions, i want anarchy and peace). I don't like a lotta recent punk, though original Rancid is good, swedish band Randy is awesome and so are the Souls, of course. I'm listening to this for the first time now. I'm at track 14. This is pretty different from earlier Souls records, you can see an effort to be hardcore on some of the tracks, and it's darker and less youthful. For example, Summer Vacation was reflective in a sort of ... introverted teenager (um, myself) kind of way, this is more reflective in a looking back "seen-better-days" moving on kind of way. I'm listening to "The Day I Turned My Back on You" now it's a Rancid-kind of oi sing along song. Good. "Born Free," "Todd's Song," and "New Day" are the best on here. As I drummer in my own band, the Ice Breakers, which I am shamelessly plugging, I was very impressed with Mike McDermott's performance on "Todd's Song." And I also really like when band's do political-sorta songs. The Souls discovered politics in the same way the Ramones did, in hope-for-tomorrow type heartfelt rants like the Ramones' "Planet Earth 1988," "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg," "Censorsh*t," or the anarchistic "Howling at the Moon." The Souls employ the same technique in songs like "New Day" (the best on the record) and "Born Free." So, essentially, this aint their best (get "Good the Bad & the Argyle" and "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" first), it's dark and different, but still good.

Wow!! this album rocks!! Whoever doesn't get this album is sure missing out. I mean come on!! they are the soulz! they keep on coming with great songs like "KIDS AND HEROES" and "BLIND DATE" this is truly a must have. Seriously if you pass on this album well its just sad!! If you dont believe me, well just listen to the samples!! All the songs are inspiring and just great to rock on!! Play it loud in your room!! you should also buy "Hopeless Romantic" wich is another album by the same band you won't be sorry for either! I guarantee it!so what are you doing still reading this? hurry and purchase this album before its too late!!