A lot has changed for Art Alexakis since the last time Everclear released a full length album in 2003. He has declared bankruptcy, divorced for the 3rd time, and Craig Montoya and Greg Eklund, his bandmates for 11 years left to do other projects, all within a year. Take that into consideration when listening to the album.

He has since rebanded with 4 new members including a keyboardist to form a more "mellower" Everclear sound similar to the Everclear of old, but different. That's due in part to the keyboards and the workmanship of the new members of the band.

Most of the album was recorded from live takes with everyone in the studio, something that hasn't been heard from Everclear in several years. The album has a lush sound similar to So Much For The Afterglow, but without the sweet production.

The album deals with Art Alexakis' realization of his sex addiction, his wrongdoings, and is a journal of his life from the past few years. That is something you can easily hear from songs like 'Now', 'Broken', 'The Drama King', and 'Shine'.

I really enjoyed this album, and have to say this album is a huge improvement over 'Slow Motion Daydream', which I hate. I really enjoy songs like 'Taste of Hell', 'Portland Rain', 'Now', and 'A Shameless Use of Charm' which sound like the typical Everclear song but definately have a new element in them that is interesting. 'A Shameless Use of Charm' sounds like a Ben Folds song, and 'Portland Rain' has a 'Maroon 5-ish' pop vibe going on, which is actually worth listening to and has some of the best guitar work on an Everclear related album in years.

The faults of the album were the lyrical content, which aren't as articulate and thought provoking as some of the lyrics found on the earlier albums, but I really don't think it matters for the songs as I still feel his message is expressed in a meaningful way, take for example, 'The Drama King'. And if you want to base judgement on the album after hearing 'Hater', don't, because it's the worst song on the album and really is out of place with the rest of the songs.

Give it another chance!

Yes, this cd is recieving some negative reviews and sure some people do not like the fact that two of the original three members are no longer with the band, but you have to remember that "Everclear was and always has been Art Alexakis, it was his passion and drive that got Everclear to fame in the nineties, and so now he forms a new band and calls it Everclear, again they still sound like the same guys that changed my life in the mid-nineties. I love everclear I can honestly says this, Art's Music means so much to me and it has gotten me through some really tough times, and although this cd might not be as technically perfect as the other boy band rock bands out today, you can still feel Art's love and passion come through and hopefully some 17 year old kid will hear this record like I did and it will change their life also.

So I say thank you Art for not giving up, and regardless of the reasons I appreciate the effort and am glad to have the new record, because I have liked artist in the past only to have them disappear, and it kills me not to have them anymore. So do not buy the hate, instead buy the album and remember what it is like to be young and have passion for life because that is what it is all about.

Similar to others, I miss the older, harder sound of Everclear, but if you ignore a few sing-song-y lyrics ("Losing my mind/nothing seems right") that seem out of place, it's an album that will grow on you. I like it better than "Slow Motion Daydream", and see it almost as good as "So Much For The Afterglow".

For those who criticized past Everclear albums for repeating the same sound, this album has a definite variance in sounds with Art's voice tying everything together. If you liked the "newer" Everclear sound, this is a positive progression from that and is worth the investment.

Art Alexakis is just plain brilliant. He has a totally reconstituted band after a couple of brutal years, and it sounds better than ever. I always liked the guitar work on the prior albums, but their new player really brings something new and worthwhile.

Musically, Everclear offers a unique blend of funk, punk and a little country twang that adds up to catchy, edgy riffs that stay with you. Lyrically, Art's take on relationships, parenting, and internal pain never gets old. His music is required listening for parents.

Ironically, I think the single off the album, Hater, is one of the weaker cuts. My top 3, in order, are Portland Rain, Shameless Use of Charm and Under the Western Stars.

This is another absolutely great album from a band that has been knocking 'em out of the park for years.

Everclear came out with an album last year and I bet you didn't even hear about it. Titled "Welcome to the Drama Club", Everclear released the album on their own label and have been self promoting it.

I heard their first release "Hater" by stumbling across it on a google search. I tried to purchase it off the Everclear site but was unable to complete the transaction due to a disabled check out system.

Persistance pays...and I found this Amazon link...making it easy to check out. I thought about sending them the money directly...then opted for the Amazon check out...and the ability to screen the songs. I went with purchasing the entire album.

The album has been underpromoted...and if you ever hipped on Everclear you'll be elated that they have delivered an album true to their original style. If this had been their first album, it would launch Everclear all over again.

Listen and you will return to Everclear when you get tired of all the Everclear emulators.

YES!