The Rocket Summer – Hello Good Friend
Label: The Militia Group
Style: Singer / Songwriter, Pop
Released: 2005
My Grade: 3.5 stars
AMG: 3.5
Sounds like: Billy Joel, Keith Green, Ben Folds


For this young Arizona native his influences are almost as noticable as his taste in emo (excuse me, 'emotional pop') stylings. His album is certianly a pleasant enough experience, but it ultimately leaves you longing for something with a bit more substance, a touch more class.

At times he reaches a pop enjoyment that will instantly call you and trap you inside his clever wordplay, but even the sincerity starts to wear on you as you continue to dwell on his shouting delivery, at times making me want to reach across the sound waves and time just to tell him to calm don a bit, everything does not need to be so big, so loud. He also has a tendency to never slow a song down long enough to make it listenable, he rushes through each track at such a terrifying speed you almost have to duck (which is weird in itself, how many times do you feel you have to duck while listening to a pop album?); its too bad really, because a couple songs really stand out enough to show you a good time ('Brat Pack') but the majority of this sophomore effort drives through with enough speed that the thought of slowing down might kill a terrified musician.

It is hard not to like this guy though, he is so happy and full of life, singing about love and good times, he really seems to enjoy living through the world - and that, in itself, is inspiring. I am very sure that he puts on an incredibly energetic concert and worth the time to see him perform, in fact that would be the perfect time to buy this album - after you watch him perform live, just to give you a memento.

If you love happy go lucky pop, then I very much recommend this for you, especially if your still in high school (or want to be).


Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron

Official Website: therocketsummer.com