'Disco punk' is the term used by Good Charlotte themselves to describe the sound they were aiming for on their follow-up to 2004's 'The Chronicles Of Life And Death'. After a one-minute intro, an electronic sound builds up with guitars blasting it away, and it seems like that might be the right description. I wouldn't say 'punk', but it's clear that they've certainly added some sort of dance element to their usual definitive pop-punk sound.

With the exception of the first almost hip-hop single, 'Keep Your Hands Off My Girl', and possibly the subsequent track 'Dance Floor Anthem', this is a highly impressive collection of danceable rock and pop-punk songs. Their songwriting has progressed incredibly since their debut in 2000, with four-chord magic turning into a new-found intricate ability, and in some ways it's hard to believe that this is the same band that stormed into the majority of the world's charts with 'Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous'.

Experimentation shines through with the incorporation of various instruments such as trumpets ('Broken Hearts Parade'), pianos ('Where Would We Be Now')... and church organs ('All Black'). It's an interesting concept, and it works to a high standard. The album shows Good Charlotte moving on from their whining about life and the problems they encounter, into a mature dimension that exposes an expansive talent for writing lyrics to think about, to relate to and to inspire emotion.

It's not until the last few tracks, however, that we really have something to shout about. The truly brilliant 'Broken Hearts Parade' is easily one of the best songs on the album with its infectious 'oh oh, oh oh, oh oh's, punchy guitar patterns and the trumpets that effortlessly spice up the melodies. This is followed by another stand out track, the beautiful, heartfelt masterpiece of 'March On'. Even the previous track, 'Something Else', has something irresistably catchy about it that keeps you hooked on its guitar riffs and positive sound.

Good Charlotte are certainly continuing to produce a mainstream sound, but their songwriting has progressed tremendously and their music has managed to incorporate various styles to make this album an incredible effort.