The third outing for this L.A. band is a lot like junior year: officially an upperclassman, but still not quite grown up. Not Only... But Also is less sugary-sweet than the band's previous effort, Over and Over, but not nearly as good as their 2003 debut, Kind of Light.
Disposable pop packagers "Babyface" Edmonds and Matt Wallace tag-teamed production duties and came up with an album of sitcom theme songs, movie montage accompaniments and car-commercial-ready throwaways. The record's opening number, "Go Go Go," is already being used by NASCAR and other racing leagues; "Love You Anytime" is a mirror of that song Adam Sandler sang to Drew Barrymore on the plane in The Wedding Singer; and if Dawson's Creek were still filming, "No One Here" would make this band millions.
But to be fair there is some solid musicianship and immediate satisfaction in almost every track. When The 88 isn't going all Downy soft on us, their charging melodies, dreamy pop hooks and slick layers make for an accessible - instead of laughable - album. Even if it's what your girlfriend listens to.
--Tim Kelly [October 25, 2008]
