Good Charlotte

Generation RX BMG

Californian pop-punks embrace the dark side.

When they first appeared with the truly obnoxious and entitled single Girls And Boys in 2002, it was difficult to see what contribution Good Charlotte may make to the world other than throwing themselves into the LA lifestyle and collecting celebrity girlfriends. Seven albums on, and they’re thinking a little more

deeply about things, and Generation RX finds them looking back on their difficult youth and contemplating the sadness and confusion that comes with teenhood in a troubled family. Drowning in dramatic, HIM-style synths, focussing on atmosphere and keeping much of it minor key, there’s little subtlety displayed in their mission, and not much in the way of memorable tunes either, but if their plan was to reach out to members of their young fanbase to tell them they’re not alone, then perhaps there’s some good to come from it all.