Four Year Strong do the ’90s: Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morrissette, No Doubt, Third Eye Blind, Del Amitri, and many other groups I had completely forgotten about. This explosive band takes the classic songs that shaped the ’90s and mash them up with their special brand of pop-punk, demonstrating that they can take any generic pop song and make it sound amazing.

After only a couple of years in the spotlight, Four Year Strong have proven to be one of the greatest pop-punk bands of the 21st century. One aspect I really enjoyed about this album was the wide range of styles, layered with energetic riffs that allow the listener to visualize the five band members running and jumping around on stage. So even though there are no original songs on Explains It All, Four Year Strong manage to make each song into their own musical endeavor.

(I Surrender Records, 314 Hyslip Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090)