Puddle Of Mudd
Livin' On Borrowed Time

"Living on borrowed time," this is how "Livin' On Borrowed Time," the latest effort by Puddle Of Mudd, presents itself to the world. Frankly, a lot of time has passed since the last "Life On Display," and a lot has changed for the band from Kansas City. Being pessimistic, one expected a shamelessly radio-friendly album after the release of the debut single "Famous," featuring the four guys on the cover in a Backstreet Boys style; in part, that was the case.

The first track, "Famous," is typically 'American rock' in its foundation and lyrics: "I just wanna be famous and be screwed by Jaded" (let's hope for him it's a woman and not the chameleon from Rai2) says the chorus in which Wes Scantlin gets computer assistance during recording, and from the bassist live, because naturally, he can't quite make it. Still, it's a very nice and energetic track, just as Mudd always showed in their previous works. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep going like that; they needed to sell a bit more after the mere 900,000 copies of "Life On Display." That's where "It Was Faith," a ballad worthy of the best Nick Carter, disgracefully covered by a shamelessly catchy base, comes in.

Luckily, there's a bounce-back with "Psycho," with an imprint similar to the previous "Famous," although the base goes into a loop, leaving no room for the drums, guitar, or bass. After a mid-section characterized by the album's second ballad "We Don't To Look Back Now," we arrive at "Merry-Go-Round," where you can appreciate a more punk'n'roll approach (did that genre ever exist?). Finally, there's a taste of alternative rock/grunge in "I'm So Sure," where the band seems to return to the distorted/Cobain-esque style of past times. It ends with the unpleasant pop-rock "Radiate" and the rougher (but not too much) "If I Could Love You."

The positive aspect noticed are the shifts in sound. Indeed, if the previous works, especially "Come Clean," were characterized by similar bases, this latest LP is more varied. Unfortunately, there's also the negative choice (the band’s and/or the record label's) to include radio-friendly tracks that definitively sell out Puddle Of Mudd, thereby further widening their audience.

Not much to add, "Livin' On Borrowed Time" is the band's worst work... or is it the best? If you appreciate The Calling and think Chris Cornell's latest CD is amazing, you'll opt for the latter choice.

*The cover is not currently available. However, you can still 'appreciate' that of the first single "Famous," complete with the emo haircut of the guy on the right and casual clothing.