Rooney - Calling the World

Rooney
Calling the World
Cherrytree Records/Geffen
Grade: A-/A

Whatever your immediate, visceral reaction to Rooney, it is difficult to deny they have absurdly catchy and well-conceived pop rock songs. Indeed crafted for super mass appeal, one must be dared not to catch themselves bouncing their head and taping foot along to Rooney; only the truly nihilist-infected amongst us can fight such a dare. Now considerably more grown-up and wise than when they released their 2002 debut record (when their median age was 19), Rooney spent considerable time creating a monumental sophomore record that would not slump but rocket; and rocket with a healthy dose of 60s pop rock matched with contemporary alt rock. Channeling the Beach Boys’ legacy from cover art, liner pictures, to a mind-altering sound, Calling the World surely takes Rooney to another level; a classic record of our time that will be difficult for the band to trump. Beginning on the title track opener, Rooney sets out with hypnotic riffs, choruses, and piano man rock flow, and such matching is continued through the next eleven songs with varying tempos and moods. The album’s first single “When Did Your Heart Go Missing?” hints at 80s new wave while hand claps and downstroking guitars lead the chorus. “I Should Have Been After You” comes off like California sunshine, “Tell Me Soon” opens with a classic guitar riff before the strong verse interaction, and “Don’t Come Around Again” breaks into an insanely appealing chorus that is sure to stick to your gut like 24 hour BBQ rips. After the average softer “Are You Afraid?” comes the rocker “Love Me or Leave Me.” With muting fuzz guitars chugging along with the verse and electronics adding to the prowess of the repeating title on the chorus, “Love Me or Leave Me” stands out as a potential single. “Paralyzed” holds via chorus, while “What For” stands only by a quick cadence of compelling lyrics in spots though slips some from the heights. Did I mention 80s new wave before? Oh yes, and if you didn’t believe me then all you have to do is check out “All In Your Head.” Save for the chorus, the song has you looking around for a John Hughes or Michael Douglas movie soundtrack. To make sure that the 70s is properly represented, Rooney includes the prog-synth “Believe in Me” where the band channels the faulty memory of Ric Ocasek, as well as a brilliantly chorus. Call the World closes on “Help Me Find My Way” – a heartfelt ode to lead singer Robert Schwartzman’s dead father. You may want to hate on Rooney, but Calling the World is so good it is nearly impossible.