The 88 - Not Only...But Also (2008)

Power pop is a genre that never seems to go out of style. Ever since the Beatles invented it back in the 1960s, each subsequent decade has spawned countless bands that specialize in tunes that walk the line between sticky sweet pop and good old-fashioned rock & roll. As evidenced by their 2008 release, Not Only...But Also, a leading candidate for the "early 21st century power pop award" is the Los Angeles, CA based trio, the 88. The group's third full-length overall (but first for major-label Island Records) was produced by a pair of gentlemen who have scored their fair share of hits over the years -- Babyface and Matt Wallace (the latter best known for his groundbreaking work with the great Faith No More). And while the majority of the album is quite upbeat (especially such jolly ditties as "Coming Home" and the album opening "Go Go Go"), there are a few detours into melancholy ("No One Here," "Save Your Breath") that momentarily break up all the sunshine. Pop music of the early 21st century is largely comprised of youngsters who seem satisfied with their mere 15 minutes of fame, but with Not Only...But Also, the 88 have put together a consistent pop album from front to back.