Through Being Cool is a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. I first got into this album in middle school and re-listening to it again at the age of 36 with two young kids running around the house represented just how fast life can change and how far it can take you on this wild journey. Back then every word from lead singer Chris Conley felt like it was uttered from my own lungs, each song written just for me. From the Perks of Being A Wallflower esque commentary on dealing with the emotions of being a young teen (“Shoulder to the Wheel”) to the high-strung toil a breakup can take on your heart (“Rocks Tonic Juice Magic”), Saves The Day encapsulated what it means to be young and searching for answers for myself and a generation of pop punk meets emo kids growing up in the late 90’s and early aughts. It’s an album that changed the lives of thousands of kids and is one of those cuts that, while not achieving significant commercial popularity, is constantly cited as the one that inspired generations of bands who followed in their footsteps.
Standout Songs: “Shoulder to the Wheel”, “Rocks Tonic Juice Magic”, “Third Engine”
