Various

Punk Goes Pop (2002)

Eddie

After Punk Goes Metal, Fearless Records released this creative compilation of (obviously) punk bands covering pop groups. And simply put, it's just fun to listen to these songs.

The best songs follow the formula of not sounding too much like the original version, but also not seeming like a completely original creation (excluding lyrics). These sort of songs come from Yellowcard's cover of Michelle Branch's "Everywhere," Nicotine's "Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears, Stretch Arm Strong's take on "Get This Party Started" by Pink, and others. All of these evenly mix the pop with the punk.

Some are just too different from the originals. Especially "Candy" (originally by Mandy Moore) by Slick Shoes, which really defeats the purpose of this whole compilation. Despite the lyrics, it's just like any other Slick Shoes song.

Others are way too similar to the originals. The Backstreet Boy's "I Want it That Way" by Dynamite Boy and 'N Sync's "Bye, Bye, Bye" by Further Seems Forever are both basically the same song with guitar added.

But despite some rough spots on the disc, it's still a great effort from all the artists, and it's fun to hear all of these as half-decent songs, as least. Obviously this isn't something that will stay in your CD player for weeks and weeks, but it'll be good for a few listens and laughs over time.