In the past, I've seen metalheads complaining about pop music. But I think there's a difference between good pop and bad pop. KISSIN' DYNAMITE bring a pop sensibility to their music that makes it easily accessible while still being entertaining. Sometimes the music comes off as a bit generic, but overall "Generation Goodbye" is a fun, feel-good album to listen to.

The band blends hard rock and metal well, and manages to slip in a few ballads as well. "If Clocks Were Running Backwards" is a highlight on the ballad front. The melody of the chorus reminds me of "Kiss From A Rose" by SEAL. Johannes Braun gives an emotive vocal performance, while Ande Braun brings a bend-filled guitar solo. "Masterpiece" also showcases J. Braun's softer vocals. Guest vocalist Jennifer Haben joins him for a beautiful duet in the chorus, and gives a great solo performance as well.

But the album isn't all sweetness and light. The guys take a swipe at social media addicts, which seems to be the main theme of the album. "Hashtag Your Life" is a case in point; the lyrics criticize living an ultimately lonely life of liking and sharing while shut in one's bedroom. Andreas Schnitzer gives some cool snare fills, and adds to the catchiness of the song. The chorus is an earworm of note; I keep hearing J. Braun singing "I'm gonna like it, like it, on my own". "Somebody to Hate" is another critique of the "social media generation", and contains the humorous lyrics "brothers and sisters, go forth and hate each other". This song is one of the heavier tracks on the album, and has interesting vocal phrasing, and guitarists A. Braun and Jim Müller give solid performances. The latter two know how to bring the catchy guitar hooks. Braun plays some powerful leads throughout; an example is "Flying Colours". The mix felt a bit compressed here and there (especially with regards to the bass), but the guitars don't seem to overwhelm the vocals and vice versa.

"Generation Goodbye" is the kind of album that doesn't demand deep concentration from the listener, but that's not a shortcoming. Sometimes an easy-listening album is exactly what you need. These guys aren't out to reinvent anything, but they have something interesting to say nonetheless.