Lit

Atomic

RCA

Lit is one of those bands people love or hate.

Either way, it’s hard to deny it writes some catchy stuff, and this album is a vindication of why it is such a popular outfit.

It doesn’t matter that the percussion work is minimal and amazingly simple, but perhaps that’s the point. The band strips rock ’n’ roll down to its roots and plays it like it’s supposed to be played - without any of the nonessential extras.

The album doesn’t have any classic hits like “My Own Worst Enemy,” but it squeaks by as not the worst album of 2001.

But it certainly isn’t the best.

“Something To Someone” screams radio hit, while “The Last Time Again” is driven by a creative hook and lyrics that didn’t require much thought.

“Addicted” is a good example of that, matching a relatively easy drum line with an even easier riff.

And what rock album would be complete without an acoustic breakdown to give it a sense of emotion? The lyrics in “Happy In The Meantime” is a classic indication of good old rock ’n’ roll played on a lonely porch on the countryside. It even has some hint of country whining.

“And I can’t wait, can’t hardly wait, to see if things are better off now/I think I’m better off now/It’s just another reason why/It all comes down to you and I, let’s have another drink, waste some time with me, we’re happy in the meantime.”

This tune even features some string instruments, reminiscent of Green Day’s hit track “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).”

After some solid material, the album shoots itself in the foot with “Drop D,” which is just annoying. “Next Time Around” is another weak song.

And this is where the band has a problem, much like it did on its last release, “A Place in the Sun.” The first couple of songs off “Atomic,” including the single “Lipstick and Bruises” aren’t bad tunes, but after those, the record goes downhill.

It’s as if it recorded six or seven great songs, than put together some fillers for the sake of releasing a record, instead of focusing on the quality of each song.

It’s really too bad.