New Roles in Life Produce Old Musical Styles and Personal Lyrics from The Madden Brothers ‘Greetings from California’

Brianne Nemiroff

After more than a decade with Good Charlotte, Joel and Benji Madden have released their debut album as The Madden Brothers, Overall, the album is more classic and timeless than anything the Madden Brothers’ have previously produced.

According to the Brothers’, the album title is not meant to symbolize the laid-back approach to the music, or to resemble a postcard from paradise. Rather, it is meant to invoke California as a metaphor for the American dream. In the Madden’s case, the lifelong dream of making it in California.

Depending on the type of Good Charlotte fan you are, you might be caught off guard by the debut album from The Madden Brothers. While they are known for the pop/punk styling of Good Charlotte, “Greetings from California” explores areas of rock the Brothers’ have not delved into. That is the whole basis of why The Madden Brothers are now in existence. By releasing this album with a different band name, it has allowed the Brothers’ to explore other sounds without alienating fans of Good Charlotte.

In the last few years, Joel and Benji Madden have undergone some of life changes. They’ve taken roles as judges on The Voice Australia, and say that experience has taught them more about the art of the “timeless song.” Joel Madden has also fathered two children, Harlow and Sparrow, with wife Nicole Richie. Joel claims with these new external and internal influences, their music has simultaneously become more personal and more universal.

“Greetings from California” is separated into two sides: Side One (tracks 1 through 8), which is largely upbeat pop-rock music; and Side Two, which is 70’s-inspired folk and southern rock.

“We Are Done,” on Side One, the album’s first single, reached No. 1 on the Australian iTunes song chart. The song is the inspiration behind the social media hashtag #WeAreDone. A song for the outcasts, or at least those looking for a glimmer of hope in their daily playlist.

Side One, produced by Good Charlotte Producer Eric Valentine gives the listener songs like “Out of My Mind,” an upbeat synth-pop track with glam-rock chord progressions. “Out of My Mind” is one of those rare songs that is beautifully-crafted and unpredictable. The verses are eccentric, while the lyrics talk about anticipation in love. The anticipation of the song is resolved in the chorus. It brings you back to sweeter chords and the lower, comforting parts of Joel’s vocals that speak about his love for a girl.

Side Two, co-produced by Producer Joe Chiccarelli, leaves the upbeat pop-rock behind, for a classic 70s-era FM pop. Side Two talks of the pain of falling in and out of love in “Love Pretenders,” and of the reality of following your dreams in the Pharrell Williams co-written track “California Rain.”

The Madden Brothers certainly get more personal with their lyrics and minimalistic with their production on Side Two. With “Good Gracious Abby” and “Suddenly,” The Madden Brothers pay homage to the sound and harmonies of The Beach Boys. Lyrically, they also talk about getting older and how their friends believe they are too old for the music scene.

With 15 tracks, it could have been easy for The Madden Brothers to get in over their heads with this album. But with their previous experience in Good Charlotte, as well as producing for other bands, these guys aren’t new to the game. With each and every track, they provide a sound that’s not too far of a jump to alienate Good Charlotte fans, but enough of a leap to bring in fans of a different genre. The Madden Brothers pay respect to the artists that inspired them and to the producers who helped make Good Charlotte a success in their earlier years.

Overall, “Greetings from California” is a solid debut album. Standout tracks “Out Of My Mind,” “We Are Done,” “California Rain” and “Suddenly.” carry the listener through. While “Greetings from California” may not be destined to be referenced as “the sound of 2014,” it’s timeless appeal can still make it a classic, rather than just this season.

The Madden Brothers “Greetings From California” Drops September 16.