Sum 41 Last Album Review
Sum 41 released their final album Heaven :x: Hell on March 29, 2024. I’ve listened to it a couple times, then set it aside for a while. Mostly because initially I had mixed feelings about the album, but was not sure if I could trust my first impressions. I wanted to judge the album justly. Now, almost a year later I’ve given it another listen.
After all, it is their last hurrah, so it’s supposed to be special, right? But is it really that great, or even just good enough? Was the positive critical reception simply a result of the album being their swan release? Well, as far as the album review, here’s the short version:
Heaven :x: Hell is a fine album. While it’s not Sum 41’s best, it’s definitely not bad either. The album has the elements that show why the band is one of the greatest rock-punk groups ever. Though it also has some forgettable songs. Overall, it is a very solid enjoyable collection of genuine Sum 41 music – definitely worth listening.
If this quick summary was what you were looking for, than I’m glad to be of help. If you’re interested to hear more about “Heaven :x: Hell”, I’ll share my thoughts down below. As a fan of Sum 41 for over two decades, reviewing their final work was a personal thing for me.
Is “Heaven :x: Hell” Great, Good, Mediocre, Or Bad?
Doing Sum 41 last album review is a tough task. It is their FINAL album, so it carries additional pressure. No matter how you spin it, this fact alone makes it an important part of the band’s legacy.
All things considered, “Heaven :x: Hell” is a Good album. It has some amazing songs and definite hits (more on those below), that the band could easily include in their Greatest Hits collection. However, it also includes what you might call “fillers”. These are not terrible compositions, but you probably won’t be looking forward to hear them as much compared to other standout songs.
Overall though, it’s the same good old Sum 41 sound. The same proven musical style the fans love and expect from the band. If you enjoy their music, you’ll have a great time with this one as well.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Sum 41 Albums?
When reviewing an album, I can look at it it from two different sides. I can approach it in a vacuum – judjing it as if this was the only thing the band has ever done. Or I can take into account the rest of their music, and make a comparison. Evaluating the album on its own, I’d rate Heaven :x: Hell as Good.
Sum 41 has released eight studio albums in total. Compared to the other seven, I’d put this one right in the middle of their discography. For me this would be their 4th best. Somewhere below Chuck (2004), Does This Look Infected? (2002), and Screaming Bloody Murder (2011).
Best Songs From “Heaven :x: Hell”
Speaking about clear hits, I think it’s fair to judge the album by its strongest songs. No one cares, or even remembers the mediocre ones anyway. It’s all about the most exciting and catchy songs that stay in your head forever. And thankfully “Heaven :x: Hell” has quite a few great compositions to choose from.
These are the TOP 3 best songs from “Heaven” part of the album:
- “I Can’t Wait”
- “Bad Mistake”
- “Not Quite Myself”
And here are my TOP 3 best songs from “Hell” part of the album:
- “It’s All Me”
- “Stranger In These Times”
- “You Wanted War”
By the way, if you’re looking for rock music, check out my TOP 50 Best Rock Songs of All Time list.
Conclusion
Is this the band’s greatest work? No, it is not. As fans we surely would like it to be, just because it’s their final album. But even if the band tried it make it so, I doubt they could have achieved it. It’s not something you can do on demand. But Deryck Whibley and the company gave their best at that moment in time. And the result if quite fine.
As I am listening to it and writing this review, I’m just grateful that there is such a band as Sum 41. I get a bunch of nice emotions, and also bittersweet nostalgia feelings. In the end, the album provides the same great vibes as their older songs.
I do wish they would make more music. In case you believe that the band will decide to come back, feel free to check their official website for news. But if this is the end, it is a good note to finish on.
