After a very promising debut album,
Buckcherry's second record is disappointing. Except for the odd track like "Underneath," nothing here matches the catchy singles of the debut. To make up for the lack of quality material, the band tries to substitute an excess of profanity and sleazy attitude. For a second record, it's surprising how jaded and nihilistic they are already. Singer
Josh Todd declares in the chorus of the title track, "Life ain't nothin' but bitches and money," while the band sounds like an
AC/DC clone. If there's any element of truth in songs like "Porno Star," "Slit My Wrists," and "Whiskey in the Morning," fans should be concerned for the members' safety and hope to not find one of them dead soon. Meanwhile, the softer songs -- "Helpless," "You," and an untitled bonus track, are all unimaginative standard power ballads. In 1999,
Buckcherry filled the void left by
Guns N' Roses as a tough, streetwise hard rock band from L.A. with great songs rooted in classic rock tradition. Two years later, the band seemed to run out of steam -- a clear victim of the sophomore jinx. At its best, the band shows tremendous promise and talent. At its worst, it is just downright trashy. Unfortunately, this album emphasizes those more unattractive aspects. The world found that an unpolished
Buckcherry is pretty ugly. [
Time Bomb was also released in a "clean" edition, containing no profanities or vulgarities.] ~ Steven Jacobetz