I dislike pop-punk. I mean, it takes a less than a small heap of talent to write and perform, and it's sugary melodies can be exhausted quickly, but the ugliest of part is the word “punk” within it's most common reference. I'm convinced it wouldn't receive so much flack by others without it's reference to an early anti-establishment music scene. Rather, such bands who are clearly more pop thank “punk,” should not suffer a case of mistaken identity.

While the reviewing of this disc will likely coincide with my last listen to this album, this band is not a total failure. Comparable to bands like Good Charlotte, Sugarcult and Not By Choice -- poppiest of the genre -- Stellar Kart succeed on the marketability level but fail in originality, unsurprisingly. While it takes only a single listen to enjoy the tracks, the listener is left with little to unravel as times continues. These ssngs are destined for CCM radio, as almost every song on the album is in direct subject to Jesus or God (I'm not even sure if “spiritual” describes these lyrics). While the lyrics are simplistic and more or less common sense to even the most ignorant people, I'm in favor of lyrics quoted from a youth-group devotional over ones from a teenager's diary full of not-so love stories.

I listened to this album once. While it won't be staying in my player any longer, I've gotta admit that Stellar Kart have the pop element captured. It was enjoyable while it lasted. As long as bands are making a living off of recording and touring their brand of pop-rock around, I can't blame them for throwing us sing-a-longable tunes with topics of self-worth, unconditional love, guidance and encouragement. However, listeners may find themselves getting sick of this album almost as quickly as they began to enjoy it. If you're into simple, catchy pop-rock and enjoy near re-workings of other pop punk hits, this is a 10-pin strike. For artsy elitists still afraid to embrace the purity of pop, this is a complete gutterball.