Charlotte’s ‘Chronicles’ good background noise

Good Charlotte

“The Chronicles of Life and Death” (Epic) •• 1/2

For a moment, punk rock was sounding ambitious again. Green Day has already delivered a timely rock opera, “American Idiot,” and now Good Charlotte is stretching its punk-pop into a concept album with the humble title “The Chronicles of Life and Death.”

It begins impressively enough with the voices of a pop-goth choir before slipping directly into the pure radio pop of the title track, a stirring sound far more Beach Boys than the Clash. It’s packaged as a major statement, but the lyrics remain emotional in the shallowest of ways – no ideas, just attitude.

Good Charlotte (which plays the Spokane Arena next Sunday) has a knack for the sugary, well-crafted melody but never quite escapes its proven pop formula or simple tales of angst. It makes for perfectly pleasant background noise for your homework or morning commute, but the band clearly isn’t ready to risk adding depth to a successful career.

– Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times

Minnie Driver

“Everything I’ve Got in My Pocket” (Zoe) •••

When you realize that the British actress better known for her roles in “Good Will Hunting” and “Return to Me” was a serious jazz musician before she turned to the screen, this album no longer seems such a surprise. That training is what might have given Driver the ability to evoke emotional undercurrents in these self-written songs that layer compassion and wisdom, starting with the hope-filled title cut.

Driver’s wistful, country-tinged melodies roll gently over subtle steel guitar in “Fast As You Can,” “Home” and “Deeper Water,” and her deconstruction of Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart” distills the poignancy of the rock anthem into a fragile ballad. Driver’s delicate touch reminds of Norah Jones but takes a much deeper plunge into the psyche. It’s a dive listeners shouldn’t be afraid to take.

– Nichelle Smith, Gannett News Service