Albums that bring back memories, no matter what kind of memories they are, are dear to me. To be honest, most of said albums I don't consider to be musically appealing anymore -- but it's always fun to reminisce. In terms of now-defunct pop trio LFO, I'd be lying if I said I still regularly listen to Life is Good, but it's a truly, genuinely listenable album that doesn't at all display a typical boy-band sound.

When I say that it's not a typical boy-band sound, I'm not trying to persuade people that it's driving, hard rock, or soulful, chilling jazz. Because it's not. Not even close. It is POP. And sure, it has the catchy hooks and the simple (yet slightly quirky) lyrics, but what sets it apart is that it's also got this fresh, unique, undeniably addictive, crisp sound that would fit in much more comfortably on 1970's pop/rock radio than with choreographed late 1990s "Girl, you broke my heart" boy-bands.

LFO made quite a bad impression on many music listeners with their first single "Summer Girls" in 1999. It's been deemed one of the most hideous pop songs in recent memory -- and although I don't quite agree with that opinion, I never was too stoked about it either. Life is Good came in the summer of 2001, and it was unfortunately overlooked with the rare exception of the very slight success of lead single "Every Other Time". In fact, not very many people even knew that the guys had returned with a sophomore album. It was not trashed, it was not glorified -- it was just there. But I loved, loved, loved this thing back in those days, and looking back on it, well, I wasn't completely dumb back then.

The aforementioned semi-hit from Life is Good, "Every Other Time", is a midtempo, fluffy yet twangy track that manages to be humorous and zesty at the same time. Rich Cronin takes on the lead vocal work here, expressing his annoyance with a love/hate relationship that has possibly worn out a little too far. The hooks are there, the catchiness is there, and the lyrical quips are plentiful, but it somehow won't annoy people nearly as much as the majority of their previous album. "28 Days" is a snappy, summery song that will get anyone humming along in no time. The chorus is youthful and wistful: "28 days til I see you / I know it seems too long, but listen / I gotta do what I gotta do / and the wheels on the bus go 'round."

"6 Minutes" is easily the album's standout track. It's easily memorable with its uptempo groove, yet it is anything but generic. LFO's occasionally bizarre lyrics make an appearance here: "Sometimes I wish that I looked like Tom Cruise / 'cause in a crowded room, would I be the one that she would choose?" But before you can even roll your eyes, the chorus, with its lighthearted, feel-good vibe, will have you smiling. "Alayna" has a healthy dose of hip-hop vibe courtesy of the guest appearance by De La Soul. Rich Cronin's vocals are perfect here, during the whisper-chant vibes of the verses and the loud chorus. "Dandelion" is a slow, delicate, acoustic number that is somehow magical. This song actually appears twice on the album -- the version I'm significantly more partial to features velvety, light guest vocals by R&B star Kelis -- and it tells about an encounter that may seem like love, but takes a drastic turn.

During the recording of Life is Good, Rich Cronin was in a relationship with actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, so I'm-so-happy-in-love songs are plentiful on the album. But wait! In most cases, it just might be nauseating -- but LFO makes it cute. Kind of. In "Where You Are", Rich unfolds all his feelings, complete with "sha la las" and a personal note to Jennifer: "Miss Love, I hope you realize / there's something magic in your eyes." The song seems like it would be played in a 1950s jukebox, and it's just a happy little pop song, with a happy little vibe that will either make you smile or make you sick. "If I Had a Dollar" is a refreshing ballad that shows Devin Lima's vocal talent -- his silky voice is perfect for a pop/R&B type of song, and is a nice alternative to Rich's '70's pop/rock-esque sound occasionally.

Similarly, Devin shines (baaahh) in "The Sun Still Shines". The lyrics about lost love -- maybe about death, maybe about a breakup -- are simple, yet heartbreaking. "Still hear our favorite song / tears falling as I sing along," Devin mourns, adding all kinds of emotionally wrecked ad-libs. It's all good here, in a sunny, nearly cheerful midtempo poppier-than-pop song. Everything flows excellently. When the album ends, there is a hidden song, presumably titled "Susie's Pillow". It travels a bit more of an alternative-rock road than the other songs, as Rich and Devin trade off vocals to top Brad Fischetti's jumpy guitar work.

Life is Good has always been an unfairly overlooked album. By no means will it appeal to those who can't handle cheerfulness and occasional cheesiness. However, it just might surprise someone who always lumped LFO in the same category as NSync and Backstreet Boys. It serves up a nice, refreshing dose of unique pop with a twist: there's slow, acoustic mourning, some hip-hop influenced tracks, and some throwbacks to splashy 1950's bop-pop. Give it a chance.

Recommended: Yes