Sugar Ray, Sugar Ray Lava/Atlantic

Sugar Ray"s last album was titled 14:59. This self-titled follow up proves that the clock is still ticking on their fame countdown. The band is not without talent, though Mark McGrath is definitely not the best voice in rock. But MTV and teenage girls like boys who look good. The real problem, however, is that most of the songs on this CD seem stolen or recycled.

Aside from the weak lyrics of CD opener "Answer the Phone" (the chorus consists of "Answer the phone/I know you"re at home," and that"s pretty much it) feels like a bad Blink 182 impression.

The first single, "When It"s Over" is classic Sugar Ray. If Sugar Ray can be referred to as classic, although there is a Throwback to "Every Morning" when they sing "Shut the door baby/don"t say a word" in "Ours."

But the new single is a pretty good pop song. It"s happy and upbeat, just like Sugar Ray"s other hit singles. Like it or not, get used to it because the song will be on your radio all summer long.

The album is full of average rock songs, with a few exceptions. "Sorry Now" is reminicent of the Spin Doctors with heavier guitars. While "Stay On" features a reggae-esque beat, but it"s not Bob-Marley-good reggae. It"s more like the members of Sugar Ray thought they were UB40.

The album closes with its two best songs. "Just A Little" has a country sound to it that was pleasantly surprising. The guitar work is good and the slides are executed well with a slight country-western twang.

"Disasterpiece," has a good opening guitar riff with a Rolling Stones feel. The song goes more in a pop/rock direction than the Stones would play, but it still sounds alright. Overall, the CD is average. Sugar Ray is basically a pop band now, so the songs are all easy on the ears. If you"re a Sugar Ray fan, chances are you"ll love it. If you"re looking for timeless, groundbreaking rock and roll, grab a Zeppelin album.

Grade: C+