I recently read that part of what made Bad Religion so great was a friendly competition between lead singer Greg Graffin and guitarist Mr. Brett. They would write songs not only for the simple satisfaction, but also to top the other person, and this would produce some of the best punk rock music any of us have ever heard. BR took a noticeable downturn after Brett quit, likely due to Greg's lack of motivation to write truly fantastic songs. Now with Brett back in the band it is clearly evident that things are back as they should be.
Starting out with a great upbeat song, Supersonic, this record is a fantastic comeback for the band who had to resort to opening for Blink 182 in recent years (most bands would dream of that slot but BR fans take it as an insult, considering that they nearly invented this whole style over 20 years ago). In the tradition of Recipe For Hate and Stranger Than Fiction, The Process of Belief is chock full of intelligent lyrics and multi-part harmonies in their anthemic sing-a-longs.
Another highlight is their first single, Sorrow, which is Kerosene-esque with its infectiously repeating chorus "There will be sorrow no more" ... "When the only true messiah rescues us from ourselves." A curious statement from a band who has spent their life denying God and all forms of religion. There are other slight references that might make you wonder a little bit, such as "The process of belief is an elixir when you're weak, I must admit at times I indulge it on the sneak, but generally my outlook's not so bleak."
Overall this is what all of us BR fans have been waiting for, a good solid record with not a track-skipper in the bunch. Any fan of melodic punk should buy this album.
A
