The Chronicles Of Life And Death
by Good Charlotte
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Oct 5, 2004
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    A giant leap forward--in instrumental prowess, and in emotional and melodic scope. [8 Oct 2004, p.113]
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  2. E! Online
    75
    Pulling off the tricky balancing act of aiming for mainstream success while keeping one's street cred intact, songs like "Ghost of You" and "Predictable" abandon the band's mall-rat roots in exchange for more mature influences like U2 and Muse.
  3. Billboard
    70
    The band takes its proven peppy rock sound to new heights.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    For all their well-crafted ambition on Chronicles, "I Just Wanna Live" feels like Good Charlotte's centerpiece, since it's spiked with rock power, but gets its soul from the pop life they lead.
  6. Spin
    67
    It's hard to know if Madden's complaints seem so tame because the band's music is less zippy, or whether he's just taking the easiest path to the teen masses. [Nov 2004, p.109]
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  7. Los Angeles Times
    63
    The band never quite escapes its proven pop formula or simple tales of angst. [10 Oct 2004]
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 117
  3. Negative: 28 out of 117
  1. WhatsAmovie
    May 6, 2011
    9
    I grew up with GC. I love them. This cd is my childhood. It's there best cd and they will never come abck to this stuff again. They justI grew up with GC. I love them. This cd is my childhood. It's there best cd and they will never come abck to this stuff again. They just won't. This cd is deep and sad. it's a beautiful album and i will not stop loving it. No matter what GC is today.… Full Review »
  2. Andrea
    Aug 4, 2009
    5
    The record has bad songs, I could save only three-four tracks. Not the best by this band, only a commercial product.
  3. Paul
    Nov 24, 2007
    1
    I bought this album as an impressionable 13-year old when it first came out. I didn't enjoy it much at the time, and upon returning, I bought this album as an impressionable 13-year old when it first came out. I didn't enjoy it much at the time, and upon returning, realise what a humourless, soulless turd it is. The pre-packaged predictability, the psuedo-goth lyrics (apparently free of irony in songs such as 'The World is Black') and the microwaved, rehashed power chords all reek of product. The transparent punk facade only adds further insult to the listener's intelligence. Album number five might as well be titled: 'My Daddy Left Me But At Least I Have A Platinum Record'.… Full Review »
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