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Youth Authority Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

  • Summary: The first new studio release in six years for the pop-punk band led by Joel and Benji Madden was produced by John Feldmann and features guest appearances from Sleeping With Sirens's Kellin Quinn and Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil.
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Top Track

Moving On
Celebrate us when we're gone And forget what we did wrong All the memories, all the songs All the times we fell in love All I have is all that I... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. 80
    By-the-book, yes, but still a page-turner.
  2. Jul 14, 2016
    80
    Youth Authority is a sun-drenched delight that sees the quintet firmly reconnecting with their roots.
  3. Jul 15, 2016
    70
    The slower stuff often turns sticky--but the group wears their heart on the sleeve and, somehow, that tendency is more endearing as the Maddens turn into middle age warriors.
  4. Jul 15, 2016
    67
    Youth Authority does an admirable job updating Good Charlotte’s sound in ways that should please both long-term and new fans.
  5. Kerrang!
    Jul 14, 2016
    60
    Ultimately, the record's slower moments, Life Can't Get Much Better and Reason To Stay, keep Youth Authority from reaching the heights of their triple-platinum The Young And The Hopeless. Nevertheless, this collection of bright and lively summer anthems makes Good Charlotte's return a welcomed one. [9 Jul 2016, p.50]
  6. Jul 14, 2016
    60
    Both the album’s most grating and gratifying moments sound like they could’ve emanated from a Hot Topic 15 years ago. There’s danger in that nostalgia, but when it’s good, it’s great. It’s a decidedly uncool record from a band that’s long since stopped caring about these things.
  7. Jul 18, 2016
    42
    The Maddens and co. sound like they’re throwing the obligatory tropes of encroaching middle age against the wall, hoping that something, anything, will stick.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. Jan 4, 2017
    8
    In my opinion good music it shouldn't be rated by the number of chords and metaphors. This album is catchy and melodic, it could be aIn my opinion good music it shouldn't be rated by the number of chords and metaphors. This album is catchy and melodic, it could be a masterpiece for the pop punk lovers. Expand
  2. Mar 8, 2017
    8
    Good Charlotte on this new release after 6 years return telling us in a mature way about the things that happend to us all the time. SinceGood Charlotte on this new release after 6 years return telling us in a mature way about the things that happend to us all the time. Since 2003 'The Young And Hopeless'' topics like love,being afraid of change was talked in a very young and tennager way. Now some of the members are fathers so we can hear feeling like this on ''Life Changes'' -(You know they say we never gonna stay togheter. Such a beautiful song. Life Can't Get Much Better - Tells about stop fight each other cause it's all alright. Makeshift Love - the first single of the album (Like i'm dying tonight and whole world is laughing like everyone i love is gone away!) songs about moving on. ''Reason To Stay'' and '' War'' - songs about keep holding on hard times make Youth Authority a lovely record. Expand
  3. May 23, 2017
    5
    I really do enjoy this album, though admittedly it's one of the worst Good Charlotte albums. For me it's definitely a guilty pleasure. FromI really do enjoy this album, though admittedly it's one of the worst Good Charlotte albums. For me it's definitely a guilty pleasure. From the cheesy and sometimes straight dumb lyrics to the catchy, but completely conventional melodies. Youth Authority seems, very out of date and for me it relies a bit too much on nostalgia to be completely enjoyable, with very bland and forgettable songs. It's not a bad album, it unfortunately lands in the middle. Expand
  4. Nov 17, 2016
    0
    A faded bunch of horrid musicians with hired on old Hollywood has been wives to gain media attention, they were not relevant then and evenA faded bunch of horrid musicians with hired on old Hollywood has been wives to gain media attention, they were not relevant then and even less so now, and proves that if you have enough money you can be anything. Don't waste your hard earned money Expand