As Cruel as School Children

by Gym Class Heroes

Overview

Implementing live instruments instead of looped samples or beats -- and helmed by the quick tongue of MC Travis McCoy -- there's really no denying the enjoyable affair that is Gym Class Heroes' As Cruel as School Children. Launching with the booty-shaking "The Queen and I," the Heroes prove straightaway that they've got enough confidence, catchy rhythms, and sense of melody amid all their tight grooves and emo hipster instincts to keep things moving right along. Being a hip-hop outfit largely residing in the world of the Warped Tour, it somehow makes sense that Arrested Development's Speech makes an appearance ("Biters Block") alongside guys like William Beckett from the Academy Is... ("7 Weeks") and Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump (on the eccentric "Clothes Off!"). But while this combination of influences largely works to Gym Class Heroes' musical advantage and overall appeal, there's still something that makes their music seem not quite like a novelty and more like a fleeting pleasure. How long can a song based on Myspace relationships ("New Friend Request") really last before lines like "My man Tom introduced us but I was too shy to say hi" or "I never see my face in your Top 8" become more annoying than witty? And even if hitting topics like the life of a touring band and calling out fake, trendy music is relevant, by now it just seems more a cliche. The band's sincerity isn't in question and Gym Class Heroes are a talented crew. But ultimately, it's this standard spring of inspiration that keeps As Cruel as School Children from being much else than a perfect hangout record for summer 2006. ~ Corey Apar

Product Details

Release Date:	07/14/2023
Label:	Atlantic / Fueled By Ramen Records / Wea
UPC:	0603497833023
Rank:	33975

Tracks

1. The Queen and I
2. Shoot Down the Stars
3. New Friend Request
4. Clothes Off!!
5. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 1
6. Viva La White Girl
7. 7 Weeks
8. It's OK, But Just This Once!
9. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 2
10. Biters Block
11. Boys in Bands Interlude
12. Scandalous Scholastics
13. On My Own Time (Write On!)
14. Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America [Radio Mix]
15. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 3

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Gym Class Heroes   Primary Artist
William Beckett   Primary Artist
Kids of Crush High   Primary Artist
Lil Wayne   Primary Artist
Ghostface Killah   Primary Artist
Speech   Primary Artist
Keith Buckley   Primary Artist
Tyga   Primary Artist
Matt McGinley   Drums
Lauren Lachs   Children's Voices
Carden Katz   Children's Voices
Noah Malale   Children's Voices
Bob McLynn   Vocals
Jake Cohen   Children's Voices
Travis "Schleprok" McCoy   Vocals
Rand Bellavia   Vocals (Background)
Adam English   Piano
Eric Roberts   Bass

Technical Credits

Patrick Stump   Audio Production,Producer,Programming,Instrumentation
Sluggo   Audio Production
S*A*M   Audio Production
Tim Latham   Mixing
Gym Class Heroes   Composer
Sam Hollander   Composer
Matt Green   Mixing,Engineer
Eric Ronick   Engineer
Lauren Lachs   Performer
Carden Katz   Performer
Dave Katz   Composer
Noah Malale   Performer
Justin Hiltz   Layout Design
Jake Cohen   Performer
David Crosland   Illustrations
Travis "Schleprok" McCoy   Concept
Preston Glass   Composer
Narada Michael Walden   Composer
Roger Hodgson   Composer
Rick Davies   Composer
Pete Wentz   A&R
Chris Athens   Mastering
Serban Ghenea   Mixing
UE Nastasi   Mastering