For(n)ever [PA] (CD - 2009)

Personnel: Howard Benson, Paul Bushnell (keyboards).

Audio Mixer: Chris Lord-Alge.

On its fourth studio album, FOR(N)EVER, the unfortunately named heavy-rock act Hoobastank offers up another set of highly accessible guitar-driven tunes. Even more pop-oriented than past releases, this 2009 outing, helmed by longtime producer Howard Benson (Daughtry, P.O.D.), plays up frontman Douglas Robb's emotive vocals, particularly on mid-tempo songs such as "So Close, So Far" and "Tears of Yesterday." What the California-based band lacks in lyrical prowess (see "I Don't Think I Love You" and "Who the Hell Am I?"), it makes up for in catchy hooks, as most readily evinced on the upbeat opener, "My Turn," and the soaring, Foo Fighters-like "You're the One." minimize