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Good Charlotte, ‘Cardiology’ (Capitol)

Last time we heard from these pop-punk glamour boys, on 2007’s Good Morning Revival, frontman Joel Madden was reflecting on his breakup with Hilary Duff over synthed-up mall rock not unlike Duff’s own. Three years (and two little Maddens) later, Cardiology dials down the sparkle, which is kind of a bummer; plodding fake-U2 anthems such as “Right Where I Belong” are definitely not Good Charlotte’s sweet spot. “Like It’s Her Birthday” is the appealingly airheaded exception–it’s Hot Topic hair metal complete with a shout-out to Black Eyed Peas.