Released: May 7, 2002

Upon their arrival on the pop-punk scene in the early 2000’s, Something Corporate quickly rose to cult fame and notoriety due to their catchy, witty take on post-emo anthems. Leaving Through the Window is an excellent example of this. Although a few songs play on stereotypical pop-punk tropes (the manic-pixie-dream-girl of “Punk Rock Princess”, for instance), it also holds profound wisdom and reflection, highlighted in the nostalgic “Cavanaugh Park”. Although a handful of songs tend to bleed together and begin to sound eerily similar to one another, they bear enough difference to one another to remain exciting and captivating throughout its 58 minute play time. Singer Andrew McMahon’s vocals aren’t the best, but pack the sincere-yet-angry punch that gives the record an edge not often found in pop-punk records. The album packs its hardest punches in its beginning and end, starting out with fan favorites “Punk Rock Princess” and “If You C Jordan” and ending on the mellow, profound notes of “Globes and Maps”. Of McMahon’s many projects, Something Corporate may not be the most refined, but that doesn’t stop it from being his best. Mixing catchy choruses with complex verses, Leaving Through the Window is a truly timeless record that feels like a home away from home.

Rating: ★★★★☆

For Fans Of: Dashboard Confessional, Jack’s Mannequin, Yellowcard

Listen To: “If You C Jordan”, “Punk Rock Princess”, “You’re Gone”