In this era of studio-created pop crap, it's refreshing when a band comes along that is genuinely talented both in performing and writing their own songs. The singer-songwriter returns with a vengeance in the new album by 2gether appropriately titled 2gether Again, the follow-up to last year's multi-platinum debut album 2gether. For all you people living under a rock that don't know of the musical genius that is 2gether, here's the 411. 2gether is an MTV-created and produced boy band made up of five incredibly talented young men, Jerry O'Keefe, Jason "Q.T" McKnight, Mickey Parke, Chad Linus, and Doug Linus (Chris Farley's far funnier younger brother). Each member of the group brings their unique talent and ability to the table to make the group a total boy band package. This is in sharp contrast to other boy pop groups which always have that one member that just plain sucks; the Backstreet Boys have A.J, the New Kids On the Block had Danny Wood (nice name by the way), and 98 Degrees has that ugly guy. Quite simply, there are no weak links in the group, and there aren't any on the album either.

From start to finish the album can be described in three words: two much entertainment. The album serves as a soundtrack for 2gether's hugely popular hit show that airs on MTV. The album begins with the track "5gether," and the computer generated vocals at the beginning of this song grabbed me as a listener and just would not let go. 2gether shows of their urban flava in this track that they undoubtedly will be bumpin in the hood for years to come. However, "5gether" pales in comparison to the album's second track, "The Hardest Part of Breaking Up (Is Getting Back Your Stuff)," which is a real gem. The song takes the listener on a vivid journey into the mind of the 2gether boys as they cope with the very real issue of getting back one's stuff after breaking up. The true highlight of this track comes when Mickey Parke breaks off into a tongue-twisting rap that would make even the best MCs proud. After listening to his incredible rapping talent I have to believe that he is a long lost member of the Wu-Tang Clan. "I Wanna Know Your Name" is another album highlight in which 2gether's vocals are masterfully laid over an infectious beat. In that track Chad asks the age-old question of when meeting a girl "Should I let my package show?" This song truly makes the listener feel warm and fuzzy all over. The track "Regular Guy" features 2gether's under-appreciated instrumental talents. The rapid fire pace changes in the song take the listener on a roller coaster ride both emotionally and physically. One album highlight is the track "Awesome Luvr". It is another incredibly tight track in which Jerry's harrowing vocals ignite the song like gasoline on a fire. One by one each member of 2gether makes their plea as to why they are the worlds most awesomemost lover. As QT puts it, he's not too young to give a ladies hand the tongue, and even 14-year-olds like him have needs. Chad (the shy one) makes a good case for himself being the awesome lover, cause as he puts it "Are you sick of guys who come on too strong, who just want to see you wearing a tight thong. I don't even know what a thong is." 35 year old Doug Linus says that a more experienced man like himself is the answer "Cause loving is better at a much slower speed." Mickey (the bad boy) says that he is the best cause "ladies like guys who treat them like crap, has lots of tattoos and is all in to rap." In the DIY sprit of Black Flag's Damaged, 2gether took a hands-on approach to songwriting and producing on this album. Even though technically only one of them co wrote one song, I have heard from my sources that in fact they did co-write several tracks. However they are currently keeping that fact under wraps for fear that people will think that they are just too talented.

In terms of impact on the record industry, 2gether's new album simply is off the charts. 2gether has redefined teen pop with their latest effort. In fact, they have taken teen pop to the next level, and to the next level after that, and quite possibly to the next level after that. Quite simply, greatest band ever. I smell a Grammy for these five young men come next February. 2gether Again is a must-listen for any true music aficionado. Sprint down to your nearest record store, or if you don't do that just steal it off Napster. Unlike anything Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, or Britney Spears will ever produce, every single song on this album is worth the purchase price of this compact disc. Grade-A+