Most all of {$New Found Glory}'s releases have been exuberant {\pop}-{\punk} affairs, practically serving alongside the work of {$blink-182} as the blueprint to the entire genre for the early 2000s. The guys have been nothing if not consistent for their legion of fans, but there's something about their fifth album, {^Coming Home}, that begs for those earlier fans, who may have retreated in the face of {#TRL} superstardom, to return. It's not that this album blatantly hearkens back to the days of {&"Hit of Miss."} From the album's packaging to the comfortable nature of the music, it actually feels more mature (though the guys really haven't matured at all) in a way that is catchy without seeming to care about radio accessibility. Of course, the songs are absolutely accessible, infectious tracks like {&"Hold My Hand,"} {&"It's Not Your Fault,"} and {&"Too Good to Be"} instantly ready to tear up the airwaves. Rather, the band is now in a position to simply enjoy itself without needing to forcibly shove saccharine-saturated hooks down the throats of anyone standing nearby. And they seem to realize this fact, reflected in the at-ease spirit of {^Coming Home}. Developing family life (including new marriages and children) and years of experience have conjured up some of {$NFG}'s happiest and content lyrics in a while. Heartache is still present (though mostly attributed to familial woes and not high school-related drama), as the music remains energetic and naturally catchy. {$Jordan Pundik}'s voice is still inherently nasal, but the sugary edge has been removed, leaving him sounding fuller, thus easier to handle. Renowned {\rock} producer {$Thom Panunzio} (who's worked with {$Tom Petty}, {$Ozzy Osbourne}, {$Joan Jett}, {$Alice Cooper}, to name a few) undoubtedly had a hand in this transformation, but his expertise simply tweaked what the guys already had, instead of making them something they're not. Make no mistake -- this is a {$New Found Glory} album through and through. It's full of melody, personality, and all the best attributes of their earlier work presented in a way that grows more memorable with each listen. Is it their best work yet? That's debatable. But it sure is satisfying and proves that {$NFG} is far from ready to surrender to all the fresh-faced bands nipping at their heels. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide