Artist: Powerman 5000

Album: Transform

Label: Dreamworks Records

In its latest album, Powerman 5000 comes off looking more like the hard rock rendition of a boy band than the usual persona associated with the rock industry.

But like the NSYNCs of the world, this band will keep listeners coming back, even through the cheesy lyrics and swollen persona.

The band is known for its poppy rock anthems, such as “Bombshell” and “When Worlds Collide.” These tracks usual offer listeners a mixed taste of the techno-rock genre.

Transform is no exception, mixing the band’s knack for strong rifts and complex song structure.

The compact disc as a whole seems to be geared toward the listener’s experience and not comfy padding for a couple of singles. Listeners of the rock genre should find the album as a whole quality and evidence of an experienced group.

From a melody standpoint, there isn’t a hiccup on the entire album. The flow is mixed and may not offer much range for the band but will keep an audience.

The lyrics could use a few touch-ups, though.

The writing for songs like “Hey, That’s Right!” and “Theme to a Fake Revolution” seem rushed and transparent. But Powerman’s strongsuit seems to be giving its audience a good listening experience and not boring them with deep political satire.

High points include hard-thumping “Free” and “Stereotype,” which flirts with a deeper meaning.

Lyrics also are a vice for these tracks, but the overall presentation will leave rock lovers satisfied. Lyrics like “Sign up and sell your soul/ what’s that, it’s rock and roll,” sound cheesy and uncharacteristic of a band pushing the techno-rock image.

Fans of the group might be critical of the lack of one or two strong tracks. Other listeners and fans alike should appreciate Transform for its effect on the grand scale, and not the popularity of one or two individual songs, as Powerman has done in the past.

Music lovers will appreciate the fun sound and head-nodding beats, while anyone looking for Jewelish tunes, should pass on by.

Grade: B- (Rock lovers: A)