Gym Class Heroes - A Cruel As School Children

Fueled By Ramen 25th Anniversary silver vinyl

The third album by Gym Class Heroes, originally released July 25, 2006, and produced by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. The album debuted at No. 35 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, becoming the group's first album to reach the chart. On Aug. 9, 2007, the album was certified gold by the RIAA for sales of more than 500,000 copies in the U.S.

"The Roots aren't the only hip-hop group to build their sound around live instrumentation. Yet this Upstate New York quartet doesn't sound much like Philly's finest. Further, As Cruel as School Children is more radio-ready than previous efforts, especially 'Cupid's Chokehold,' which appropriates Supertramp's 'Breakfast in America' to fine effect, i.e. 'Take a look at my girlfriend / She's the only one I got.' (A different mix appears on The Papercut Chronicles.)

"Not many indie-pop artists can freestyle, though, as frontman Travis McCoy proves on 'Sloppy Love Jingle, Pts. 1-3,' a trio of a cappella raps. Aside from dividing these tracks into 'periods,' 'study halls,' and the like, in fitting with the high school theme, McCoy's narratives touch on teachers, cheerleaders, and lunch room chatter. Guests include William Beckett (The Academy Is...) on '7 Weeks' and Speech (Arrested Development) on 'Biter's Block.' Cruel as School Children was co-produced by Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) and released by band mate Pete Wentz's Decaydance imprint. Stump, who pops up in the 'Cupid' video, also provides programming and backing vocals." — Amazon.com

Side A

1. The Queen and I

2. Shoot Down the Stars

3. New Friend Request

4. Clothes Off!!

5. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 1

6. Viva La White Girl

7. 7 Weeks

Side B

1. It's OK, but Just This Once!

2. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 2

3. Biters Block

4. Boys in Bands Interlude

5. Scandalous Scholastics

6. On My Own Time (Write On!)

7. Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast in America (Girlfriend) [Radio Mix]

8. Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 3

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it