Rating: 9 / 10

Say Anything is back with a new album, “In Defense of the Genre,” a two-disc record about drugs, girls and everything in between.

Max Bemis, singer and songwriter for the band, must be one messed-up guy, because he made a really good CD. The notorious frontman is known for cancelling tours for “medical reasons” and checking in and out of mental health facilities.

In the promotional stage for the band’s debut full-length ” … Is a Real Boy,” Bemis said the two people he wanted to be considered with were Jesus and Andy Warhol, a statement that is quite frankly impossible, but resulted in a great CD.

“In Defense of the Genre,” their latest album, is an outstanding artistic achievement.

Disc 1 is the far superior one of the two. Its style changes from rock to acoustic rock to some sort of showtunes/punk hybrid. Believe it or not, this album doesn’t come off as pretentious or boring.

The things that run through Bemis’ head have to be some of the more interesting song ideas and concepts. “Died a Jew” is a song about Jesus, while “Sorry Dudes, My Bad,” and “The Church Channel” reflect on having an extreme case of bipolar disorder.

Even the poppier songs are good. “Baby Girl, I’m a Blur” could probably hit the TRL Top 10. At first, it is slightly obnoxious, but the next morning, don’t be surprised to be singing it in the shower or just in your head throughout the day. It sounds like a mix of pop-punk and techno, but think more like The Faint and less like Fall Out Boy.

A lot of the cuts on the second disc have slower parts, but they aren’t without their highlights. “Have At Thee!” is a comparison of spending time with a girl that drives you insane, instead of getting drunk with your friends.

Some of Bemis’ best lyrical content can be found on Disc 2, which is a testament to his ability as a songwriter. This album comes highly suggested, and can probably be found pretty cheap at record stores this week.

If you really want to hear clinical insanity become brilliance through music, pick up this album. This reporter had expectations of hating this album, but it is going to be a long time before people stop talking about it.