GOOD CHARLOTTE RETURNS (FINALLY) WITH A BRAND NEW SINGLE “REJECTS”

Although the pop-punk revival began a few years ago, we are now in the midst of its renaissance period. With new albums anticipated this year from The All-American Rejects, Motion City Soundtrack, and now, Good Charlotte, emo kids of all ages are being well-fed in 2025. The newest anthem from Good Charlotte, “Rejects,” suggests that this comeback was much needed for everyone involved.

This single sounds like Good Charlotte, but modernized for 2025 without being overbearing. “Rejects” has verses that mimic early Ultra Q, with an intriguing, indie-punk vibe. Delayed vocals and distorted, plucked guitars round out the mix, emphasizing GC’s overarching theme of supporting the underdog. They were there for us before anyone else was, after all, and their return is certainly timely, with everything going on in the world.

It’s a solid first single for a band that’s been away for some time. “Rejects” might not be everyone’s favorite Good Charlotte track, since hits like “The Anthem” or “Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous” are hard to beat. Still, it’s phenomenal thanks to its balance of embracing modernity and tradition at once.

Legacy emo/pop-punk bands are this journalist’s niche specialty. As a result, I’ve come up with the formula for the makings of a “successful” legacy revival:

Timing + Passion + Fan Anticipation + Solid LP + Tour = WELCOME BACK, BAND!!!

Good Charlotte has already aced this arithmetic with flying colors. Welcome back, indeed!