If there's ever been a band that knows how to make the most out of a cover song, it's Reel Big Fish. They turned A-ha's "Take on Me" into a ska punk classic and they do "Boys Don't Cry" almost as well as Mr. Robert Smith himself. So it makes sense that the band would eventually release an all-covers record.

The album's artwork and title would imply that Reel Big Fish were shifting their focus from '80s new wave to '80s hair metal (which probably would have been a good idea). However, the collection doesn't really stick to any particular theme. The band jumps from glam rockers Poison and Slade to sensitive songwriters John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, with a sincere nod to Toots & the Maytals thrown into the mix.

Other than a doo-wop take on "Talk Dirty to Me," each of the tracks gets standard ska-cover treatment -- rapid upbeats, horn leads, and punk harmonies. While the record isn't intended to be more than a quick and easy listen, it's disappointing that the band, who's never been interested in following the rules, choose to play this record so safe.