For a Canadian alternative rock band, the Barenaked Ladies have had their share of success from the shoebox of life. I was both intrigued and astonished to see them release a new album, All in Good Time, after some recent ups and downs with the band’s front-man, Steven Page, splitting from the group in 2009.

From the first single “You Run Away,” I thought I was listening to a Miley Cyrus Disney remix, and it only got worse as the entire CD flowed like a Sesame Street children’s special. The songs themselves have no continuity and end almost as abruptly as they start. The band fails miserably as it reaches for what appears to be a serious side, scraping superficially at love story portrayals and life lessons with mediocre and meaningless lyrics in songs like “I Have Learned” and “Another Heartbreak.” Page’s songwriting, responsible for clever songs like “Brian Wilson,” is clearly missed.

For all the talent and potential the band has demonstrated over the years, this new album certainly doesn’t live up to their usual optimistic tone and creative musical abilities. Where are those clever harmonies and witty rhythmic combinations that infatuated us from the beginning? I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this new album was both horrible and extraneous – sometimes you should just admit it’s all been done and quit while you’re ahead.