Hokus Pick has been in the game for awhile bringing silly and serious positive tunes since their debut as Hokus Pick Maneuver in the early 90s. Since then they've dished out killer tunes like "Love Stuff," "Sofa Logic," "I'm So Happy," "Gelatin," "Love and Co.," and a slew of others. Late last year, these crazy Canadians dished out yet another helping of Hokus happiness with their 7th musical project, Super Duper.

Rawer and straight-up rock (with the occasional horns), Super Duper takes the fun of the silly tracks on Snappy and incorporates it into most of the serious songs as well. The CD begins with the happy and encouraging "Smile," which is good, but doesn't seem to propel you into the rest of the CD like the 1st song on a CD should. "Love" follows, a juvenile romp musically classical of Hokus Pick. But the album highlight that shines brighter than all of the other tracks on the album, "I Know Better," is next. A fun, light-hearted look at people who try to make themselves "better," but always fail. Lead vocalist Russ Smith takes a different approach by presenting sarcastic-sounding vocals that almost poke fun at themselves. A song that if you don't eventually laugh or at least crack a smile should make you worried if you're really alive or not.

"Forgiveness in You" follows the likes of "True Believer" and "Believe," Hokus ballads that really show you where the band's heart is. "This Is Me" is another album highlight. A song that takes a fun and sarcastic look at the different personalities of Christians, asking which is the real personality of ours of the different ones we tend to show on a weekly basis in different settings. "Christianese" is the epitome of Hokus lunacy as the band makes fun of "learning" the formulaic ways of being a Christian. "Anybody Else But Me" is another rock song, where although presented as a typical rock song, showcases considerably funny lyrics about someone who wants to be anybody but themselves. The CD closes out with "Rest," a melodic praise song with honest lyrics that anyone can relate to. The perfect way to close out the album.

Although not their best, but definitely a good album, Super Duper gives fans another dose of Hokus antics and serves up a good, fun modern rock album.

- Review date: 3/14/00, written by John DiBiase