WORDS HARRY K
Bowling For Soup – Stoked On Trent | A Joyful Acoustic Celebration
Release Date: 21st February 2025
Bowling For Soup’s latest live acoustic album, Stoked On Trent, captures the unique spirit of their acoustic shows during Jaret Reddick and Rob Felicetti’s May 2022 UK acoustic tour. Known for their infectious energy and comedic banter, the pop-punk icons have created an album that delivers more than just music—it’s an encapsulation of their live show’s playful atmosphere and fan interaction.
Recorded in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, the album brings together some of the band’s most iconic tracks, but in a stripped-down, acoustic format. Fan-favorites like “1985,” “Girl All The Bad Guys Want,” “Almost,” and “Punk Rock 101” all make appearances, allowing fans to enjoy these classic hits in a more intimate, laid-back style. The acoustic arrangements highlight Bowling For Soup’s knack for catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, while also giving space for Jaret’s distinct voice and Rob’s backing harmonies to truly shine.
As with any Bowling For Soup show, there’s plenty of humor woven throughout Stoked On Trent. The album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s filled with moments of off-the-cuff banter, songs created on the spot, and even some unexpected covers, like their rendition of “Stacey’s Mom” (a crowd favorite) and Rob’s unique spin on “Freebird.” These moments of spontaneity bring a level of joy that makes you feel like you’re in the room with them, laughing along with the band.
Frontman Jaret Reddick himself has expressed the distinct magic of their acoustic shows, stating, “You can feel the energy and the passion of the crowd, and truly sense the fun Rob and I are having. We were quite literally, ‘STOKED ON TRENT!’” That energy is palpable throughout the entire album, with moments like “Turbulence” and “Ohio (Come Back To Texas)” blending emotional resonance with upbeat, feel-good vibes.
The tracklist is carefully curated to showcase not only the band’s classic hits but also some deep cuts and acoustic-specific performances. Tracks like “Trucker Hat” and “Phone Calls Are Stupid” fit in perfectly alongside well-loved anthems, while songs like “Taking The Piss” and “Royal Family” (from Jaret Ray Reddick’s solo work) bring a little something extra to the set. Meanwhile, “Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day,” the theme from Phineas and Ferb, adds a playful nod to the band’s widespread influence in both music and pop culture.
Stoked On Trent fully captures the charm, fun, and heart that Bowling For Soup consistently bring to their acoustic performances. For fans who have attended their shows or anyone looking for an authentic and joyful live album experience, this release brings all the laughs, the hits, and the crowd energy straight to your speakers. The album offers a delightful blend of nostalgia and spontaneity, and is a fantastic snapshot of what makes Bowling For Soup’s acoustic performances such a treat.
9/10
Track Listing:
1/ Trucker Hat
2/ Ohio (Come Back To Texas)
3/ I Wanna Be Brad Pitt
4/ The Bitch Song
5/ Turbulence
6/ Vodka Talk
7/ Stacey’s Mom
8/ Taking The Piss
9/ Almost
10/ Should I Stay Or Should I Go
11/ Adam’s Birthday
12/ Freebird (Rob’s Version)
13/ Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day (Theme From Phineas and Ferb)
14/ Emily
15/ Royal Family (Jaret Ray Reddick Song)
16/ Friends O’ Mine
17/ Phone Calls Are Stupid
18/ Punk Rock 101
19/ Girl All The Bad Guys Want
20/ 1985
FOLLOW BOWLING FOR SOUP
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
