The Monkees had two previous reunion albums - the 1987 overly slick and cheesy Pool It!, and the even worse self-played, written, and produced Justus, which proves that maybe the group needed some songwriters every now and then. Third time around, though, things were different. This is one of two Monkees albums without Davy Jones - he died in 2012, before this album could ever be made. As a result, The Monkees got together one last time for this album, and looked to return to their formula - this time, song contributions come from Harry Nilsson, Carole King, and contemporary artists like Noel Gallagher and Rivers Cuomo amongst others. The result is more than just their best reunion album, but their best album since Instant Replay nearly 50 years prior. From start to finish, Good Times! is filled with life, joy, and a seeming resonance for the group's past, evident even by the title cover - a refreshing return to form, and an ideal way to cap off the group's lengthy catalog.
Unlike Justus, which was completely written by the group (ignoring the fact that the group definitely was benefited by outside songwriters), Good Times! gets plenty of helping hands throughout the way from other artists. From classic helpers like Harry Nilsson on title track "Good Times," complete with posthumous vocal feature from him, to a rendition of Carole King's "Wasn't Born to Follow," The Monkees get plenty of help from old friends on this album - even a Boyce and Hart composition makes it's way on the album. Full circle. There's also plenty of contributions from contemporary artists - Rivers Cuomo of Weezer fame contributes the breezy "She Makes Me Laugh," a strong sunshine pop number that is, realistically, better than a good chunk of Weezer that I've heard. Oasis' Noel Gallagher gives us the stomping "Birth of an Accidental Hipster," which plays like a distant relative of past Mike Nesmith compositions like "Sweet Young Thing." Credit to Noel for capturing the spirit as well as he did. Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard contributed the excellent "Me & Magdalena," a meaningful love song that perfectly caps off the record's first half.
Davy Jones may not have been alive to contribute, but this album sees a new version of "Love to Love," initially recorded during sessions for a third Kirshner album. While that tune was scrapped, it's given fresh backing vocals on here, and the result is a surprisingly touching tribute to their fallen Monkee - for all the thrashing I gave Davy's songs in my reviews, his absence is certainly felt on this record, and I would be lying if I said I didn't miss him. It's a welcome addition, and a heartfelt one. Another song from that era, "Gotta Give It Time," is given vocals for the first time in 50 years, and while Micky's voice isn't what it was in the 60s, I think he's grown into his old voice on this record far better than he did on Justus. Peter's contribution, "Little Girl," is a great folk tune, and one that Peter wrote with Davy in mind - even if he doesn't sing it at the end of the day, Peter gives a great rendition. Mike's "I Know What I Know" is a meaningful penultimate song, and one that has some extra emotional weight since Mike's passing - much of the album has even more staying power and resonance as the Monkees sadly pass away. The closing track, "I Was There (And I'm Told I Had a Good Time)," is not only an excellent way to softly bookend the album, but it feels like the perfect sendoff for the Monkees. They were here, and they had one hell of a good time - they gave one a good time, too.
The Monkees are an interesting group at the end of the day - from starting as a "fake" group to gaining their independence, before having it all circle back around again. In their time, they created great music from start to finish nonetheless, choosing to never be restrained by the powers that be. Good Times! could very well be a comeback record if they had made more, but Peter Tork's death in 2019 ensured that this was effectively the end, and with Mike's passing in December of 2021 the Monkees name is largely laid to rest. Good Times! showcases the group's final bow, and it's a heartfelt, fun, reflective bow to the past. It's by no means their best album, but it may be their most earnest and genuine - they had something to say, and frankly I'm glad they said it.
RATING: ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Listen to Good Times!
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