The Art of Losing is the second studio album by American rock band American Hi-Fi. It was released on February 25, 2003, through Island Records. While touring in support of their eponymous debut studio album (2001), the band wrote new songs on their tour bus. They initially recorded for the album at Sunset Sound Studio 2 in Hollywood, California, with producer Nick Launay, before moving to Media Vortex in Burbank, California, and Sage and Sound, in Hollywood of the state. It has been described as pop-punk, power pop, and rock, while received comparisons to the works of Blink-182 and Sum 41. The Art of Losing received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commented on the upbeat energy and lack of unoriginal music, while reaching number 80 on the US Billboard 200. Its title track was released to radio as the lead single in January 2003, and peaked at number 33 on the US Alternative Airplay chart. The album was promoted with a club tour, an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman, and music videos for tracks "The Art of Losing", "The Breakup Song" and "Beautiful Disaster". Background and production American Hi-Fi released their self-titled debut album in February 2001, and promoted the album with around 300 shows; its lead single "Flavor of the Weak" reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. While on tour, they wrote material on the back of their tour bus. In March 2002, it was reported that the band would start recording shortly with producer Nick Launay, aiming to complete it by April. During the 2002 Warped Tour, American Hi-Fi debuted several new songs, as Jones had written 40 new tracks. Recording sessions were held in late 2002 with Launay; they wanted to retain their live energy while making it. In contrast to Bob Rock, who produced their debut, Launay would encourage material in the vein of the Clash and Pixies. Basic tracks were recorded with assistance from Kevin Dean and Chris Reynolds at Sunset Sound Studio 2 in Hollywood, California. Overdubs were made with assistance from Dave Alhert and Adam Fuller at Media Vortex in Burbank, California, and it was also provided by Errin Familia at Sage and Sound in Hollywood. Launay mixed the recordings before the album was mastered by Bob Ludwig and Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering in Portland, Maine. It cost around $200,000 to make; when American Hi-Fi's record