Its debut album has sold close to half a million copies and is still selling nearly 5,000 a week, two years after its release. Its twin brother frontmen host not one but two shows on MTV (the video shows "All Things Rock" and "Rock Countdown"). It has been constantly touring the United States and Europe the past three years. Its new CD "Young & Hopeless" hits the shelves next week. And its members, graduates of Laplata High School, Class of 1997, admit to being on the top of the world. Just dont call the guys in Good Charlotte rock stars.

"To us, between the four of us, the term "rock star" is used as an insult," says Benji (theyve forsaken the use of last names), the groups guitarist. "Well call each other on stuff and say Dont be a rock star, when someones acting real bad. We know how lucky we are, and we keep waiting for the catch, like, Okay, its over know, go back home, but that hasnt happened. It may still happen, but were just enjoying it all right now."

Seven years ago, Benji and his brother, singer Joel, went to their first concert, a Beastie Boys show at the Patriot Center, and that clinched it. A year later they had formed a band, writing their own songs. Two years after that, their demo got them a return phone call from Epic Records.

"Im really proud of that first record," says Benji, "but in a way, I wish this new one was our first. Some of those songs on that one we wrote when we were 16, and now were a little older, and weve hopefully got a little more to say." The 23-year-old declares the new album, which will be unveiled for hometown fans at a 9:30 club concert Tuesday night, a major leap forward for the band. "Im excited for people to hear this one," Benji says, "because some might not have been believers in the band after one record, but this one will definitely get them."

He knows that others wont give Good Charlotte its due until years down the road. "Bands I respect the most are ones that last like Rancid, NOFX, Morrissey, the Cure, so I understand that attitude, but I think weve earned respect.

Hes right about the new record. While it keeps to a similar plan as the first-punk pop with undeniable hooks and melodies- it is richer both musically and lyrically than the bands debut.

Benji proudly calls Washington home and promises to keep it that way. "Ill always live in D.C., whether the suburbs or the city, because Im going to raise my family here," he says. "Joel lives kind of back and forth with me and out on the West Coast, but having a family here is a big plan of mine. Its a huge goal in my life, because I come from sort of a messed-up family, and I want to try to get it right."

Is there something you need to tell your legions of young female fans, Benji? "No, Im not getting married any time soon. I dont even have a girlfriend," he says laughing. "But when I do finally find that person, shes going to have to like D.C."