Get ready to be captivated by the latest release from 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) - an album that will challenge your perceptions and leave you wanting more!
'Everyone's a Star!' - A Game-Changer for 5SOS
The term 'boyband' often evokes strong emotions, from cringe-worthy memories of boyish charm to warm nostalgia for the good old days of pop sensations like One Direction. 5SOS, who have stood the test of time beyond 1D, have had their fair share of grappling with this label. But with their sixth album, 'Everyone's a Star!', they've taken a bold step forward, creating music that is nothing short of captivating.
This Sydney-based group, having experienced a genre identity crisis post their massive hit 'Youngblood', has returned with a renewed focus. Drummer Ashton Irwin shared with us in September that they're done with making stale pop-punk records, and their latest work proves just that.
The album's second single, 'Boyband', is a standout track. It delves into the exhausting pressures of fame with a dark, electronic twist. The chorus, delivered with 5SOS's signature tongue-in-cheek style, is a playful self-reference: 'Imaginary boyfriend / Irritates the metalheads.' This track is a modern take on a timeless tale - the struggle of artists with female fanbases to be taken seriously. But 5SOS owns this narrative with confidence and a unique twist.
What's intriguing is the involvement of John Ryan, a past collaborator who has worked on One Direction's biggest hits. Ryan, along with veteran pop producer Jason Evigan, brings an edgier sound to the album, showcasing their chameleonic abilities and allowing 5SOS to lead the creative vision.
The album opens with the title track, setting the tone for an honest and gritty collection. 'Everyone's a Star!' is a psychedelic journey, with far-off vocals and brooding lyrics by Hemmings: 'Blue light killed the dreamer / Somewhere in the dark.'
'No. 1 Obsession' builds on this theme, with Irwin describing it as a track about the serotonin and dopamine rush from our iPhone screens. It's an energetic blend of pounding drums and arpeggiated synths.
'NOTOK', 'Telephone Busy', and 'Evolve' see the band experiment with a Damon Albarn-inspired sound, using distorted spoken-word vocals. They explore self-destructive habits with a nonchalant attitude, especially in 'NOTOK', where they embrace their darker side: 'I like the darker side of me, that part of me / Comes out to play when I'm with you.' However, this trope may not resonate as strongly with a band that now includes married members with kids.
'Ghost' is a personal and vulnerable track for frontman Luke Hemmings, co-written by his wife Sierra. It's a heartfelt confession, backed by swirling psychedelic synths, about a lover who shares his self-destructive tendencies: 'I don't want to go to sleep / 'Cause I'm afraid of what I'll see / I can't look you in the eyes / 'Cause I'm afraid it looks like me.'
Insomnia is a recurring theme, most notably in 'I'm Scared I'll Never Sleep Again', a breakup anthem. Calum Hood's Aussie accent adds a layer of sincerity to his verses: 'Pink tears falling tonight / Through the red blush.'
Anxiety and love collide in 'istillfeelthesame', an aural panic attack driven by a racing drum machine and '80s-inspired synth riffs. For those missing the classic 5SOS sound, 'Sick of Myself' is a pop-rock banger that will have you dancing.
'The Rocks' pays homage to the punk-pop essence of bands like Panic! at the Disco, with anxious lyrics that reflect the album's overall mood: 'I search the world for somebody else / 'Cause I can't take, take this feelin' alone.'
The album concludes on a high note with 'Jawbreaker', a rousing love song. Hemmings' tone shifts from 'NOTOK', as he admits, 'the darker parts of me are caving in' over fast-paced drums.
While themes of fame, love, addiction, and parasocial relationships are not new, 5SOS presents them with a unique blend of charisma and vulnerability. This album showcases their growth as artists, moving beyond their solo projects.
'Everyone's a Star!' is a testament to the band's versatility within the pop-rock genre. It's an electric tapestry of sound that keeps you engaged and wanting more. In a music landscape dominated by bland male folk-pop acts, 5SOS's 'Everyone's a Star!' is a refreshing and high-energy delight.
So, what do you think? Is 5SOS's latest album a step in the right direction? Do you agree that it's their most compelling work yet? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
