In a world where boybands are either dreaded or adored, 5 Seconds of Summer just dropped an album that's redefining their legacy—grab your headphones and prepare to be captivated!
Ah, the term 'boyband'—it can make you cringe at memories of over-the-top hairstyles and sugary pop tunes from acts like One Direction, or it might stir up warm feelings of youthful nostalgia. 5 Seconds of Summer, affectionately known as 5SOS, have survived longer than their predecessors and have wrestled with this label for years. But on their sixth studio release, EVERYONE’S A STAR!, they confront it directly, crafting what many are calling their most engaging and powerful collection to date.
The band, hailing from Sydney, Australia, has been struggling with a bit of an identity crisis in the pop genre ever since their massive hit 'Youngblood.' They've churned out some uninspired tracks recently, but they've bounced back with a crystal-clear direction. As drummer Ashton Irwin shared in a September interview with Rolling Stone (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/5-seconds-of-summer-interview-new-album-everyones-a-star-1235413180/), they're determined not to retreat into 'stale pop-punk records.' Pop-punk, for those new to the term, is a lively blend of punk rock's raw energy with catchy pop melodies—think fast guitars and anthemic choruses that get crowds jumping.
But here's where it gets controversial: The album's standout second single, 'Boyband,' dives into the exhausting demands of celebrity life, set against moody, throbbing electronic beats. The group laments the endless 'monkey dance' of constant album releases and promotional cycles. The chorus delivers that signature 5SOS wit and irony, poking fun at themselves as an 'imaginary boyfriend' that 'irritates the metalheads.' It's a classic story—artists with predominantly female fans are often dismissed as trivial, much like the Beatles faced skepticism early on. Yet, 5SOS flips the script, embracing and owning this narrative with bold confidence. Is this reclamation empowering, or does it risk reinforcing stereotypes? We'd love to hear your take in the comments!
Interestingly, 'Boyband' along with three other songs were co-written and produced by John Ryan, a collaborator on One Direction's biggest successes. This sharper edge showcases Ryan and seasoned pop producer Jason Evigan's adaptable approach, allowing 5SOS to steer the creative ship.
The record kicks off with the title track, establishing a raw, honest vibe. Distant-sounding vocals drift over trippy, mind-bending synthesizers—think electronic sounds that create dreamy or otherworldly effects—as frontman Luke Hemmings reflects darkly: 'Blue light killed the dreamer / Somewhere in the dark.'
And this is the part most people miss: 'No. 1 Obsession' builds on those themes, with Irwin explaining that it delves into the rush of serotonin and dopamine from scrolling through your iPhone. It's driven by heavy drum beats and flowing, pattern-like synth lines that repeat in a musical loop.
Tracks like 'NOTOK,' 'Telephone Busy,' and 'Evolve' experiment with a style reminiscent of Damon Albarn from Blur, featuring warped, spoken-word delivery. The band captures a cool, effortless vibe while tackling harmful patterns in relationships and personal habits. The vocals ramp up in 'NOTOK's' chorus, shouting 'I like the darker side of me, that part of me / Comes out to play when I’m with you.' But here's a twist that sparks debate: With half the band now married and raising families, the reckless 'party boy' image doesn't quite ring true anymore. Does this make their portrayal less authentic, or is it a sign of growth? 'NOTOK' succeeds thanks to its energetic production, but the other two tracks feel a bit flat.
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Things turn deeply personal on 'Ghost,' a heartfelt song for Luke Hemmings that bassist Calum Hood describes as 'him pouring his heart out.' Co-penned with Hemmings' wife, Sierra, swirling psychedelic synths provide a backdrop as he mourns a lover mirroring his own damaging behaviors: '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 emerges as a major motif throughout the album, most prominently in the breakup ballad 'I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again.' Hood's genuine Australian accent and earnest delivery shine in his lines: 'Pink tears falling tonight / Through the red blush.'
Anxious romance builds to a frenzy in 'istillfeelthesame,' fueled by a frantic drum machine, rapid electric guitar riffs, and retro '80s synth melodies. If you're missing the classic 5SOS energy, head straight for 'Sick of Myself,' a high-energy pop-rock track urging you to dance alone in your room.
'The Rocks' echoes that punk-pop spirit, building on influences like Panic! at the Disco, with lyrics filled with worry and resignation that echo across the record: 'I search the world for somebody else / ’Cause I can’t take, take this feelin’ alone.'
The album wraps on a hopeful note with the uplifting love anthem 'Jawbreaker.' Hemmings shifts gears from 'NOTOK,' confessing 'the darker parts of me are caving in' amid speedy, pounding drums.
While tales of fame's pitfalls, romance's turmoil, substance struggles, and the illusions of celebrity relationships aren't new, 5SOS brings them to life with unprecedented charm and openness—qualities once limited to their individual solo efforts (https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/calum-hood-order-chaos-order-album-review-78134/).
By venturing into every nook of the pop-rock spectrum, EVERYONE’S A STAR! weaves an electrifying sonic quilt that draws you back repeatedly. In a music industry overrun by bland male folk-pop dominating the charts, this album stands out as a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled gust of innovation.
5SOS’s EVERYONE’S A STAR! (https://open.spotify.com/album/0zkgIyTdpvOpV5z4oK7c2j?si=eihbZxuMTpyW_6rjytg4Dw) is available now. Catch the band on the inaugural episode of the Rolling Stone Uncut podcast (https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/rolling-stone-au-nz-launches-brand-new-podcast-rolling-stone-uncut-86997/).
What do you think—does 5SOS truly escape the boyband box, or are they just playing into it? And is their exploration of darker themes more credible now that some members have settled down? Share your opinions in the comments below!
