Today I am going to do a review of the hotly anticipated debut album by the Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer.
5 Seconds of Summer are a pop rock/ pop punk band formed in Sydney in 2011. The band consists of lead singer Luke Hemmings, guitarist and vocalist Michael Clifford, bass player and singer Calum Hood, and drummer Ashton Irwin. The group gained a fan base from posting covers on Youtube, gathering a small following before getting noticed by One Direction and supporting them as their opening act on their Take Me Home Tour. They're the marmite of the punk rock world. Love them or hate them, these aussie lads are flying high at the top of the charts, and after listening to their self titled album, I can see why.
1. She Looks So Perfect: This was the only song that I had heard before reviewing the rest of the album. It's a catchy, upbeat, and I am not surprised to learn that this song hit number one in several countries, going platinum in both Australia and New Zeland. With songs like this, it's not hard to see why these boys are one of the hottest up and coming bands on the planet.
2. Don't Stop: This was the second single from the pop rock band, and it's fun, especially with it's cheeky innuendos and infectious bass line. This accompanied with SLSP has the formations for creating a great album.
3. Good Girls: Ah. The infamous Good Girls Are Bad Girls That Haven't Been Caught. This is a favourite amongst the fans, and it's not hard to see why. It has lots of guitar, bass and drums, and Clifford owns this song with his 'Billy Joe'esque voice. I don't see how this won't be another hit for the Australian band.
4. Kiss Me Kiss Me: Written with members of the popular pop punk band All Time Low, this is the perfect song to showcase 5 Seconds of Summer's talent and passion for this genre of music. The bridge will no doubt have you singing along before long; this is another good track on the album. So far, I'm impressed.
5. 18: We've all been there, being rejected because we are thought of as too young by the person that we are infatuated with. 18 is another catchy hit for the four piece, showing impressive riffs and an impressive drum beat to keep you tapping your foot along to the melody.
6.Everything I Didn't Say: A welcome change of pace comes with Everything I Didn't Say. This song is more heartfelt, with incredible harmonies and meaningful lyrics but still enough drums and bass to keep the rhythm at one that can be classed as pop punk. Very clever!
7: Beside You: The drum beat at the start of this song from Irwin leads the way for an equally as impressive riff from Clifford and Hemmings as well as a sick bass line from Hood. Beside You is a softer song, but still very 5 Seconds of Summer. This band has created a sound which is distinguishable and endearing.
8: End Up Here: By far this is my favourite song on the album. The very clever decision to take away the instruments and have just clapping in the final pre-chorus makes it impossible not to join in, and the shouty chorus is perfect. If there is a song on the album that encapsulates what 5SOS is, I think it is this one.
9: Long Way Home: This track has the perfect balance between soft rock and bubblegum pop. It's a nice song, and lets the audience cool off after the intense journey of the previous song. I can see why this is a fan favourite, it's well written and well sung; I am becoming increasingly impressed with this band!
10: Heartbreak Girl: This song surprised me. When I listened to it for the first time, I wasn't jumping around with excitement, but after listening to it a couple of times, I fell for its charm. In some parts it can sound quite juvenile, but nevertheless, it is a great song.
11: English Love Affair: I only have three words to describe this song. Angsty. Sexy. Rock.
12: Amnesia: This song is beautiful. Written by the Madden brothers, it showcases 5 Seconds of Summer's talent perfectly. Hemmings puts in a stellar performance here, taking lead vocals along with Hood. It's a truly beautiful song that everyone can relate too.
Overall, I am pleasantly surprised with this album! I can see why 5SOS are the hottest new band on the planet! They have the perfect balance between pop and rock to keep both sides content, and after a 2 minute search on twitter, it is clear to see that they have a dedicated and loyal fanbase.
Obviously they are not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but you can't deny the talent that these boys possess. They are on their way to becoming experts in their field; their voices fit together perfectly and they play their instruments with ease, confidence and do it incredibly well. People often forget or don't realise how difficult it is to play instruments as well as sing, and these boys do it running and jumping around a stage, so props to them!
The band has a perfect formula: 4 tall, good looking Australians plus loveable personalities and most importantly bundles of talent: there was no way that these guys were not going to succeed!
I'm incredibly excited to see what comes next for this band, and I wish them all the success in the world.
I would rate this album at a 9/10.
Until next time,
MG x
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