5SOS5 ALBUM REVIEW (☆ω☆)

I've been meaning to do this for a while, now I finally have some down time to blog!!

With the resurgence of 5 Seconds of Summer's "She Looks So Perfect" on Tiktok, I thought it would be fitting to give my review of their latest album 5SOS5 (2022). Is this their best album? Yes. Am I biased? Probably, yes. I think this album really shows how they have grown as serious musicians (although they have always been, that's another conversation), and how they can adapt to the current trends of music while staying true to their unique pop sound (also their insane synergy). 

I'm going to review/give my thoughts song-by-song because they all deserve it  (´｡• ᵕ •｡`)

1. COMPLETE MESS

The first single. Back to their roots, everybody sings (I count the Ash adlib)!! I always love a Michael Clifford bridge. Definitely different from their previous sound, but feels transformative, along with the music video.

2. Easy For You To Say

I like it, but one of their weaker tracks in my opinion. Not enough change for me between the verses and the chorus, except for the last 30 seconds. My mom likes this song :)

3. Bad Omens

This should've been a single!!!! Definitely one of the best tracks from the album. I love the strong drum part. I love that damn bridge/outro with the strings. You just have to listen to it.

4. Me Myself & I

The second single. This one is for their pop-punk fans (kinda). Catchy, great guitar part. Getting moody. Getting introspective. 

5. Take My Hand

The third single. Bad Omens should've been the single instead. This is my least favorite track from the album. It's a song that you only listen to for the bridge. I like the sentiment, though.

6. CAROUSEL

Some great lyrics from this one. "I tried to keep my head above the ocean of my doubt". A lot of this album reflects on the band's decade long career, and this is one of those tracks. 

7. Older (feat. Sierra Deaton)

They never fail me with a ballad. I love how Luke starts solo at first, then Sierra (songwriter & his wife) comes in the next verse. Also, their best music video, a beautiful representation of the tragic side of love.

8. HAZE

Amazing pop track! Just a good, upbeat vibe. Ashton verse! Fun post-chorus instrumental. Perfect beat drops, especially the last chorus.

9. You Don't Go To Parties

This one stood out to me on my first listen-through. Can't go wrong with a Calum led track! I can dance, I can chill, I can scream the lyrics. (can you guys tell I'm getting a little tired, we're about halfway)

10. BLENDER

The fourth single. Fire bass line. Feels very uniquely them, closer to their past couple albums. Fun and energetic but also feels kinda fluid, not sure how to explain it.

11. Caramel

I love Ashton Irwin, so I'm biased, but I love this one! Another fire instrumental outro with a little acoustic. I like a song with a little desperation, longing feeling.

12. Best Friends

This one really stood out to me on my first listen-through. The perfect embodiment of friendship and nostalgia. It's perfect for their fans who have been with them since the beginning. It's upbeat but it makes me emotional. I imagine singing this with the windows down on a road trip with my best friends. It's just so good, so relatable to anyone, must listen! (wow I wrote a lot)

13. Bleach

After the fun track, we're gonna get moody and introspective again. I also love the lyrics on this one, "Brought a knife to a gun fight, But the hurtin' is all mine". (I'm running out of colors)

14. Red Line

I think this song is about toxic relationships, but I can't help but think about the Red Line as a reference to their early career in London and the train metaphor from "Old Me". Also, love the train sounds as an end to the standard album.

☆DELUXE TRACKS☆

15. Moodswings

The deluxe tracks might be the best off the whole album Σ(°ロ°) This is probably one of my favorites. Even more desperation and yearning. I am definitely screaming to these lyrics. Then Ash comes in with that groovy drum part in the second part of verse two! Beautiful build in the bridge into Luke bringing it back down in the outro.

16. Flatline

We're upbeat again! Did we ever figure out who truly sings the chorus? It's fun, I like it, we're in love, not sure why I personally associate it with "HAZE".

17. Emotions

This one is for the SGFG girls. Mikey's emo track! Definitely made for his voice. The lyrics are simple but it works, and it's relatable. I think would be a miss for some people.

18. Bloodhound

I'd also associate this one a bit more with their past couple albums, with the party/nightlife themes. The bridge is meant to be yelled live at a show.

19. TEARS!

Ashton's track! And it really feels like a mix of 5SOS and Ash's first solo album. Really hard-hitting drums in the post-chorus. It's a powerful ending, but I prefer "Red Line" as the last track in a cinematic, storytelling way. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ヾ(・ω・*)

I think it's a shame that Mikey and Ash's songs are on the deluxe versions. On Spotify, the album was released with all 19 tracks, but there is no vinyl with all 19. The deluxe tracks definitely make the album stronger. Overall, I highly recommend everyone to give this album a listen, especially if you used to listen to 5SOS; it really amazes me how they have evolved as artists.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading all my rambles, and let me know what you think!

~Maddie <3