5 Seconds of Summer, often known as 5SOS, is a band from Sydney, Australia, formed in 2011. With hits such as “She Looks so Perfect,” “Amnesia” and “She’s Kinda Hot,” the band has grown in popularity over the years throughout the world.
5 Seconds of Summer released their new album “5SOS5” on Friday, Sept. 23, and have refreshed their sound with this album. They build on their already impressive discography with an album with 19 tracks. The first song, “COMPLETE MESS,” was one of the first singles to be released from this album and contains strong vocal lines and some strings. It is a great first song to start with.
“Easy For You To Say” and “Bad Omens” are similar in musicality, including a driving beat and a good bassline, but different in style. “Easy For You To Say” is a slower ballad-type song, but still has the classic rock beat found in most of their songs. “Bad Omens” is described by the band as one of their favorites on the album, and that it “feels like fall in Australia.” Once again, “Bad Omens” adds in the strings that are used in both “COMPLETE MESS” and other songs of theirs from the past such as “Ghost Of You” and “Amnesia.” “Bad Omens” is definitely a highlight of the album.
“Take My Hand-Joshua Tree Version” is another standout song with incredible lyrics that speak of the reality of being an imperfect person and speaking to your younger self. Some examples are these lyrics: “Shallow hearts for shallow minds/That ache to be alive/You fall apart and redefine/What keeps you up at night.” This is one of the most influential moments on the album and definitely one of the favorites.
“CAROUSEL” is yet another song on the album that holds its own, while still sticking to the overall theme of the album, as it is an upbeat song that you could listen to while driving. In stark contrast, the album continues on with “Older (feat. Sierra Deaton),” which is a slow ballad that talks about growing old with someone you love.
“HAZE” adds another contrast because there is a different, faster beat and autotuned parts that add to the riff-based style of the song. “You Don’t Go To Parties” contrasts to the rest of the album as well. The country-like style didn’t appeal to me as much, but it is good the band is adding contrast.
“BLENDER” continues the album as before, in the same style as the first songs and is a highlight of the album as well. The bass line and the rhythms between the vocalist, guitar and drums are exceptional, and you can’t go wrong with a lyric like “I’d die for you.” When I first heard this song, I listened to it on repeat in my car every time I drove.
“Caramel,” “Best Friends,” “Bleach” and “Red Line” all kind of felt like a package deal, reminding me of the band’s older songs, especially ones on their previous album, “YoungBlood.” “Moodswings” is yet another ballad on the album and is quickly preceded by “Flatline,” a more upbeat and uplifting song with vocals that are higher.
On one of the last tracks, “Emotions,” we hear lead guitarist Michael Clifford’s voice throughout this song which reminds me of the band’s first album. The last songs, “Bloodhound” and “TEARS!.” are a great conclusion to the album. “Bloodhound” adds an upbeat conclusion and “TEARS!” showcases the drummer, Ashton Irwin, on the lead vocals.
Overall, this album is a true work of art, from the strings added, to the vocal overlaying as well as the incredible songwriting from both the band and their writers. You can see why 5SOS took their time on this album, seeing as it stands up against the rest of their discography with pride. If you need a good album to listen to, 5SOS have a little bit of everything in this album.
