It’s been a great ride these past few years for Aussie band 5 Seconds of Summer.
After scoring a devoted fan base down under, the boys landed their career-changing ‘gig’ when they were asked to tour with “the biggest boyband” One Direction. But after the highs of the Take Me Home Tour, this quartet have released their long-awaited debut album – and it’s conveniently self-titled, which means it’s a compilation of who they are.
Opening with their chart-topping single She Looks So Perfect, the track manages to get you excited and belting out every word along with the boys. And you Don’t Stop singing and dancing, not when you’re so familiar with the two opening tracks. As the pre-order free track, Good Girls, comes through the speakers you’re already singing along.
When you don’t know the lyrics any more, the next few tracks although new and surprising, are also familiar and inviting. Think Good Charlotte and Simple Plan in the early days, with a hint of All American Rejects and you have Kiss Me Kiss Me. The only qualms I have with this track are the lyrics. When they belt out, “Here’s to teenage memories,” it’s a little odd considering how young the band members are. I don’t know how much you know about the 5SOS boys, but they are barely out of the adolescent bracket, and let’s face it, their fans are also nowhere near passing the closing parentheses any time soon. So I guess this one’s for those of us who are 20 and over! Hence the following track titled, 18 – enough said.
Everything I Didn’t Say has an advert-like sound with the opening chant of, “Oooh-oooh”. But as the chorus hits, you’re banging your head and singing along – think Coca Cola mixed with Apple product placement.
Beside You slows things down to talk about leaving the one you love. It’s got a Creed feel to it, minus the vocal prowess – not that Luke does not do the song justice, actually, it’s one of my favourite tracks on the album. End Up Here kicks the pace and volume back up, but not for very long. Long Way Home resounds with Beside You, and gets you swooning and feeling the love. That is until Heartbreak Girl hits the system with the shards of the human heart. The wallowing continues in Lost Boy, with it’s heavy beats and edgy guitar strokes.
Amnesia is their current single and also closes the album. Acoustic-based, the song continues the heartache, but is an attempt to re-woo a first love. I have to say this track is my favourite track on the album. It’s softer and brings out all their innate talents, vocally. It’s a beautiful track and a great way to say goodbye.
Overall, this debut album is strong, edgy and personal. 5SOS fans are in for a treat and should definitely get tickets to any of their upcoming shows.
Star Rating: ★★★★