You may know front man, Ross Lynch, from Disney’s prime-time television show, Austin and Ally. But for those of you who don’t have cable or just aren’t up to date with the Disney sphere, Lynch actually has four other siblings who are equally talented and get this – they’re a band.
All five members of R5 play their own instruments and sing and all their names start with the letter ‘R’ – hence ‘R5′.
This debut album, Louder, has been in demand and in promo-mode in the US as well as the UK earlier this year. Taking their music on the road and playing their tracks live has set a great foundation for this band of siblings.
Opening the album with a well-known favourite, Pass Me By has fans dancing long before the album really kicks into gear. As (I Can’t) Forget About You hits the speakers, everyone’s signing and dancing along – this song is definitely my favourite on the album. As the third track, Ain’t No Way We’re Goin’ Home, kicks in you’re belting out the chorus well before the track finishes.
I Want U Bad gives me a sour taste in my mouth. Not because the accompaniment or even the lyrics, it’s just the theme of the song that leaves me lemon-mouthed. I’m just tired of songs that talk about having a thing for their best friend’s girl – what happened to loyalty? Other than that, this song is actually pretty catchy.
If I Can’t Be With You places a warm feeling back into my senses as it talks about true love that has no comparison. It’s another catchy song that get’s you singing along. But the warm feeling fades a little as Love Me Like That comes into the scene. It’s a fun song musically, but the lyrics annoy me slightly. It’s just a little shallow and takes away from the love-struck feel of the preceding song
Again, the annoyance is lost as One Last Dance serenades you into a story that captures your heart. There’s a nostalgic story about that last moment you have with your best friend / girlfriend (or boyfriend) just before graduation. The acoustic sound of this song leaves you captivated from start to finish.
Loud is another crowd favourite that leaves you singing at the top of your lungs and dancing from the first note. Fallin’ For You is a cheeky number that keeps you dancing no matter where you are. Cali Girls is another mover, but lyrically, I cringe at the shallow picture they depict of girls they’re checking out – it’s a guy’s confirmation of Katy Perry’s California Girls.
Here Comes Forever is another one of my favourites as the album starts to come to a close. It’s cute and sweet, leaving you with a good kind of chill with its playfulness. Wishing I Was 23 is my song for 2014! It’s got Busted’s, What I Go To School For written all over it as it talks about a cheeky crush on an older woman.
Overall, Louder lives up to its name as it needs to be played full blast no matter where it finds itself – at a party, on the radio or in the comfort of your room or as you’re cruisin’ down the highway in your car.
Star Rating: ★★★
Get Louder on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/r5iTunesa1
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Official site: http://R5Rocks.com