Music Editor Hannah Gadd previews 5 Seconds of Summer’s new album, describing it as a testament to their rich musicality and journey as a band
“Your favourite boyband is back!” is the slogan used by Australian four-piece 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) in the lead-up to the release of their album, Everyone’s A Star!. Adopting pop-star personas and a pink limousine, the band have been staging playful press stunts across the globe to build anticipation for their sixth studio record. With over three years passing since their last album 5SOS5, it’s safe to say fans are eager to see what the band has in store with this one.
5SOS waste no time in submerging their listeners into their glittering world of fame and facade.
Kicking off with the titular track ‘Everyone’s A Star!’, 5SOS waste no time in submerging their listeners into their glittering world of fame and facade. The track bursts open with shimmering synths and a lively drum beat that drives the song forward and, paired with the catchy chorus and nuanced lyricism, makes for a striking opener that perfectly encapsulates the album’s overarching themes and general sound. Next up on the album are the previously released trio of singles, ‘NOT OK’, ‘Boyband’ and ‘Telephone Busy’; all tracks are characterised by zesty basslines, punchy rhythms and slick production. One of my favourite moments within these singles is lead guitarist Michael Clifford’s delivery of the chorus on ‘NOT OK’; his raw voice adds another dimension to the track which leaves a lasting impact. The influence of bands such as The Prodigy and Gorillaz is clear, giving these singles a dynamic edge that pushes 5SOS into a bold new territory.
The momentum continues to build with track five ‘No. 1 Obsession’: a glossy, high-energy anthem that further leans into the popstar narrative within the album. Within these first five tracks, the band seem to have unlocked an evolved sense of sonic confidence which allows them to play around with these ironic tropes without ever veering into tackiness, instead offering a layered understanding of their life in the spotlight.
Luke Hemmings and Calum Hood juxtapose each other’s vocal performance in way which feels perfect to the songs essence.
After an unrelenting string of hits, we get a change in pace with the next few tracks. ‘I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again’ and ‘istillfeelthesame’ sit at the halfway point on Everyone’s A Star! and offer some versatility, showcasing more emotionally charged lyrics and introspective melodies. One of the bands unique strengths is that every member takes their turn to occupy lead vocals and they all get their moment to shine across the album; ‘I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again’ is a highlight in that department, Luke Hemmings and Calum Hood juxtapose each other’s vocal performance in way which feels perfect to the songs essence. Hemmings’ powerful, bellowing vocals are balanced by Hood’s subdued, almost spoken-word delivery and creates a dynamic that highlights the vulnerability of the track.
‘Ghost’ is as haunting as its title; it may be the slowest on the album but the track’s presence is undeniable – evoking a sense of eerie solitude. Ashton Irwin deserves applause for bringing songs like this to life with his drumming; even in the quieter moments, his soft beats and tinkling cymbals add necessary depth and texture, building seamlessly to the song’s climax where he fully animates the track.
Coming into the back half of the album, the pace picks up again with ‘Sick of Myself’, a guitar-driven track that seems to nod to their earlier pop-punk-esque roots. The lyrics are soaked in insecurity which creates an almost comically striking contrast with the song’s flowery vocals and upbeat pop melody. The electrifying track ‘Evolve’ follows, a bass-heavy number that guarantees an ear-worm. Its pre-chorus bubbles with anticipation before bursting into a dance-worthy chorus that cements itself as one of the album’s most infectious moments. ‘Evolve’ has all the makings of an instant fan-favourite, powered by its irresistible beat and sing-along spirit. 5SOS have always been praised for their ability to put on a stellar live performance and I’m already excited to see how they bring this particular track to life.
‘The Rocks’ delivers a satisfying dose of pop-rock grit, which is sure to strike a chord with long-term fans
‘The Rocks’ delivers a satisfying dose of pop-rock grit, which is sure to strike a chord with long-term fans; it revisits the raw energy of early 5SOS but elevates it with a tighter, more refined sound. Finally, the short and sweet track ‘Jawbreaker’ completes the album in a way that gives its listener a lingering sense of fulfilment. One of the lyrics in the song, ‘This is everything I didn’t know I wanted’, seemed to sum up the album perfectly for me; from their flash pop-star antics to their more introspective moments, Everyone’s A Star! captures that feeling of unexpected delight whilst managing to balance spectacle and sincerity, leaving listeners both entertained and emotionally satisfied.
Ultimately, it has to be said that this album is, without a doubt, their strongest body of work to date. Within this record, 5SOS ambitiously explore a whirlwind of emotions and experiment with different styles whilst remaining authentic to themselves. This genre-bending album proves that the band are not afraid of taking creative risks and are constantly striving to reinvent their sound. With six albums now under their belt, 5 Seconds of Summer have demonstrated they are powerhouse musicians capable of producing a brilliantly versatile record. Everyone’s A Star! sparkles with confidence, playfulness and personality which is a testament to their rich musicality and journey as a band.
Everyone’s A Star by 5 Seconds of Summer is out on Friday 14th November via Island EMI / Republic Records.
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