Review of 5 Seconds of Summer’s album “Everyone’s a Star!” by The Alternative
5 Seconds of Summer’s latest album, “Everyone’s a Star!” has set new standards when it comes to brand overhaul as the band delves into a character study on the boyband model. Known for pushing against their bubblegum image, the Australian pop-rock group embraces a hyper-caricatured version of themselves reminiscent of iconic boybands from the past. With a blend of sensational headlines and alien syndrome vibes, the band showcases their clumsy merit and vices under the scrutinizing gaze of the public eye.
The album kicks off with the title track, setting the tone for a departure from their previous sound. Unlike their previous album, 5SOS5, which leaned towards glossy rock and pop-punk elements, “Everyone’s a Star!” ventures into hyperpop soundscapes and funky retro dance production. The biting lyricism on tracks like “Boyband” and “Everyone’s a Star!” critiques the parasocial nature of fame and the industry’s relentless appetite for more.
As the album progresses, it delves into more personal and introspective themes. Tracks like “No 1. Obsession” embody a gritty-rock feel, exploring the desperation of wanting someone to reciprocate feelings. Songs like “I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again” and “istillfeelthesame” touch on longing and regret, reminiscent of a nostalgic ’80s feel akin to The 1975 and Depeche Mode.
While the album retains some pop-punk elements in tracks like “The Rocks” and “Sick of Myself,” a standout feature is the band’s foray into spoken-word vocals throughout the record. Songs like “Evolve” blend confessional lyrics with the pressures of the pop industry, creating a dynamic and engaging track. Touching on themes of growing up amidst the allure of fame, the song navigates the complexities of identity and desires for indulgence with lines like “I wanna have fun, I wanna get high, I wanna get drunk” juxtaposed with introspective moments like “You keep on sayin’ that I got to get my soul right.”
Overall, “Everyone’s a Star!” showcases 5 Seconds of Summer’s evolution as they embrace a new sonic landscape while delving into introspective themes of fame, personal growth, and the perils of the industry. With a cohesive blend of ’80s new wave, dark-rock, and ’90s house music, the band delivers a high-octane, experimental pop album that stands out as one of the best mainstream pop releases of the year.