Back in 2013, “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood was released, and the song immediately became a classic. It quickly rose on the Billboard charts and was eventually claimed as a staple of the 2014 Tumblr Alt Era. Nowadays, it is a nostalgic song that reminds people of California beaches, chilly weather, and simpler days.
This hit came from the band’s debut album, I Love You, and it is still their most widely recognized song. For me, it was the introduction of what is now my favorite band ever. The Neighbourhood has consistently been putting out amazing music since 2013, and I believe that the rest of their work should be appreciated in the same way as their biggest hit so far. In order to best honor their discography, here are my opinions, as a super fan, of all their work since “Sweater Weather.”
This album is a perfect introduction to The Neighbourhood’s style. The music videos from this era are in black and white, establishing the aesthetic the band would keep up with for years. Many of the songs are about heartache, insecurities, self-doubt, and longing for something different. This album fits perfectly into the teenage angst that many experienced at this time, and I loved it because I resonated with so many of the themes. As I’ve grown up, I definitely don’t relate as much to it (which is a good thing), but it will always be a comfort album of mine.
Noteworthy songs: “Sweater Weather”, “Afraid”, “Female Robbery”
Wiped Out! (2015)
Much of this album feels like it builds off of the style and themes of the band’s debut album, but it does so in a way that feels like they’ve grown up a little more. It feels like there is a lot less angst, and they are starting to heal from their past issues. The themes of this album are more about loss, acceptance, home, and love. Their sound in this album also feels a little more mature and rock-based, as opposed to their first album which they called more “dark pop.”
Noteworthy songs: “Daddy Issues”, “R.I.P. 2 My Youth”, “Single”
Hard to Imagine The Neighbourhood Ever Changing (2018)
Saying this feels like choosing a favorite child, but this is by far my favorite era of theirs. This album is 21 songs long, and it was released as a series of EPs that would eventually all come together into this huge project. Their sound changed a lot from their previous work, and there are a lot more synth-pop influences in their songs. What makes this era so special is that the band finally shifted out of the black and white aesthetic into more sepia and muted tones. Fans of the band took this to signify a change, as if they were saying they’ve moved away from the sadness and pain their first couple works held. The songs on this album feel more optimistic, and there are many about being in love and dealing with fame and notoriety. For me, this album felt like a breath of fresh air, and I loved knowing that while I was growing up and going through my own changes that the band was experiencing the same. It felt like we were growing up alongside each other, and that is what keeps this album so close to my heart.
Noteworthy songs: “Scary Love”, “24/7”, “Livin’ In a Dream”
Chip Chrome & The Monotones (2020)
If the last album is like a breath of fresh air, then this one is a burst of wind in your face. This album is nothing like what the band has done before, and it is definitely a good thing. For this album, the band takes on alter egos and becomes the fictional band of Chip Chrome and the Monotones. They dress up in metallic suits and chrome face paint that are heavily inspired by David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust”, which becomes a type of release for them. Because the band had such a big hit with “Sweater Weather” so early on in their career, they felt like every work they had afterward was an attempt to try to live up to the greatness of it. With this new persona, they were no longer living in the shadow of The Neighbourhood, and it gave them the opportunity to experiment more with their sound. This album has a lot of different sound influences, from R&B to hip hop to softer ballads. While it may not be cohesive, every song on this album is unique and so much different than anything they’ve done before. In my opinion, it is their most ambitious project, and that ambition definitely paid off.
Noteworthy songs: “Devil’s Advocate”, “Cherry Flavored”, “Stargazing (Deluxe Album)”
The Neighbourhood is a lot more than their first big hit, and as a long-time fan, I wish they received more credit for the rest of their work. If you give their music a chance, you are bound to find more of their music that fits your tastes.