If you’re a fan of The Neighbourhood (The NBHD) like I am, then the announcement that the band had gotten back together and was releasing an entirely new album probably sent you over the moon.
The NBHD is my favorite band of all time, so I was literally counting down the days until (((((ultraSOUND))))) dropped on Nov. 14. With 15 tracks, we fans are finally being well-fed after years of feeling like the band might’ve been gone for good.
Personally, this new release was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. Overall, the album feels like a throwback to their older eras like I Love You. and Wiped Out!, which happen to be some of my favorites. So, it looks like I’m truly winning here.
Here are my thoughts on each of their newest songs:
“Hula Girl”
Starting off strong with the first three tracks, “Hula Girl” is in my top five currently, and the more I listen, the more obsessed I get. The bridge is incredibly catchy, and I love the musical elements here. Thematically, it feels like a fleeting romance mixed with the acceptance of learning to let go — and maybe even the realization that you romanticized someone who didn’t live up to the version in your head.
“OMG”
This is actually my favorite song on the entire album. The beat, the vocals, the mood, the nostalgia, everything about it is so perfect to me. It reminds me so much of their older songs, especially “Softcore.” Lyrically, it touches on bending over backwards for someone and regretting it later. I’m not ranking The NBHD’s new songs individually, but if I were, this song would definitely be a 10/10.
“Lovebomb”
This song is a perfect portrayal of the feeling of a crush, and the feeling of knowing something special is forming with someone, but being too scared to voice it out of fear of ruining it. The musical elements and the interlude here are also beautiful, and I love the vibe of the whole song.
“Private”
For me, “Private” is super catchy, and it has a great beat, but it’s not one of my ultra (see what I did there?) favorites. It feels repetitive, like it’s building up towards a bridge that never actually happens. Plus, the vocals get a little drowned out with the music itself, and I don’t feel like I’m really able to immerse myself in the song.
“Lil Ol Me”
This one feels like a descent into madness, and I love it. The lyricism and emotion are great, but similar to “Private,” I feel like the vocals get a little lost in the production. Still, it’s in my everyday playlist, so clearly it’s not a flop. It just has the potential to be even better than what it is.
“Planet”
Thematically, this feels like a song about a relationship where the other person stops putting in effort. It’s catchy, has great vocals, and the bridge is so good. It’s earned a spot in my everyday playlist!
“Holy Ghost”
“Holy Ghost” has a different vibe than what I’m used to from The NBHD, but I’m not mad at it. It’s not a true favorite of mine, but it’s also definitely not a skip. Lead Singer Jesse Rutherford’s vocals in the bridge are super unique to me here, and that’s something I’ve always loved about the band: their music is very creative, and they aren’t afraid to go outside of the box.
“Rabbit”
Again, there’s a bit of a different vibe than I’m used to, but it still feels on brand. The bridge is very good, and it’s catchy, but it didn’t leave me feeling any type of way. However, I can see myself possibly falling in love with it the more I listen to it.
“Tides”
This song feels nostalgic, soft, and pretty. I love the vocals and instrumentals, but nothing about it stands out compared to the rest of the album. No notes here.
“Daisy Chain”
“Daisy Chain” reminds me a lot of an older song by The NBHD: their single “Fallen Star.” It’s emotional and intense, thematically capturing the slow fade of falling out of love but not wanting to let go because the good moments still keep you hooked. Like “Hula Girl,” the more I listen, the more I fall in love with it.
“Zombie”
This song is one of the more upbeat ones on the album, and thematically, I’m feeling a lot of yearning and obsession here. During my first listen, I started noticing my interpretation of the main theme throughout this entire album: putting your all into a relationship, but not getting it returned.
“Mama Drama”
This is definitely a nod to another one of The NBHD’s well-known songs, “Daddy Issues.” I love the vocals here, and overall, it’s a very sweet (maybe bittersweet) song. Sonically, it leans more toward their recent style, and I’m loving that this album blends both old and new.
“Crushed”
I think the lyricism and vocals have a lot of potential, but I honestly wasn’t a huge fan of the instrumental elements, and I didn’t feel like they fit together. I think it could grow on me, but right now it’s not in my rotation.
“Mute”
This song relies heavily on lyricism here, which I’m not entirely mad about, and the vocals are energetic and punchy, which I usually love, but overall, this song wasn’t really my vibe. It’s definitely not bad, but not a favorite either (at least not yet).
“Stupid Boy”
This is easily top three material for me. Lyrically, it’s the perfect post-breakup song. It captures the messy highs and lows of moving on, and the mood feels angry and empowering, but not too intense (for my taste, at least).
I also love the way Rutherford steps out of the box here with the bridge; it just adds to the atmosphere of the song so well. Before I was even finished listening to this song, I’d already put it in my favorites playlist.
Overall, I’m ranking this album an 8.5/10. There are so many amazing tracks here that I’ve been obsessed with since release day. I do think (((((ultraSOUND))))) had even more potential, but either way, I’m still so excited to see what’s to come next from The Neighbourhood.
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