AJR is an indie pop trio composed of three brothers who are instrumentally inclined such as: Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met. The three talented brothers write, produce, and mix their music in a small apartment amid New York City. I immediately fell head over heels for this band due to their catchy, collaborative pieces that reflect on serious, meaningful topics like mental health and growing up in modern times. This past weekend, AJR produced their fourth album called OK Orchestra; in which contained the musical layers, jazz, and musical components of a 1930s larger scale orchestra. Each of the 13 pieces within OK Orchestra tell a compelling, real life story that emotionally captivates its audience; however, three of the tunes truly resonated with me while relating to my real-life experience.
- “Ordinaryish People” (feat. Blue Man Group)
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This lively, compelling song with instrumentals outwardly gives off a happy vibe; however, the lyrics depict the true nature of growing out of old friendships while no longer fitting into social groups or cliques. For example, “Your hippie friends call you a sellout ‘Cause you buckled down and get a job You still get high, but you’re no hippie, no hippie But all your work friends think you are.” These lyrics spoke to me because being someone who has a variety of different friends, it often becomes difficult not having every trait or hobby in common with a friend group; especially when they all share the same interests. Additionally – “Ordinaryish People” reflects upon gaining more responsibilities with age and having to sacrifice friendships for the sake of maturity and old habits diminishing. Being halfway through college, I am starting to gain more independence, yet am also taking on a larger course load; therefore, I am struggling to rearrange my priorities as I continue progressing through adulthood. Lastly, I very much found this verse intriguing: “I don’t wanna pack up and leave though When you’re nobody, then nobody minds.” From my interpretation, AJR is displaying how hard yet necessary it is to let go of the past and move forward. However, as young adults we are destined to grow and mature; even though people may grow envious of our growth and like us better when we were young, immature “nobody’s.”
- “3 O’Clock Things”
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This relatable piece allows listeners to interpret the lyrical component formatted in a late night, free-form therapy session. Throughout “3 O’Clock Things” there is a present 1940s-styled swing tune, alongside an on and off melody of jazz trumpets, contrasting the catchy lyrics and the deeper meaning. This song speaks heavily to me because it is so common for me to overthink my existence at late hours of the night; reflecting upon my relationships; my path in life, and real world issues. This song reflects upon human connection and struggling to find true, genuine friendships apart from judgment; being the world is so two sided in political views. For example, within verse two: “It’s kinda funny how I keep debating If someone’s shy or if they hate me I feel like everyone I know right now Is hooking up and getting wasted (Without me) And maybe sex is overrated But we’re too shy to ever say it So we pretend we’re all amazing It’s 3 AM, I should be sleeping.” AJR puts out this universal message that all of us feel as if we must conform to this mold of society yet tend to feel the most ourselves when alone with no judgement; due to the superficial, judgmental society which we are a part of. Such lyrics agree with that testament: “Would you go running if you saw the real me? Maybe you’d love ’em, yeah, maybe you’d feel me But I’ll never ask you, no, that’s super scary.” Ultimately, this song in my opinion, is the most relatable and universal song of the album for my generation, providing you with comfort and reassurance during times of overthinking.
- “Humpty Dumpty”
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This song is by far my most favorite of the album for its transparent and raw message of mental health, depicting the stigma surrounding openness. From my concrete interpretation of “Humpty Dumpty,” the piece reflects upon the overwhelming struggles of mental illness, and how society categorizes openness as a weakness. Therefore, the piece depicts the theme of “struggling in silence” to not burden others with mental health related issues. For example, “When Humpty Dumpty went down He said screw it Imma smile right through it And I’ll scream when no one’s around.” This line in particular resonates with me so heavily because as someone who struggles with mental illness, I sometimes feel as if I must suppress my emotions for the sake of making others comfortable; however, this is not the case. With continuing the talk of mental health embedded within AJR’s album, this universal message is making fans like me not feel so alone in our struggles.