5 Seconds of Summer has recently come out with their new album, 5SOS5, on September 26. This album was an effortless part of the continuing evolution of this band since their pop-punk days opening for One Direction. Overall, I could listen to this album on repeat. Below, I have ranked all the songs on this latest new sound from the band.
1. Moodswings
This song is my absolute favorite of the new album. Luke Hemming’s voice is otherworldly. Plus, Luke and Ashton Irwin’s vocals together in the first verse are unmatched. I think Ashton Irwin is underrated as a vocalist and he’s also my favorite member of the band. In addition, who doesn’t love an angsty song about love with a catchy chorus and an even catchier bridge?
2. Tears!
I love this song and it was a close contender to “Moodswings”. The two lead vocals on this track are Ashton Irwin, the drummer, and Calum Hood, the bassist. They are two of my favorite members of the band, so maybe I’m biased. However, their voices blend so beautifully in this song. In addition, the pre-chorus is probably the ear-wormiest piece of music ever and I’ll be singing nonstop for the next couple of months.
3. BloodHound
I always go back to this song. The drums carrying the beat throughout this song makes this one of the most dance-able songs in existence. Plus, Michael’s vocals in the second verse are incredible. Lastly, this song is a favorite because every single member’s voice gets its moment in this song. It’s almost a taster of the vocals of each member.
4. Flatline
Once again, do I even need to bring up Luke Hemming’s vocals? They’re unreal. Also, this one of the sweetest songs written about realizing you’re in love. Also, Calum showcases the beautiful higher end of his range in the chorus. What is not to love?
5. Older
Though this a slow song, the opposite of what I typically like, I’m obsessed. It was written and sung by Luke Hemmings and his fiance, Sierra Deaton, based on cheesy 1950s love songs (how could you not like this song after learning that?). Also, the slow beat and drums allow you to focus on the stunning vocals. It’s a sickeningly sweet song fit for any hopeless romantic like myself.
6. Red Line
At number six is “Red Line”, a song I enjoy immensely but simply could not put above the others. This song almost feels like it fits into Luke Hemming’s solo album When Facing The Things We Turn Away From with its indie vibe that I enjoy. Also, I love this song because the lyrics reminisce about the time that the band took the Red Line in London to their songwriting sessions (adorable).
7. Bad Omens
I love “Bad Omens” for its upbeat melody matched with somber lyrics. Once again, though I am not the biggest sad song lover, this song has a grip on me. In addition, I feel that though this may seem like a stereotypical 5 Seconds of Summer song with just Luke singing verses, there is something truly mesmerizing about the song especially after watching the breathtaking music video.
8. Haze
This is another sweet love song. It highlights every band member’s vocals with the peak being Luke and Ashton singing together in the second verse (absolutely breathtaking). We also get to hear Calum’s higher register again in the chorus, which blew me away. This song could be played nonstop throughout this coming summer with the top down on the way to the beach with friends.
9. Bleach
Once again, this is a sad song with Luke at the forefront. If you need a good breakup song about being stuck on an ex (who hasn’t been there) or if you just want to be in your feels, this is the song for you. Though this is not their most unique song on the album, I still appreciate it and will turn it on my Spotify when feeling moody.
10. Caramel
“Caramel” is one of the songs that I think will be stuck in my head. We once again get an Ashton solo that is incredible (I wish it was longer!). However, a majority of the song does not feature other members which I feel would have elevated the song completely and made it different in the best way possible.
11. You Don’t go to parties
This song stands out because it is a Calum-heavy song (are you catching onto who my favorite members are yet?). We get to hear his lower register, which is just as stunning as his higher register. However, I must warn you that this is another sad song. I cannot dance to it, so this will be another moody playlist song for me.
12. Take My Hand
This song has some of the sweetest melodies of the album, combined with serious lyrics about dealing with aging. As a college student living away from family for the first time, I can relate to and love this song. However, 5 Seconds of Summer played this song on their last tour, so I have heard it for the past year, making it lower on the list for me.
14. Blender
Once again, I think I would like this song more if it wasn’t a single beforehand. This is another sweet love song sung by Luke. I think I’ll always enjoy this song, like “Bad Omens”, for the great music video that goes with it. The visuals and just the fun of it being filmed while they are on tour elevate this song for me.
15. carousel
“Carousel” is a song for the existentialists constantly overthinking life. However, it has a fun upbeat tempo so don’t worry— it’s not completely sad. Overall, it’s not a bad song and has great meaning, I just would not play this all the time. I would definitely need to be in a sad mood to sit down and listen to this song, making it a little lower for me.
16. best Friends
“Best Friends” is a nice pickup song in between the sad ones and will make you go awww! Everyone sings on this song and it’s all about the band’s friendship and all the memories they’ve made together, making it the sweetest song ever. However, it’s a bit repetitive which makes it a bit lower for me.
17. Me Myself and I
This is another single that I just know will be constantly played on the radio for the next couple of years. This is also one of the songs we get Luke’s mid to lower range vocally instead of the high pitch he usually sings as (which I ate up). That paired with Ashton’s amazing drumming makes this song great, if only the radio had not overplayed it (as they always do).
18. Complete Mess
This was the first single released for this new album, so this song will have a special place in my heart. I think it gave a good taste of what the rest of the album will be— a collective work with every member getting spots to shine. However, we now have the whole album and many songs have out-topped this one.
19.Emotions
Emotions is at the bottom of the list for me. I have loved other solo Michael songs like “Jet Black Heart”, but this one just is a skip for me. The lyrics are probably the most monotonous which is awful because I was genuinely excited for another solo Michael song. So, Michael fans, it’s not Michael— it’s the lyrics.
Final thoughts
Overall, this album might be my favorite from the band. They evolve their sound with every album in the best way possible. This new evolution in this album shows maturity as they reflect throughout this album on their decade-long experience as a band and people. This constant evolution allows their fans to never get bored and to see how passionate the band truly is about music and staying true to themselves.