Youngblood Album Review

Youngblood was 5 Seconds of Summer's 3rd album, and without a doubt, it was worth the 3 year waiting period! While I adored 'Sounds Good Feels Good', their self-titled album, and even 'CALM', Youngblood is, without a doubt, my favourite album of theirs. It has something for everyone, and as a drummer, I can't help but adore Ashton Irwin's work on this album.

1. Youngblood-

What can I say about the title track of this album that hasn't been said already? It starts simply, with just basic guitar strums and Luke Hemming's unedited vocals, but slowly builds with the addition of more percussion and synth. The true strength of Youngblood, however, is in its chorus with that impossibly gorgeous bass. The song is irritatingly catchy, at times, especially with the now-infamous "ooh ooh ooh ooh". There is a reason why Youngblood was 5SOS' first-ever top 10 single in the US, and the reason becomes abundantly clear the second you listen to it.

2. Want You Back-

5SOS' lyrical maturity deserves full credit in Want You Back. The instruments reflect the natural highs and lows of any relationship as they carefully and ingeniously shift back and forth between the lower murmured verses and the soprano-heavy chorus. In simple terms, it is a relaxed breakup song coupled with a keyboard-driven pop vibe. It is definitely a worthy second part introduction to the band's new era, that was launched by this album.

3. Lie To Me-

Oh, 'Lie to Me' does not hold back at all, with brutally honest lines like “And I know that you don’t, but if I ask you if you love me, I hope you lie to me”. The layering of the vocals was a brilliant production choice as the "La, La, La" group vocal near the end of the song is devastating and haunting. While it may be the shortest track on the album, it uses its time productively and is one of the two songs on the album that leaves you feeling low.

4. Valentine-

Oh, the bass line in Valentine is dirty! It really resonates with the listener. This song is a clear experiment for 5SOS, and the results are crystal clear: more of this kind of music, please! Calum and Michael get their first solos of the album here, and they absolutely demolish them. Its a dark and moody love song and the simple beat justs keep the listener engaged throughout.

5. Talk Fast -

If you love 80s music, stop reading this review right now and go listen to Talk Fast and come back later! This song is just impossibly catchy and has you bopping along from the very beginning. The guitar riff and the beat complement each other incredibly well. The song has a certain carefree and funloving vibe that is just so infectious. Kudos to the boys for their innovative thinking!

6. Moving Along-

This song has you feeling a host of emotions. It is deceptively peppy in the opening, grabbing your attention with Luke's vocals right at the start. Moreover, Ashton's drumming and solos are absolutely incredible in this song. The chorus is almost chanted, and it adds an element of fun as you sing along. However, the bridge drops almost all the fancy features, and all that remains are the boys' raw vocals along with all the questions they've been reluctant to ask so far.

7. If Walls Could Talk-

Who allowed Ashton Irwin to use that falsetto in a song? Tell them I just want to talk. This song is perfectly accompanied by regular yet adrenaline-creating kicks on the bass. The line, "We'd fall from grace, yeah, we're falling" makes this song for me, as the multitalented genius drummer AKA Ashton induces millions of heart attacks with his brilliant falsetto. Moreover, the instrumental break in this song is just stunning and has you bobbing your head along, no matter if it's your first time hearing it or even your thousandth.

8. Better Man-

Better Man was, and still is, a great summer song and probably has the sweetest lyrics on this album, as it is a love letter to the boys' new partner, where they profusely thank them for making them evolve for the better. The stripped guitar in the song gives it a sweet, sentimental feel that adds to the sincerity of the lyrics.

9. More-

I still don't know why, but More is probably my favourite 5 Seconds of Summer song ever. Its probably because of its rock sound and instrumentals that just pack a punch from the beginning to the end. Moreover, it is likely that the track is about a depressing breakup, and really, who does not like that strange yet incredibly fitting juxtaposition?

10. Why Won't You Love Me-

Michael and Calum truly shine on this song in the back and forth second verse, with its blunt nature and lack of the sugarcoated lyrics so innate to the "Typical Love Song". The chorus expresses the boys' hopeless confusion brilliantly, and its bridge and the final chorus just pull through to give us a joyful, and frankly, fun ending.

11. Woke Up In Japan-

Woke Up In Japan is the kind of song you can only truly begin to appreciate when you listen to it with a good pair of headphones on and pay attention to how many different elements have been so masterfully woven into this one song. The song starts with its chorus, a bold choice and moves into short, dreamy lyrics supported by a tight and rapid guitar riff. The pre-chorus defies all expectations and is almost an intoxicating paradise.

12. Empty Wallets-

This song is such a banger. Michael Clifford's vocals add this undeniable and captivating grit to the chorus and contribute so many layers to the song. It has one of the best beats of the song and has you banging your head along to Ashton's drumming. Finally, the bridge is just... WOW. There needs to be a petition to give Michael more solos or even songs like Jet Black Heart immediately.

13. Ghost of You-

Ghost of You deserves a warning because it will absolutely wreck you. It is basically the Broken Home of this album (don't even get me started on that song). This ballad shows the harsh reality of the aftermath of a serious, loving relationship. All of 3 minutes of this song are gorgeously crafted, as it simultaneously gives you goosebumps and has you reaching for the tissues as tears stream down your face.

14. Monster Among Men-

This song is an absolute must for guitar solo enthusiasts as Michael is the closest to shredding as he has ever been on the guitar. Almost every instrument gets an opportunity to shine in this song; from the short guitar lines that accentuate the chorus, and make it that much more perfect, to even the very subtle piano that lifts the song from just another melancholic one to an uptempo, enjoyable banger.

15. Meet You There-

If this song is not used in a car chase scene in a movie within the next 3 years, it will be the greatest missed opportunity of our generation. Driven primarily by the instruments, this is the song for anyone who adores good, dedicated drumming. It was even performed live, with over 75% of the song being primarily instrumental. I highly recommend listening to the song if you're not in the mood to try and decipher lyrics by the world's greatest artists, and just want to enjoy a fun ride.

16. Babylon-

Why this song is a bonus track on the album is one of the world's greatest unsolved mysteries. Calum Hood's vocals are absolutely breathtaking in this song and it is filled with incredibly catchy and talented guitar solos. The transition between the more toned-down verses to the heavier and higher chorus is executed perfectly. Moreover, I highly recommend listening to the band playing this song live on YouTube. The adrenaline rush you feel cannot be expressed in mere words, especially with Ashton completely owning the drums.