In case you didn't hear, All Time Low released their sixth studio album "Future Hearts" yesterday and it definitely didn't disappoint (although, it wasn't their best yet. Nothing personal, I just can't get over the sound of All Time Low's first albums.). The album is pretty solid from start to finish and as usual there are certain tracks that really shine and others that could have used a little more pizzazz. The best way to review an album like this would be a track by track analysis, so that is what I shall provide.
Here we go:
Satellite: "Wishing on a star that's just a satellite" is such a strong line to start on. I loved it. This track has an amazing sound to it that I'm not used to associating with All Time Low. The drums in the background are amazing. Bravo, Rian. The drums really just add this feeling to the song that is hard to describe. The only word I can come up with is powerful. By the end of this short, but sweet track Alex Gaskarth repeatedly sings, "We were just kids, we were just kids singing..." but every time his voice becomes more and more emotional and then it suddenly ends. Great start to the album.
Kicking & Screaming: This song reminds me of older All Time Low that I love dearly. The fast paced song makes for what will be a really fun song to see live. This one is classic All Time Low with it's fun guitar lines, impressive drums and guitar solo in the middle of the track followed by Gaskarth's voice being isolated eventually. I won't lie; I'm a huge fan of this formula All Time Low has managed to master and love hearing it on every album of theirs.
Something's Gotta Give: This song was the first single from "Future Hearts" and it definitely set a standard for me. Personally, I loved this song and found the zombie music video even more entertaining. "I'm sinking, you're wading. I'm thinking 'something's gotta give" is such a simple yet amazing line that I can't get over it. Yet again All Time Low has been able to capture the feeling of helplessness a lot of people feel, and that is one of the reason I have, and will continue to, love All Time Low.
Kids In The Dark: All Time Low released this as their second single from "Future Hearts" and it quickly became on of my favorite ATL songs. This song has such a powerful message in it that it really hits me in the feels. The music video depicts a young girl who is caught between her parents fighting and needs a getaway and finds it by joining the kids in the dark. "So let the world sing, what a shame, what a shame. Beautiful scars on critical veins." This chorus has got to be one of the most powerful ones All Time Low has. It gives me chills and makes me want to cry all at the same time.
Runaways: When I first listened to this track when All Time Low released it, I wasn't a huge fan of it because it didn't live up to what I was given with Something's Gotta Give and Kids In The Dark. The more I listen to the album, the more this on grows on me. The beginning sounds almost whimsical and dreamy, but it works alongside Gaskarth's voice. I absolutely loved everything about the chorus in this one. Also, there's clapping in the background throughout the song, and who doesn't love that?!
Missing You: Hands down, the best track on this album for me personally. All Time Low seems to always have one song that addresses the huge issue of depression and suicide. Having personal experience in both subjects it always speaks to me when Gaskarth sings a lovely melody that tells me to keep holding on. All of the lyrics in this song are amazing, but there are some lines that speak volumes to me like: "I heard that you've been having some trouble finding your place in the world. I know how much that hurts." And in the chorus when he says "Now don't lose your fight, kid. It only takes a little push to pull on through. With so much left to do, you'll be missing out and we'll be missing you."
Cinderblock Garden: The first thing that stood out to me in this song was the strong bass line. It was awesome getting to hear what Zack! This track is very catchy and has a really familiar feel to it. It definitely sounds like what All Time Low has done before, but in a really good way! I like it because it shows just how well Alex, Jack, Rian and Zack come together and how awesome they are at what they do. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing this one live in May.
Tidal Waves (feat. Mark Hoppus): Initial thoughts: Mark Hoppus did a song with All Time Low?! Fourth grade me must be dreaming! This is a dream come true! After listening to the song once I wasn't sure how to feel. It was a lot slower than I had expected and both Gaskarth and Hoppus have soothing voices for the most part so it seemed a little dry. The more I hear the song though, the more I love the lyrics and the mixture of Mark and Alex's voices. Once Mark comes in there's a familiar sound of +44, which I love. I definitely feel like +44 was underestimated, but that's a different tale for another day. This song is one that will eventually grow on you, I promise.
Don't You Go: This song takes me back to being in middle school when I would jam out to old All Time Low CDs every single day. It is probably one of the songs that incorporate All Time Low's old pop punk sounds the most. Yet again, there's clapping and clever lyrics, so there's some brownie points. Oh, and there is group singing for a very small section, which is just the icing on top. I love this track because it makes me take a walk down memory lane with All Time Low.
Bail Me Out (feat. Joel Madden): To me, this song had a strong Good Charlotte feel to it, which makes sense because of Joel Madden. This song has more of an upbeat feel to it, but it's still a little different of a sound for All Time Low. Alex and Joel's voices complement each other nicely and I'm glad to hear Joel's voice again. And of course, we get to hear Alex's cute laugh at the end of the song. Always good.
Dancing With A Wolf: This song reminds me a lot of the cheeky lyrics we got in "Dirty Work". Specifically, "Heroes". I loved the sound they achieved in "Heroes" and I love it now in this song. Gaskarth makes his point in this song by repeatedly saying "There's no love for a liar" and other lines that show the tension towards this other person he's singing about. That's one of the best things about All Time Low's music; it applies to pretty much any situation. Even liars.
The Edge of Tonight: The beginning of this song has a completely different sound than I expect to hear from All Time Low. It has an almost futuristic sound to it. This one is on the other side of the spectrum for All Time Low's sound. It is probably as far from pop punk as it gets on this album especially. That's not a bad thing; I'm just used to a less polished sound on the instruments and vocals.
Old Scars / Future Hearts: This is the final track on the album and I couldn't imagine another song being the closer. There's something about the chorus that I absolutely love and I love the passion in Alex Gaskarth's voice in this track. It's a healthy balance between their pop punk and pop sound that they've been bouncing between for a little bit now. I love listening to what Rian Dawson can do, and this song allows that a lot. Overall, it showcases the musical ability of the group entirely. The guitars, the drums, the lyrics - I LOVE IT ALL.