5sos “Youngblood” First Impressions
my thoughts on youngblood: overall feelings and broken down by song.
I know no one asked for this, but I like to voice my opinion. Also these are my initial thoughts off one listen. My mind can totally change with more listens. M'kay let’s go.
Youngblood: Really great harmonies. The guitars and Luke are really the driving force in this song. The lyrics are simple but get the job done.
Want you back: HARMONIES. A lot better lyrics in this song. The imagery is really strong. Guitar solo is great and the bass is just dope. This was a solid choice when trying to introduce their new sound.
Lie to me: okay, Luke’s voice is so fucking pretty. That’s a given. It’s a really sweet ballad without sounding too sappy. One of my favorites on the album. It feels like one of the most structured songs. Lyrically, I get Mr. Brightside vibes
Valentine: The opening vocals immediately took me out of the song, it’s a little too careless for me. I get a strong arctic monkeys vibe on this one. Fine lyrics, but I think Michael’s voice works really well with this song. After hearing it live, I prefer the live version over the studio version.
Talk fast: Luke’s head voice mixed with the low moments work really well with the pacing of this song. I feel like it could have been in an 80’s film. Calum’s voice sounds really strong on this one. Would’ve liked harmonies on the bridge. But it really translates well into a live show.
Moving along: I thought that the verses were weak lyrically, but the instrumentation and chorus make it enjoyable. The drums are great and stand out. Live, it sounds really good, but the weakest point to me are the lyrics.
If walls could talk: YES ASHTON THANK YOU. It’s nice to hear someone else’s head voice. The bass really makes this song groovy. The vocals are really the strongest aspect. This is probably one of the strongest songs on the album.
Better man: Thank goodness. So far this song still touches on failed relationships but it is a lot more introspective. Lyrically strong, and the harmonies at the bridge are great and need to happen more, especially since Luke is the main singer on the album.
More: Strong “Boom Clap” by Charli XCX vibes but the bass is really killer here. Far less pop than most of the album. Fun, building chorus that leads to a nice guitar breakdown. And the ending is a nice departure from the usual fade.
Why won’t you love me: Opening is kinda cheesy, but overall, lyrics are fine. The chorus is soft and features, can you guess it? head voice. Michael and Calum really add a lot to their verse. I would have liked to hear more of them on this track. HARMONIES ON BRIDGE THANK YOU.
Woke up in Japan: Okay, Luke sounds really good. And they’re playing a lot more with distorted vocals, but here they work really well without being distracting. It’s really fucking groovy and the guitars feel really meticulous which I like.
Empty wallets: elevated version of “money”. Can hear twenty one pilots influence with the distorted vocal in the bridge. Pretty solid overall and hearing Calum on the track is nice to see. Michael once again has a really strong presence and I want to hear more of him.
Ghost of you: really lovely track. I like how poignant the piano is throughout the chorus which helps to break up the song a bit to make it more interesting. just a simple, well executed ballad.
Monster among men: Michael vocals are super powerful. I thought the lyrics in the first and second verses could’ve been a bit tighter. But the chorus is a lot of fun. Kicking guitar solo is also a plus!
Meet you there: Probably the most experimental on the track. Not sure if I totally like it or think it throws off the song. Would’ve liked to have heard some harmonies in the bridge to make it less redundant. The beat is fun tho.
Babylon: My least favorite. I feel like in the verses, they chose a word and just abused any other word that rhymes with it. Feels really choppy. Overall, it feels out of place with the rest of the album due to the distorted vocals during the chorus. Could’ve done without.
Definitely a new 5sos and clear experimentation
Could’ve done without a few songs to make a more concise album
I love Luke, but I would’ve liked to hear more of Ash, Cal & Mike
Quite repetitive theme which makes it cohesive, but a little boring and predictable. I know these boys have a lot to say, and I’d like to hear more than the same topic configured in various ways.
The most mature album the boys have ever made
The guitars sound more purposeful here; they’re playing strategically instead of trying to just do a bunch of tricks and unnecessary guitar solos
Fav songs: Lie to me, If walls could talk, More, Woke up in Japan, Empty wallets Least fav songs: Moving along, Meet you there, Babylon.
This breakdown, is kinda nit-picky, but overall, I think this is the strongest album they have released so far! I have been a fan since 2013 and really enjoy that direction they have taken. I like most of the songs, and who knows, the ones I don’t care for may grow on me. But this was a good comeback album!
Let me know what you think of the album!!
yousharknotpass
blakekathryn
snowghoul
janainaart
germansingergirl
annaxmalina
romaincrisis
prguitarman
