Written by: Lilianna Gracia
5 Seconds of Summer, better known as 5SOS, has been taking the industry by storm since 2011. Six studio albums and numerous EPs since their founding, the band’s newest album, EVERYONE’S A STAR!, brings a new sound to the sonic landscape of their discography. Twelve songs, four deluxe tracks, and one extra b-side, the seventeen new tracks have brought satisfaction and life to the fans who have been waiting for new releases from the Australian music group.
For those who don’t know, 5 Seconds of Summer is composed of four members: Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin. From touring with One Direction to selling out arena tours, the band has had multiple number-one albums, singles, and platinum songs. Outside of the joint project that brought them to stardom, each member has their own solo projects showcasing their own sound and meaning, showing fans each of their own perspectives individually.
EVERYONE’S A STAR! is the first project, as a band, that has been put out where all members have their own solo music released to the world. Truly bringing us a soundscape that allows listeners to piece together what each member brought to the music without even needing to look at the song credits.
With that in mind, I narrowed the album down to five tracks — songs I think best capture the new era, highlight each member’s unique touch, and showcase why this album stands as one of their most dynamic projects to date.
1: No. 1 Obsession
Lyrically showcasing the want for attention by begging for someone to “Make me your number one obsession”. Whether this be relationships or the want for more in stardom, the song encapsulates this feeling of wanting more. Speaking on the song in an interview with Hot Hits, drummer Ashton Irwin says, “We’re gonna release things that hopefully make you feel happier and freer and more whole, or at least uplifted for a single moment when you see anything to do with [5SOS],” when talking about the song. Particularly pertaining to the way the band is seeking fans to find solace and make them their obsession. The song also goes into how stardom is fueled by the fans with lyrics like “Just tell me it’s alright and tell me I’m your type,” “In your reflection, god, you make me feel alive,” and “Dying for a little bit of your affection” emphasizing how the band’s flame can only be fueled by their audience.
The production in the track has a very classic rock element to it, starting strong with drums and a strong string glide before more instrumentation and vocals come in. Transporting listeners to the ‘80s, the synth adds a layer to this classic sound, making it feel like the song is from a whole other era despite the recent release.
2: istillfeelthesame
The seventh track of the original album release marks the halfway point of the listening experience.“istillfeelthesame” changes the tone the first half gives, adding more lighthearted moments and upbeat production while creating a slight ballad, adding to the layers. Keeping a heavy synth-focused sound mixed alongside live instruments, the band utilizes these elements to emphasize the lyrics.
The title itself, “istillfeelthesame,” explains the song perfectly as the lyrics bring a story of feeling an emotional drift from your partner, but you “still feel the same” and they “slip away.” It’s a plea to bring back what once was as the person you love drifts off.
3: Start Over
The first of the deluxe tracks off EVERYONE’S A STAR! (Fully Evolved), the theme of yearning and needing someone continues. The b-side track focuses on not wanting to start a relationship over and not wanting the person to leave. Although it is an extra track, the song fits perfectly into this narrative theme of wanting more within relationships. From “I know every light on your street” to “wishing every face I see was like you,” it is clear that the song shows a fear of abandonment. Wanting to continue the emotions that once were, as the singer knows everything about a person and looks for them.
Like other songs, this one’s production takes on a retro sound categorized by its very strong synths and alongside the guitar in the mix. While all instruments of the band members are present, “Start Over” has that ballad mix like “istillfeelthesame,” but much more steady and slow. This creates a reflective, cinematic atmosphere that enhances the emotions of the lyrics.
4: Evolve
Going back to the original tracks released, “Evolve” creates a very different, funky sound to the band’s discography. Empowering towards women, the song talks about how girls mature faster, essentially saying that, as men, the band needs to “evolve” quicker to fully give a woman what she needs.
Very different from the other songs thematically, the song still fits in sonically with the rest. From a funky bassline, clear drums, and fuzzy guitar sounds fuel the movement in the song. Tying into the classic rock and retro aesthetic of it all, “Evolve” stands out without being out of place.
5: NOT OK
The Lead single of EVERYONE’S A STAR!, “NOT OK,” truly defined the era of this new album. Many referring to the sound similar to Gorillaz, all of it felt similar, but still perfect for introducing the new sonic soundscape the album leaned into.
Lyrically, the song dives deep into the feeling of hitting rock bottom, getting inebriated, and having your friends there to help you. From the beginning of “inside every one of us, a shadow side” referring to that side of you not sober. This theme emphasizes the desire to escape your problems, while also being aware of them.
“NOT OK” balances that emotional heaviness with a thematic, almost chaotic energy. It’s a strong lead single, channeling the confusion and exhaustion of self-destruction into something fun to distract audiences from the deeper lyrics. The track ultimately introduces the idea present across the record: confronting your flaws, owning your darker moments, and recognizing the people who pull you back when you spiral.
Overall, EVERYONE’S A STAR! marks a strong evolution for 5 Seconds of Summer, blending their individual artistic growth into a unified, reviving sound. The album’s tracks highlight the band’s ability to experiment sonically while staying grounded in the emotional honesty fans connect with and the pursuit to not box themselves into a certain sound. Altogether, it proves 5SOS are still growing, innovating, and redefining their place in modern pop-rock.
Listen to EVERYONE’S A STAR! on your preferred streaming site HERE.
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