Description
5 Seconds Of Summer – Calm – Vinyl Record
5 Seconds of Summer’s CALM, released on March 27, 2020, is the Australian pop-rock band’s fourth studio album and one of their most introspective and sonically adventurous works. The title, an acronym for the members’ first names (Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin, Luke Hemmings, and Michael Clifford), reflects both the band’s unity and the album’s themes of self-discovery, love, mental health, and vulnerability. CALM showcases the group’s evolution from their earlier pop-punk roots into a more mature sound, blending elements of pop, rock, electronic, and 1980s-inspired synth-pop.
With standout tracks like Teeth, Old Me, and No Shame, the album combines personal lyrics with polished production, demonstrating the band’s growth as songwriters and musicians. CALM was critically well-received and debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200, solidifying 5 Seconds of Summer’s status as one of the most versatile and successful bands of their generation.
By the time CALM was released, 5 Seconds of Summer (often abbreviated as 5SOS) had undergone a significant artistic transformation. After achieving global success with their self-titled debut album (2014) and Sounds Good Feels Good (2015), the band reinvented their sound with their third album, Youngblood (2018), which incorporated a sleeker, more electronic-influenced style. CALM continues this evolution, offering a darker, more introspective tone while maintaining the infectious hooks and anthemic qualities that define their music.
The album was crafted during a period of intense self-reflection for the band members, who channeled their personal experiences into the songwriting process. Collaborating with renowned producers like Andrew Watt, Louis Bell, and Ryan Tedder, 5SOS created a record that balances vulnerability and strength, offering fans an intimate glimpse into their lives and emotions.
CALM is a genre-blurring album that fuses elements of pop-rock, new wave, synth-pop, and electronic music. The band draws inspiration from 1980s acts like Depeche Mode and Tears for Fears, as well as modern pop production trends, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
The production is sleek and atmospheric, with heavy use of synthesizers, layered vocal harmonies, and dynamic shifts between introspective verses and explosive choruses. Luke Hemmings’ emotive vocals take center stage, supported by the tight rhythm section of Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin, and Michael Clifford’s textured guitar work. The album’s sonic versatility reflects the band’s confidence in exploring new territory while staying true to their identity.
Track Highlights
Red Desert
The album opens with this soaring anthem, featuring lush harmonies and a driving beat. The song’s expansive sound and vivid imagery create a sense of openness and exploration, setting the tone for the record.
No Shame
A biting critique of modern fame and self-obsession, this track pairs a groovy bassline with sharp lyrics and an infectious chorus. Its mix of irony and introspection captures the album’s overarching themes.
Old Me
A nostalgic reflection on personal growth and past mistakes, Old Me blends introspective lyrics with a catchy melody. The track’s message of self-acceptance resonates deeply, offering a universal appeal.
Easier
One of the album’s lead singles, this dark and brooding track features pulsating beats, atmospheric synths, and a haunting vocal performance. Its exploration of toxic relationships adds emotional depth to the record.
Teeth
A standout moment on CALM, Teeth combines industrial rock influences with a gritty, aggressive energy. The song’s raw intensity and bold production make it one of the band’s most experimental tracks.
Wildflower
A vibrant, synth-driven track, Wildflower is a departure from the album’s darker moments. Its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics bring a burst of energy and optimism, showcasing the band’s versatility.
Best Years
This heartfelt ballad is a tender promise of commitment and love. Its stripped-down arrangement allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine, creating a deeply intimate moment on the album.
Not in the Same Way
A track that balances melancholy with humor, Not in the Same Way explores the complications of unrequited love. The song’s layered production and dynamic shifts make it a standout.
Lover of Mine
A dreamy, atmospheric ballad, Lover of Mine highlights Luke Hemmings’ emotive vocals and the band’s knack for crafting evocative melodies. The track’s introspective tone fits seamlessly into the album’s narrative.
Thin White Lies
This track delves into themes of deception and emotional vulnerability, blending pulsating rhythms with an anthemic chorus.
Lonely Heart
With its raw lyrics and stripped-down production, Lonely Heart is a poignant exploration of isolation and longing. The song’s simplicity adds to its emotional impact.
High
Closing the album on a bittersweet note, High is a reflective, acoustic-driven ballad that contemplates love and loss. Its understated beauty provides a fitting conclusion to the album’s emotional journey.
CALM is a deeply introspective album that grapples with themes of personal growth, relationships, mental health, and identity. The lyrics reflect a sense of vulnerability and self-awareness, as the band members confront their fears, flaws, and hopes. Songs like Old Me and Best Years emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and love, while tracks like Easier and No Shame explore the darker sides of relationships and fame.
The album’s title, CALM, not only represents the band members’ initials but also contrasts with the often chaotic emotions expressed in the songs. This duality captures the tension between inner turmoil and the desire for peace and stability.
CALM received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the band’s growth and willingness to experiment. The album was lauded for its polished production, emotional depth, and cohesive sound, with many noting its blend of anthemic tracks and introspective ballads. Some critics highlighted its 1980s-inspired influences as a fresh direction for the band.
Commercially, CALM was a success, debuting at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Its singles, particularly Teeth and Easier, received significant radio play and streaming attention, further solidifying 5SOS’s position as one of the most successful pop-rock bands of their generation.
CALM is a testament to 5 Seconds of Summer’s evolution from a teenage pop-punk band into a mature, genre-defying act. Its introspective themes and polished sound resonated with fans, many of whom grew alongside the band. The album’s exploration of mental health, relationships, and self-discovery reflects the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood, making it deeply relatable.
The album’s success also reaffirmed 5SOS’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in an ever-changing music landscape, influencing a new wave of artists blending rock and pop with electronic elements.
CALM is a landmark album in 5 Seconds of Summer’s career, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. With its blend of anthemic rock, introspective ballads, and experimental production, the album captures the band at a moment of artistic evolution. Its themes of vulnerability, self-reflection, and resilience resonate deeply, making it a timeless record that reflects both personal and universal experiences. For fans and newcomers alike, CALM is a compelling journey through the highs and lows of life and love.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Red Desert
No Shame
Old Me
Easier
Teeth
Wildflower
Best Years
Not In The Same Way
Lover Of Mine
Thin White Lies
Lonely Heart
High
