All Time Low has returned with their pop songs and meaningful lyrics on their latest album “Don’t Panic.” Lead singer Alex Gaskarth announced the band would be releasing their fifth album in early 2012. The album is being released on their first record label, Hopeless Records, since the band recently left Interscope records. Fans were worried about what the final product would be like. Their 2011 album release “Dirty Work” was a disappointment to many of their fans, and was criticized for having pointless lyrics and straying away from their previous work and sound.
The band took to Twitter on Oct. 2 to announce they had released the album in it’s entirety through YouTube to get fans more excited for the Oct. 9 release date. A 41 minute long video streamed the full album of 12 songs.
The album opens with their single “The Reckless and the Brave,” which was released in July. The song provides a good introduction to the remainder of the album, leaving the fans wanting more.
Throughout the album listeners will hear guest vocals from Cassadee Pope, previously a member of the Florida-based band Hey Monday. Pope is also a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Other guest vocalists are Anthony Raneri of Bayside and Jason Vena of Acceptance.
Gaskarth’s lyrics throughout the album can relate to the teenage mind by singing about real life problems. This is seen especially in the fourth track “Somewhere in Neverland,” where the lyrics talk about growing up and life after high school. The sixth track “The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver,” speaks about relationships, with lyrics such as “I’m sick and tired of false devotion.”
Nearing the end of the album, the song “For Baltimore” displays the band’s true love for their hometown. The song is dedicated to their original fans for helping them get to where they are now. The lyrics are meaningful and straight from the heart.
Overall the album is very impressive and is worth listening to. The band will most definitely earn a spot back in many of their fans’ hearts. The band will soon embark on their U.S. winter tour to debut this album.
Rachel B • Oct 10, 2012 at 8:43 am
Very nice review Sarah! I COMPLETLY agree with everything you said about this album. Hopefully everyone who were disappointed with Dirty Work will love Don’t Panic! :)