All Time Low arrived on the music scene at the height of the pop-punk emo band phase. With bands like Yellowcard, New Found Glory, The All-American Rejects and Good Charlotte dominating the charts back in the early 2000’s, All Time Low struck while the iron was hot. They had a hard-hitting emo-pop sound and catchy lyrics to match their infectious melodies. Hits like “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and “Coffee Shop Soundtrack” took over the charts but like all trends in music this started to fade in popularity and these bands moved to the background.
Fast-forward to 2015 and four albums later, All Time Low is back with Future Hearts. They have created an album for the fans that played the band’s first CD in the car they learned to drive in. This is the soundtrack for a generation that has grown up but can still remember turning up the radio and singing along as they drove home from their first job. While the album is a call back to the past, Future Hearts also shows off a more mature and polished side to the pop-rock band.
All Time Low is comprised of, Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Rian Dawson and Zack Merrick. The band appears to have grown closer in their time out of the music spotlight. Their music feels organic, like a jam session between friends that was recorded. The progression between each song is natural and doesn’t feel rushed; the songs build on one another and really put together a story that can be felt throughout the album. It’s the story of a generation that has grown up, we have corporate jobs but still remember attending local rock shows until the early morning hours.
Future Hearts also features two collaborations with artists that had also experienced major popularity in the early 2000s. “Tidal Waves” features Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. “Waves” is a slower track on the album and showcases how Gaskarth, with help from Hoppus, is able to tell a story with his vocal delivery. Gaskarth can connect with the audience because his delivery feels honest and natural. The second collaboration features Joel Madden, of Good Charlotte, is featured on “Bail Me Out.” The song is playful, witty and Madden’s vocal ranges compliments Gaskarth.
This album is for the “forever young” generation and anthems like “Kids in the Dark” fuel that passion and energy. This is also an album for fans of rock music looking for something new to listen to because it is something different and unique.
Stand out tracks on the album include, “Something’s Gotta Give,” “Missing You,” and “The Edge of Tonight.”
For the fans that grew up playing All Time Low in their car and singing along Future Hearts is for you. It shows off far the bands has come and yet are able to keep their roots in the heartbeat of this album.
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