Review
Alright, let's dive into the adrenaline rush of 5 Seconds of Summer's fourth studio album, "CALM"! Dropped on March 27, 2020, this record is a monumental leap in the band's musical journey. With its name cleverly formed from the initials of the band members—Calum, Ashton, Luke, and Michael—"CALM" is a shoutout to the fans who've been rocking this acronym since day one. This album is where 5SOS truly flex their artistic muscles and show off some serious growth, both lyrically and musically.
Kicking off with the electrifying "Red Desert," the album is a kaleidoscope of styles, setting a psychedelic and anthemic tone. Singles like "Easier" and "Teeth" laid the groundwork, but tracks like "No Shame," "Old Me," and the explosively colorful "Wildflower," take listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions and sounds. Critics, including *Riff*'s Amelia Parreira, have praised its "new musical density and electrifying nuance." These guys tackle themes of self-discovery and personal growth with a punchy, youthful angst, showing off the lessons learned through their twenties.
Commercially, "CALM" smashed it! Landing at number one in Australia, the UK, and Scotland, and snagging the number two spot in the US—a total rockstar move! *Billboard* even named it one of the 25 Best Pop Albums of 2020. With catchy hooks, deep lyrics, and wild musical experimentation, "CALM" is an epic chapter in 5 Seconds of Summer's discography that you do not want to miss. - Sammi
