All Time Low do exactly what they say on the tin – singing about every ‘all time low’ they have EVER experienced. And boy does this band get through some depressing times: broken hearts at the hands of ruthless females; the parents that never understood their endearing quirks; those pesky hangovers and, of course, the horrible realization that they’re getting a bit old.
Perhaps then, if they started acting a little older they might get taken a bit more seriously in the fickle world of music. You see, All Time Low are one of those bands trapped in the ‘emo’ phase that was, lets face it, so five years ago. One listen to their third studio album, Nothing Personal, is enough to have you reaching for the guyliner, skinny jeans and a good dose of apathy.
But hell for this album it might just be worth it. It’s cheesy, it’s OTT, the lyrics aren’t quite Shakespearian… OK, it’s emo-tripe but it’s FUN emo tripe. Much like pop-punk legends New Found Glory and Sugarcult, All Time Low can take even the most down-hearted lyrics, match them with an upbeat melody and transform a song into a seriously catchy tune.
First single Weightless is a song you will instantly love – that is of course if you’re not too ashamed to admit such an attraction. Alex Gaskarth singing: “I’m over getting older”. That’s the thing about All Time Low; they really make you feel sixteen again. And bad fashion and worse skin aside it’s a pretty good feeling. Of course it would benefit from a little less auto-tone from the overzealous producers who fail to realise that Gaskarth’s voice works well enough on its own.
Too Much is another victim of producers having a field day in the studio. The result being a song that sounds a bit too reminiscent of a Hellogoodbye track. Even so, this is still a seriously good song. Second single Dammed If I Do (Dammed If I Don’t) is a perfect choice for release and is sure to pick them up a few new fans – especially all those newly dumped female haters who are sure to connect with the title.
Lost In The Stereo is easily the best song on this album but really there is no bad track on Nothing Personal. Stella, Therapy, Sick Little Games etc. Every song on this album is a classic in its own way. It might be junk music but every once in awhile you need a big greasy calorific album to indulge yourself in.
sofie monk
10 months ago
I loved reading this.
I love All Time Low, but what you wrote was completely true.
I think you’re right about the less auto-tone & Alex Gaskarth’s voice being good enough on its own.
& Nothing Personal is a bit cheesy, I wouldn’t exactly say emo-tripe, but it’s definately a fun album.
xox