Don’t call it a comeback, 5 Seconds of Summer is here to stay

In the leadup to the sixth album EVERYONE’S A STAR from Australian boy band 5 Seconds of Summer (a term they are now embracing), fans have been given a taste of what to expect with raucous lead single “NOT OK.”

The song kicks off strong with the lyrics and filtered vocals from lead singer Luke Hemmings coming hard and fast: “Inside every one of us, a shadow side / I call it my better side.” This first verse is backed by tight, cymbal heavy drumming from Ashton Irwin that propels the track forward. 

Leading into the refrain, listeners are brought back to a more familiar 5SOS sound, with layered vocals from multiple members building anticipation, and opening into the anthemic chorus: “Hey, I'm not okay / I like the darker side of me, that part of me / Comes out to play when I'm with you.” 

The bridge of the song brings in some spoken word that speaks to the slightly grimy, party boy attitude throughout the track. Hemmings tells the muse of the song that he said he loved her, but he doesn’t really mean it — very rockstar of him. 

In addition to the new tune, the four-piece are embracing an aesthetic for the album era that could be described as late ‘90s/early 2000s pop sleaze. Complete with Rugrats-eque spiked hair, bold colors and a unique lead single, the band is assuring this album cycle is definitive in its look and sound. 

EVERYONE’S A STAR comes out November 14.