Review Summary: "Hate That I’m Loving It."
“Love Sick Radio” is the first E.P. released by Austin John since he and Hinder parted ways in 2013. It finds Austin transitioning from the rock sound of Hinder into a more pop based sound. This could of course alienate a lot of fans who liked his work with Hinder, but many whose main attraction to Hinder was his voice will probably find at least some of it to be enjoyable. The songs are all very catchy, but sometimes the lyrics leave much to be desired. When I first listened to it I was having a hard time finding much to like about it, but I listened to it more and it's grown on me since then. I even still listen to the weaker songs sometimes.
The weakest songs on the album are “Clique to Follow” and “The Plague”, which both have potential but are brought down by some cringeworthy lyrics. “The Plague” is a decent upbeat song, and has a positive message in lyrics like “the love in our hearts burns as bright as the sun”, but I just have a hard time getting into the idea of spreading good vibes “like the plague”. When I think of the plague it brings to mind images of people dying of horrible diseases, and I understand what he’s trying to do with it, but it’s just a “tough pill to swallow”. Which brings us to “Clique to Follow”, which is again catchy, but do I really want to be reminded about his views on Kanye West and Beyonce every time I listen to it? Its purpose seems to be criticizing modern pop music, but if one wants to make a song that criticizes mainstream pop it’s a good idea to make sure that it’s better than the ones it’s criticizing.
Then we have some songs I would consider to be pretty average in “Carry You” and “Road To Paradise”. "Carry You" is a nice ballad about being faithful and celebrating commitment in love. “Road To Paradise” is about doing your own thing, and rejecting strict religious views concerning drinking and sex. I don’t really agree with the message that casual sex is a worthwhile way to get “on the road to paradise”, but it’s a pretty well executed song, and the lyrics are decently written. Also, it’s got a really catchy whistle tune in the chorus that gets stuck in your head pretty easily.
The better songs on the album are “Howlin’” and “Hate That I’m Loving It”. “Howlin’” is about a couple that is on the verge of breaking up and are trying to save the relationship. Jessie James Decker sings verse 2 and harmonizes with Austin in the chorus, and they sound great together! The lyrics are pretty relatable, and even though the howling imitation in the chorus is a bit cheesy, it’s fun without bringing the song down. The best song on the album is “Hate That I’m Loving It”. It has a catchy instrumental part for the chorus, and is a pretty upbeat and fun song about desire winning over logic in relationships. “I swear it’s the last time every time” and “this girl’s gonna ruin my life again”, so “I hate that I’m loving it”.
Overall, Austin seems to be in a good mood lyrically, and this E.P. is not too bad overall. It’s got its shortcomings to be sure, but that’s no big surprise really when you consider that Hinder’s albums always had their shortcomings as well. “Love Sick Radio” is hardly going to become your new favorite release of 2016, but you might find something you like.
Recommended Tracks:
Hate That I'm Loving It
Howlin' (feat. Jessie James Decker)
