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Review Summary: Pop Psychology will be remembered as the moment the world realizes that success hasn’t ruined Neon Trees For all the bands out there that are trying to bring back 80s pop and new wave (and there really are a lot, for better or for worse), Neon Trees is its own beast. We all know “Animal” from their 2010 debut, and we all know “Everybody Talks” from 2012’s Picture Show, but it’s the consistency in the band’s live performances, willingness to sing honest lyrics, and the band’s flawless knack for writing ridiculously infectious hooks that keep them on top. Neon Trees did what so few bands can do: they managed to avoid being a one-hit wonder, while refusing to compromise their integrity as artists. Now on their 3rd LP, Pop Psychology, the band seems inclined more than ever to convert casual listeners into devoted fans, with bold diatribes of this generation’s sex culture, lyrical vulnerability stemming from singer Tyler Glenn’s redemptive psychological therapy sessions, and a pop album with a message of pride for who the band is, rather than what the band has achieved.
Opener “Love in the 21st Century” starts things off with no apologies, as Glenn sings “I don't believe in a life without consequences / Do you believe when I say that I’m not impressed?” The song, along with others like “Text Me in the Morning” and first single “Sleeping With A Friend”, challenge the shallowness of Y generation sex culture: smart pop with smart words. The album shines the most in its final three tracks. “Foolish Behavior” starts off softly before getting into a mid-tempo dance track showing off the musical style that Neon Trees steals from the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson, making it their own in a way that is nothing but genuine and without a hint of cliché. Following that is “Living in Another World”, which features Glenn showing his strengths as the band’s front man, with some of his most honest lyrics to date: “TV’s telling me to be myself / I can’t trust what the neon psychic sells / So I found out how to trust myself / I found out I’m stronger than the pills”, while also boasting the best vocal performance on the record. The album closes with what could very well be the most important song the band has ever written, “First Things First.” The song tells the story of the band, their struggles, their integrity, and their success, culminating in the very moment of this song: “When I wish upon a star / I'll tell it how I got this far”. The track, guitar solo and all, stands as an anthem for the band, and as an appropriate final word for Pop Psychology.
Neon Trees has never been about secrets; their lyrics are straightforward, the music is strong, bold, and infectious, and their presence in this generation of pop music sticks out like a sore thumb, with their love for music that always trumps money, fame, and even their reputation. But their risk to put out such a vulnerable record will pay off, and Pop Psychology will be remembered as the moment the world realizes that success hasn’t ruined Neon Trees.
Top Tracks:
First Things First
Love in the 21st Century
Foolish Behavior
Living In Another World
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Really? A 4.5? I've never liked these guys, but I may check this out.
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Sleeping With A Friend is a hard jam
| | | Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off
well, i hated them until i listened to their albums. their non-single songs are so good (for real). pop bands with good albums are rare these days
| | | Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off
ALSO,
I'm still relatively new to writing reviews, any writing feedback would be appreciated :D
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Also reviewing this
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
"and a pop album that actually contains a message of substance."
I don't like this line because it insinuates that most pop albums are vapid, or at least that's what I got from reading it. I'd be inclined to agree if it's alluding to the mainstream realm of pop, but you never specify.
Review is pretty good all around though.
I haven't heard a single thing by this band (well, maybe I have unknowingly heard their stuff on the radio or something in the past), but this has convinced me to check out the album.
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Wow, might have to give this a listen. I kinda got tired with Neon Trees around the release of Picture Show, but now I'm curious about this one.
Pos too.
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I refuse to listen to this band because of their spotify ads
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I refuse to listen to this band because Animal is such an awful song.
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Overplay killed it eh?
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"HI WE'RE NEON TREES"
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
Just listened to Animal and realized I've heard this song upwards of 50 times on the radio and in stores. I still think it's pretty damn catchy though. That said, I hope they have stuff vastly superior to this
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this probably sucks
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Awful album.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
it's alright
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"For all the bands out there that are trying to bring back 80s pop and new wave"
*cough* panic at the dis*cough*
| | | Album Rating: 4.0 | Sound Off
Thanks for the feedback, yall. I changed that questionable sentence. I get so fed up with bands/artists who write for a paycheck (if they write at all), and at first that's what I assumed Neon Trees to be. But if you watch any interview with them, you quickly realize they're all best friends that are so crazy in love with what they do. The singer even took a break from touring with full support from the band to get his head on straight because it was fame overload.
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
Not too keen on the lead singer (both his voice and contrived appearance), but there's some pretty catchy (good) stuff on here. Sleeping With A Friend in particular is jelly-filled pop goodness, and a few other saccharine tunes that'll no doubt receive large amounts of radio time this summer.
I normally don't seek this kind of stuff out, and it'll probably wear off quickly, but this is pretty enjoyable for the time being
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this is around a 3.6-3.7, and I'm feeling generous
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
2.8 for me, and I'm being generous
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