After calling it quits on their record deal with Atlantic Records, the Baltimore pop-punkers All Time Low have been working hard to redeem themselves, especially for their fans. Jumping back on their original record label Interscope Records, the band finally finished released their fifth studio album "Don't Panic".
This album is pretty good for the most part. Actually, it's odd because there is a mix of really really great and capturing songs, but those songs are sometimes followed by a bland and kinda boring song.
That doesn't make much sense, but whatever. Let's stay positive! We're here to talk about my favorite songs from their album "Don't Panic." I've narrowed it down to four songs, it was easier than I thought. As my favorite red hat wearin' Italian plumber would say, "Here we go!"
#4 "So Long And Thanks For The Booze"
Because of this title, I already dug the song without even listening to it, ha! I did however like the song, it was motivating. Kind of leaving the baggage at home, going out and living your dream. Lyrics like "gimmie back my scene" and "you gotta let me be me" suggest that the boys wanted the power to do what they want with their music back. I think the phrase "so long and thanks for the booze" is a personal thank you/fuck you to the people who tried to control their music and put their own creativity on the back burner. Excellent song boys.
#3 "So Long Soldier" Featuring Anthony Raneri of Bayside
It was a pleasure seeing our very own Mary Magpie interview lead guitarist Jack O' Shea and the absolutely flawless Anthony Raneri October 2011. Anthony is definitely one of the greatest vocalists in the scene, and was a perfect match for an All Time Low collaboration. The song is very inspiring, and I believe it focuses on the band's past and how they took their opportunities by the balls. They never gave up on their passion for music. My favorite verse is
"The boy's got plans as crazy as his friends//They take their chances driving West alone//Give 'em six more years, and see what time will do for hopeless dreamers//Singing wishes to their broken stereo." I love it!
#2 "Backseat Serenade" Featuring Cassadee Pope
I'm a pretty big fan of Cassadee Pope and I am rooting for her on NBC's The Voice singing competition. Though I'm surprised she picked country star Blake Shelton as her coach. Anyway, this song is the second song off All Time Low's Don't Panic album. The song has a catchy, traditional All Time Low chorus that I found myself singing even after the song was finished. Cassadee has a unique voice and molds into the song perfectly, quite literally since she sings in the background I believe.
#1 "Outlines" Featuring Jason Vena of Acceptance
This song is by far the best song off this album I'm totally hooked on it. I've played it at least 100 times in a matter of two days cause it's energizing. Though I have never heard of the band Acceptance, I assumed they were good if their vocalist Jason Vena was featured in an All Time Low track. I'm in love with this song. I think it truly resembles All Time Low's dedication to music, even though they miss their homes and people may think they've changed. This song is a "live for the moment" type of song. All Time Low hasn't fully made it yet. They still have their heads on, but for that moment we are at their concerts sweating and singing our hearts out, that will be the only moment that truly counts.
All in all, I would give this album an eight out of ten, considering All Time Low just started picking themselves up again, I give them the benefit of the doubt for those few not so amazing songs. All that matters is their hard work and confidence in this album and if their satisfied with the outcome, then so be it.
