All Time Low return with their tenth studio album, Everyone’s Talking, out today. The title alone feels loaded in all the right ways, coming after a few turbulent years that saw the band face some scrutiny- this record marks a reset and reclamation in their journey. The colourful album cover features the band in bright jumpsuits with fridge-magnet typography spelling out the title and perfectly encapsulating the tone: playful, tongue-in-cheek and self-aware. It’s the sound of a band that knows exactly who they are, even after so long in the pop-punk spotlight. While not every moment sticks the landing, Everyone’s Talking delivers plenty of charm, catchy hooks and a few unexpected turns.
The opening track, aptly named “Cold Open”, sets the stage beautifully. It’s just lead singer Alex Gaskarth’s voice and an acoustic guitar to start, later joined by piano as he sings, “Here’s the cold open, the record intro, a few years of trauma and magic tied up with a string and a bow.” It’s short, simple and straight to the point. Then comes the title track, “Everyone’s talking,” a punchy, addictive anthem that feels like classic ATL. “Everyone’s talking, but no one’s talking to me” is as self-referential as it is infectious, easily one of the album’s standout moments. “SUCKERPUNCH”, the lead single, shifts gears dramatically- a swaggering rock tune with theatrical flair. It’s an oddball among the bunch but shows off their willingness to experiment, and Gaskarth’s vocals really soar.
“Oh No!” follows as a slower burn that builds nicely but never entirely takes off. It’s serviceable, but somewhat forgettable compared to what surrounds it. Thankfully, “The Weather” reignites the spark, opening with a guitar riff that nods to Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again?” and exploding into an All Time Low banger. “Falling For Strangers” keeps the momentum going and taps into the nostalgia of their early records while still feeling fresh and full of heart. “Viva Las Vagus Nerve”, on the other hand, leans more mellow as an early-2000s slow jam that’s pleasant but perhaps too restrained to make a strong impression.
Things start to pick back up with “Sugar”, featuring JoJo, and it’s easily another highlight. It’s high-octane and playful, and JoJo’s guest vocals bring a dynamic pop punch that fits seamlessly. “Goodnight, C’est La Vie” acts as a charming acoustic interlude before “Bubblegum” bursts in with heavier guitars and an anthemic chorus that will have you shouting along. “Little Bit” keeps that live-ready energy going, with rowdy gang vocals and relentless pacing that make it pure fun. As the album’s back half unfolds, “Cigarettes & Sabotage” and “Tread Water” (feat. Ruston Kelly) both take things down a notch. While neither are standouts, the latter benefits from Kelly’s country twang which adds a touch of warmth and texture and keeps this one from fading into the background.
The closing stretch brings some reflective moments. “Different Languages” feels like an emotional finale, it’s a slow-burn that feels epic and lyrically tied to themes of closure and renewal. Though it is a beautiful track, I personally feel that it could have benefited from a bigger build-up to cement it as a send-off. Then comes “Butterflies”, which unexpectedly re-ups the tempo. It’s a fun and buoyant song but feels somewhat misplaced as the closer, especially after the emotional weight of the preceding track.
Everyone’s Talking is a bright, confident and refreshingly self-aware chapter in All Time Low’s story. It’s not flawless, with some mid-tempo fillers and uneven pacing along the way- but it’s full of personality and hooks that stick.
All Time Low will bring Everyone’s Talking to life this December at Good Things Festival in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, with additional sideshows in Brisbane and Adelaide. For more info on Good Things and Sideshows, including tickets, click HERE.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Everyone’s Talking from All Time Low is out now – listen to it HERE
Header image supplied by the artist/PR
