Pop-punk favourite Taylor Acorn has finally dropped her debut LP, Poster Child – her first release since signing to Fearless Records last month. Across 12 tracks and a short but sweet 37-minute runtime, Acorn delivers an album that is sharp, emotional, anthemic, and so damn fun.
Opening track “People Pleaser” immediately sets the tone with its witty, self-aware lyrics and a tune that longs to be danced to- the clap-along chorus in particular feels tailor-made for a live stage. Lead single “Crashing Out” follows, and it’s easy to see why it’s struck such a chord. Acorn’s vocals and refined songwriting shine here- the kind of track that is destined to be a pop-punk classic.
“Hangman” dials things back just enough to let the emotion simmer before crashing into a guitar-heavy finale. The titular track, “Poster Child”, is next, serving as an introspective anthem for the overthinkers and overachievers. The chorus cements it as a standout with its catchy tune and vulnerable lyrics. It’s quintessentially Taylor Acorn, and I love it for that.
The mood shifts with “Home Videos”, where Acorn’s Nashville roots peek through in a nostalgic, stripped-back moment that feels deeply personal, yet could definitely work as a viral TikTok sound —it paints a beautifully realistic picture and will have you deep in your feelings. “Cheap Dopamine” continues that thread and balances laid-back instrumentation with an infectious hook that slowly pulls the energy back up.
The album continues to soar from here. “Blood On Your Hands” bursts with urgency and bite, packing a punch with heavier guitars and a standout vocal performance. “Goodbye, Goodriddance” channels early-2000s angst with a Blink-182-esque riff and fiery attitude. It’s a pure shot of catharsis, defiance, and female rage.
“Sucker Punch” brings a heartfelt breather, showing off Acorn’s softer side, before “Vertigo” kicks things back into gear with playful rhythms and driving momentum, marking one of the album’s most instrumentally interesting moments. This is such a fun track and definitely my personal favourite- I only wish it were longer.
With “Theme Park”, Acorn leans into romantic nostalgia, her vocals gliding over wailing guitars as she sings of that new love that makes you feel like a kid again. The lyric “you take my heart to a theme park” is as charming as it is sincere.
The album closes with “Masquerade”, a sweeping, cinematic finale that builds beautifully before fading into a delicate and reflective ending that once again showcases Acorn’s beautiful raw vocals.
Poster Child is a triumph. It’s a confident, heartfelt and irresistibly fun debut from one of pop-punk’s most exciting voices at the moment. Taylor Acorn has solidified herself as a powerhouse vocalist and a sharp, emotionally-honest songwriter, and I absolutely can’t get enough.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Poster Child from Taylor Acorn is out now – grab a copy HERE
