Hey all!
Another music review...I hope you're not getting bored of these! The main reason I write music reviews is because I love music, and what better to showcase that by writing about songs, new artists and musical related things that I see online?!? Today's album is McFly's new 2020 album called 'Young Dumb Thrills' which seems to have a really angry pink teddy bear as the cover! Let's find out if the songs are as expressive...
1 - 'Happiness'
The first song on the album is definitely something that we all need, especially in a time where I don't think anybody is feeling happy. The song has been featured on television shows such as Children in Need 2020, promoting the importance of happiness! 'I didn't think a guy like me would find it' are some of the lyrics in the song, which explain that they didn't think it was possible to be happy, whether that's in relation to life, or just 2020 as a whole. Either way, it's more of a reflective song than a typical love song, and it's got a really good tune!
2 - 'Another Song About Love'
The next song on the album is a little more playful with some more happy sounding instruments...with lines that include 'I'm addicted, but I don't smoke' and 'Sing about the trouble, I've never been in', almost speaking of endless possibiities of situations that have never happened but could still happen in the future! It's almost like the boys are comparing the idea of 'love' to other things in life, stating that their love is getting stronger and stronger for their close ones, and they're not wanting to experience any of the bad things...that also haven't happened yet!
3 - 'You're Not Special'
At the beginning of this track, they sing about how their mum said they would go onto do great things as they are 'not like anyone' and as a child, they didn't listen...but spoke about how everyone is the same, by crying, living and dying rather than seeing anybody as special. Maybe the song is targeted to those who think they deserve more respect than they are already getting from the boys, or it's a self reflective song just stating that everyone is equal and nobody is special...not you, me or us!
4 - 'Head Up'
No, this song isn't speaking about the party game we all know as 'Heads Up' minus the S...but it's still a great song! 'I've got one love to keep my head up' are some of the lyrics that are sung in the chorus and it's a weird but quite interesting way that they sing the lyrics! I think this simply means that there is one person who is able to keep them sane and/or focused on their career as musicians whilst also being able to balance their personal lives! It's probably a positive song speaking about how difficult things may get, but instead of letting your head fall down, it's better to push through it and get to the other side!
5 - 'Tonight Is The Night'
This is one of my favourite songs on the album, not just because the song title is quite a positive way to look at life, saying that tonight IS the night, but also because I like the style of the singing; especially on the chorus as well as the backing instruments! 'I admit to myself that I'm asking for help' are lyrics that could speak about potentially overcoming an addiction or speaking to somebody about an important issue that is affecting their mental health that they are dealing with in their life! Asking for help is never a bad thing, as it's always better to speak to at leaast one other person, so they can try and help you themselves, or signpost you to somebody who might be able to give you time / advice with resolving your personal issue!
6 - 'Young Dumb Thrills' (feat RAT BOY)
The first collaboration on the album is with RAT BOY, an English musician who was born in 1996 - who I've not actually heard of before, until listening to this song! In the song, there are lyrics that speak of present voices that are in somebody's head, and that relate to us young people being told what to do with constant paranoia around our lives...In the chorus they also sing about the Young Dumb Thrills which they help can still 'get them going' - maybe partying, drinking and dancing? As the band are getting slightly older, but they still want to have fun! It's a cool blend of instruments and vocals, but the only problem is that I'm not really sure who's singing which parts of the song! Either way, great job boys!
7 - 'Growing Up' (feat Mark Hoppus)
Wow, how relatable! They sing the words 'There's not much we can do about growing old, but plenty we can do about growing up'; and basically the song sings about how you can make the most of your life, which is what they did! They wanted to make a boyband and 'get in the van', not giving a f*ck about anything else in life. It's a great way to be, and I most certainly have had this sort of feeling for a long time...as I'm getting older, trying to focus on the positives as well as making the most out of life whilt you're growing up.
8 - 'Mad About You'
Without listening to the song, the title makes it sound like a love song...with the band mates admitting that they're mad about a lover. 'I've been holding on for dear life' are the lyrics just before the chorus which signify that love is a strong thing, and once you feel an attraction towards somebody, it's often quite difficult to let them go. I think the song also speaks about things that this secret lover is mad about, including random falls they can't explain or an arguement from a year ago...with the meaning of those sentences being 'angry' rather than in love!
9 - 'Sink or Sing'
Good question, would I rather sink or sing? I would most certainly choose sing because I can actually swim, so sinking should be near to impossible...I think this song speaks about how people in life can either sink and feel miserable, or turn to singing and bring happiness back into their own lives...which most people do to a crowd or in their bathroom (everyone sings...and don't lie and say 'I don't!). 'Let your guards down and sing your heart out' are some of the motivational lyrics in the song that also explain the fact you might as well give something new a go as you don't know how far you'll go, in this case singing, but you can probably do that with anything! Don't worry about being judged, embarrasing yourself or think about things that could go wrong, but putting yourself out there! This song has a really good meaning behind it, so I think I'll add it to the list I've made with 'McFly songs from this album that I liked'. Well, I don't have the list physically, but it's in my mind...
10 - 'Like I Can'
The simple meaning of this song is that most people can cook, read or clean for example, but 'no other man can do it like I can' simply explains that nobody can love, how this man can love! It's almost like he's saying; all these guys are great, but I can treat you the best'...in a total of three minutes! No need to go on Paddy's 'Take Me Out', you can just sing to the girl instead! In the future I'm sure I will probably release a song with a similar meaning to this one, because it's showcasinmg someone's confidence, not cockiness! Love this one. Great job boys!
11 - 'Wild and Young'
It's like they're asking a question with the title of this song. Most of the wild people in the world at the moment are young; especially with the drinking, the partying and holidays (well, not at the moment due to the National lockdown, but in 'normal times' before all this happened!). The overall vibe of the song is revisiting previous experiences that the boys have gone through; whether that be going to pubs when they were underagged (Oops), meeting up with girls or hanging outside under the sun. They go on to say that this lover is the 'only one they want'; maybe identifying the fact that their love started from a young age, and they want to live the wild and young life forever? We all have to grow up some day, so we might as well start now...but continue building friendships and making memories...before it's too late!
12 - 'Not the End'
A five minute song?!? Gosh, I almost forgot to check on the chicken in the oven it took so long to get to the end of this album! *cough*, Anyways, here's my live review summarising the song. At the beginning of the song, the boys sing about the time they remember when they asked somebody to marry them and would they marry one of the boys...just so the moment wouldn't end! I think they went on to sing about songs being played in a club, including people's favourite songs, asking whether they would want the night to continue afterwards...if they didn't want the previous time together to end! Towards the end of the song, the boys sang without any backing music (just ad lib noises and sounds from the boys); which slowly blended into the final part of the song, with what sounds like Christmas like instruments. It was a nice relaxing way to end the album, and I'll be definitely adding the songs to my playlist!
Great job on the new album boys! I liked every single song, but I must say there were 3 stand outs for me; 'Happiness', 'Tonight Is The Night' and 'Sink or Sing'! Anyways, until the next time...goodbye!
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