All Time Low - Don't Panic: Its Longer Now!

Here is what I thought of All Time Low's new album, “Don't Panic: It's Longer Now!” Remember – all scores are out of a possible 10 points.

“The Reckless And The Brave” - Nice melodic pop/rock kind of track. The harmonies are nice, the energy is good, and the song pops in all the right spots. Score: 8

“A Love Like War” - Another solid track. I can totally hear this music being played in the background of MTV's Challenge series (ie Rivals, Battle of the Seasons). This would be paying as Diem and CT battle the rest of the world.

Score: 9

“Backseat Serenade” - This one felt a bit too pedestrian for me. This song is all about the chorus – which is great – but the main verses are lacking something. Score: 6

“Me Without You (All I Ever Wanted)” - Meh. This feels like filler. I was on the fence with this one, but the odd time signatures gave me gas. Score: 4

“If These Sheets Were States” - There are some well written lyrics on this track. The music is status quo with a few bobbles here and there. One of the better tracks on the album. Score: 9

“Somewhere In Neverland” - Another well written song. The lyrics are all about how much growing up sucks – and you know what? It does. Overall this is a solid track with the usual guitars and nice melodies. Score: 8

“So Long Soldier” - Are they telling their own story of how they became a band in this song? I am not sure. But the beats are good and the guitars are blazing, so it is another decent track. Score: 7

“Canals” - The boys slow things down just a beat for a different type of song. I am glad to see them do something different, but nothing on this track commanded my attention. That said, it isn't a bad track, but it is a nondescript one. Score: 5

“The Irony Of Choking On A Lifesaver” - I like this track. The boys are serving emotional vulnerability with the lyrics. I will always give high marks for realness. Score: 9

“To Live And Let Go” - I feel like I have heard this song before. Oh that's right its just like the nine songs I have heard thus far. The sound is fine, but for real how many songs can sound alike? I have six more to go, so I am guessing six. Score: 5

“Outlines” - I think this song is about being the new kid on the playground. The music is what you would expect and the vocals are decent. I am not trying to run through this review, but when each of your songs are so similar, there are only so many phrases one can use to describe your songs. Score: 6

“Thanks To You” - If there is a radio hit on this album, this would be the one. Great energy, catchy chorus, and memorable rhythms. Nicely done boys – this one is a hit. Score: 10

“For Baltimore” - I love songs about cities – and I especially love Baltimore. This song is a cut above the rest – it kept me entertained for 3:11 right when I needed to be entertained. (I am so not over the fact the Cardinals lost the World Series – in fact I am bitter to the core.) So thanks to ATL for allowing me to forget about my problem(s) for a hot second. Score: 8

“Paint Your Wings” - A beige track. Nothing came off as outstanding or memorable. But they played their instruments well and sang on key. Score: 5

“So Long, And Thanks For All The Booze” - This is one of the better tracks on the album due to the lyrics. The music is standard ATL, but I love how these boys sing about their feelings and they are not afraid to put it all out there in a song. Score: 8

“Oh, Calamity!” - This is the most unique sounding track on the entire album and I likey. I wish the boys would do this more often – sing different styles of songs. They are obviously talented but seem to fall in the same ditch for each song. Score: 9

There are some acoustic versions of the above songs on this album but I did not feel compelled to review them.

Average Track Score: 7.3 Would I recommend this to my friends? Probably not. I don't think my friends are into this genre and there really isn't any track on here that I feel that strongly about to bring it to their attention.

Escalader,

Jim