If someone were to have an honest conversation with me about my personal music tastes, it wouldn’t take long for me to reveal that I have been a dedicated 5 Seconds of Summer fan for the last five years.

The band originated in Australia in 2011, posting numerous YouTube videos and catching attention all around the world with covers of popular songs like “Teenage Dirtbag” by Weezer. Their first big break was when they toured with the former band One Direction in 2013.

After that, 5 Seconds of Summer’s popularity skyrocketed and they came out with their debut self-titled album on June 27, 2014. The album was a hit in multiple countries, mixing pop influences and pop-rock as well to create catchy songs like “She Looks So Perfect” and “Good Girls.” Quickly following the tour for that album, 5 Seconds of Summer released their second studio album, “Sounds Good Feels Good,” on Oct. 23, 2015. That album focused more on the band’s pop-punk angle, with hit singles like “Jet Black Heart” and “She’s Kinda Hot.”

What many consider a major turning point for 5 Seconds of Summer was when they released their third studio album, “Youngblood,” on June 15, 2018. After touring for years, it was obvious the band had taken the time to reinvent themselves and their sound. With singles like the title track and “Want You Back,” it was obvious how the band took alternative influences and looked deep within themselves to make a masterpiece.

“Youngblood” was when my love for the band hit its peak. No longer were 5 Seconds of Summer bandana-wearing, wannabe rockers; they were genuine musicians who had stories to tell. My first fear after hearing the album was that they were never going to be able to do any better because they already had outdone themselves on every level.

To put it plainly, I was wrong.

It was obvious when the band’s Youngblood era was over, and it became quite a surprise when on May 23, 2019, they dropped the first track, “Easier,” from their latest album. The song mixed in musical elements that had never been heard before from the band and featured a matured vocal range from frontman Luke Hemmings.

Their obvious growth continued as they dropped tracks like “Teeth” and “No Shame” before announcing that they’d be releasing their fourth studio album, “Calm,” on March 27.

So, on March 27, I stayed awake in anticipation and listened to the album straight through with no distractions.

The first track, “Red Desert,” wasn’t previously released, and kicks off the album with a bang. It starts with subtle bass and all of the band’s voices working together in harmony. After a steady buildup, the track hits the chorus, same as the beginning, but with added instruments to make it more upbeat. Easily a brilliant song, both lyrically and musically.

“No Shame” was released on Feb. 5, along with the album announcement. The song tells another story of stardom and how there’s no satisfaction until the band is the center of attention. This powerful track is backed by a strong bass and a subtle drum, along with an entrancing guitar riff that repeats through the song. It has all of the essentials to prove how the band has matured in their individual talents.

Ironically following “No Shame” is “Old Me,” which centers on the bandmates thanking their old selves for allowing themselves to continue growing, despite challenges faced over many years of stardom. The song doesn’t particularly stand out amongst the rest of the album but is nostalgic for long-time fans, as it reflects on how the band changed over many years.

The next two tracks on the album are “Easier” and “Teeth,” which both truly represent the change the band has gone through. With more haunting yet strong instruments, especially the guitar, these songs both tell a story of an almost corrupted love, and how they can’t help but fall victim to it.

“Wildflower” is easily the album’s lightest song. Once again, it brings back 5 Seconds of Summer’s layered a capella voices in both the intro and the outro. It’s the album’s signature Calum Hood song, where the bassist gets to show off his voice. It’s a nice change of pace with simple instruments and a mix of Hood’s and Hemming’s strong vocals throughout.

To me, “Best Years” is a continuation of the romantic angle of “No Shame.” With similar lyrics like “Past love burned out like a cigarette / I promise, darling, you won’t regret,” it builds a story of a life together that is no longer self-centered. It’s the first of the slow, more meaningful tunes, but definitely showcases Hemming’s vocals with an illustrious bass and guitar.

“Not in the Same Way” starts strong and finishes even stronger. Ashton Irwin’s drumming skills shine in this song in a way like no other, and it’s absolutely a song to just scream along to with powerful lyrics and a strong story behind it. With simple yet strong lyrics like “I love you, you love me, but not in the same way,” the lyrical growth is definitely evident when compared to songs like “Heartbreak Girl” from the first album.

After that power track is a softer one, “Lover of Mine.” This song is my second favorite on the album, as it definitely hints back to another favorite of mine, “Ghost of You,” from their previous album “Youngblood.” It’s a song with a storyline similar to “Best Years,” but rather than a melancholic tone, it’s happier and more yearnful. It’s definitely a song that makes the listener almost light on their feet and allows Hemming’s vocals to feel almost like an instrument itself.

“Thin White Lies” is a song akin to “Not in the Same Way” because the instruments almost lead the song instead of the lyrics itself. This song is the most guitar-heavy of all the tracks, showing depth in the talent of guitarist Michael Clifford. While the song deals with the lies between a relationship, it does show how torn one can be in a dysfunctional relationship, and how it ends up taking a toll on everyone’s mental health.

The next song, after careful contemplation, is my favorite on the track. “Lonely Heart” starts off slow but builds to its climax during the bridge with all the members’ vocals. It’s obvious how each member of 5 Seconds of Summer had a hand in creating the song as the drums, the bass, the guitar and the vocals all have their moment to shine in the song. The mix of the instrumentals along with the powerful lyrics about a longing relationship really makes the song shine amongst other great works on the album.

“High” is the final track of the album. This song, in particular, leaves the album ending on a sad yet peaceful note. A lonesome guitar leads in along with Hemming’s vocals and creates a version of what everyone strives to be when missing an ex, how by wishing them all the best you support them, even when the relationship is over.

Overall, this album blew expectations out of the water. Like “Youngblood,” “Calm” shows mature growth in both themselves and in their music. Each track has a different vibe to it, but instead of clashing with the whole album, they blend together to make a lovely harmony.

This band has come a long way from making generic, catchy pop music, and it’s time that everyone realized that. No longer should people think of them and think of “She Looks So Perfect,” but instead think of tracks like “Lonely Heart,” “Wildflower” and “Teeth.”

The growth that this band has gone through inspires new music every couple of years and connects with fans as they go through their own journey by themselves.

“Calm” can be for anyone who enjoys the journey that music takes them on when listening, whether it be a slow and calming song like “Lover of Mine” or an upbeat “Not in the Same Way.” There is something in this album for everyone.

Rating: 10/10