‘Omens,’ the third studio album by Boulder duo 3OH!3 definitely isn’t profound, but has its moments, assuming get past the dumbness.

“Mixing chemicals, this is alchemy / Drunk as fuck, hold the kid off the balcony / ‘It’s Thriller!’ zombie killer… girlfriend sitter, I’m the highest paid shitter, what…” That’s 30H!3 for you. Honestly, that’s a more profound example.  Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte have changed very little since the inception of 3OH!3.  If any pop duo goes hella dumb, it’s the Boulder boys.  So how good-bad is Omens? It’s definitely not profound, but has its moments if you can get past the dumbness.

“Eyes Closed”

“Omens” follows the same script of Want and Streets of Gold opening with a brief instrumental opener. The point? None really. Next. “Eyes Closed” is worth the wait, even if the sexual come-on is lame, even for the dumbest, horniest college dude. ‘It is what it is’, but the production provides atonement and the cut works.  The boys attempt swagger with brash rap lyrics such as “Been running this shit since I was old enough to run” and “I run this motherfucker til’ kingdom come.”  The hook is desperate, but catchy:

“All my life – I’ve always known
I’ve got the touch it’s so easy
I can do it with my eyes closed.”

“You’re Gonna Love This” isn’t as alluring.  Technically, it has trendier pop production work, but sounds overexposed. Add in another stupid come-on that couldn’t possibly work.

“Yeah I’m standing outside the bar like a fish out of water
And I’m sorry to bother you Miss You’re So Fine that I gotta.”

Sigh, you just don’t get the feeling ‘she’s gonna love this.’

“Black Hole”

“Black Hole” is a guilty pleasure – bearably decent.  Pop cultural references to Charlie Sheen and Angry Bird tickle one’s fancy, while the chorus is schmaltzy but quasi-appealing. Three-and-a-half minutes is pushing it, but it could be worse. “Make It Easy” is average at best, inciting a ‘so what’ reaction. The modern pop trickery is still on, but the song itself lacks distinction. “Youngblood” delivers an anthemic hook, and brings in pop production standout Greg Kurstin.  The criticism? 3OH!3 has already played the young card before. These guys simply can’t remain frat boys forever.

“Live for The Weekend”

The good ole boys wanna continue to “get out tonight” on standout “Live for The Weekend.” The Colorado duo give ‘sound’ advice:

“Here with something offensive to say to your kids
Fuck your little chat room of how we should live
And get out of your parents’ house and do your own shit.”

‘Living it up’ on the chorus, they further incite the rebellion:

“Oh, yeah, party in the city
Drink it if you’re with me, then we’ll be passed out on the floor
I know I’ll be fine
That’s what they made the weekend for.”

Moderation is generally advised.

Following up a gem is arduous, but “Back to Life” does okay.  That said, a pop-ballad coupled with the theme of ‘keeping the party alive’ seems a bit disingenuous.  And after the party is over, the predictable result is being “Hungover.”  Naturally, that hangover includes regrets and all.

“When you came over 
I shoulda stayed sober 
And then I got the cold shoulder
Now you know you’re the reason every time I feel hungover.”

It’s doubtful 30H!3 know the definition of prodigious, but “Hungover” certainly isn’t so.

“Two Girlfriends”

Of course, the dumbest songs latch. “Two Girlfriends” might be the best of the album.  The hook is ridiculous as albeit, if true worldwide.

“I use to have two girlfriends 
Now I got none
Cause my number two girl found out about one.”

SMH. The production is banging. Give it to the duo as they bring on some agile, energized rhymes.

“And I’m sorry I gotta do this here
But you hang with dicks like pubic hair
With an icy stare, got it worse than Medusa
Got me rock hard, shooting off – bazooka!”

Closer “Do or Die” disappoints following the rousing “Two Girlfriends.”  As to why it’s ‘do or die’, no one knows.  It’s doubtful she’s going to ‘throw away her phone and let night decide’ with such unpoetic lyrics to incite passion or decision.

Final Thoughts

The verdict on Omens? It’s not horrible, at least contextually, but it’s also not particularly good.  The album is good for a few absurdities, but won’t stand the test of time.  After the first listen, the staleness sets it – the novelty wears off. Basically, Omens plays up clichés 3OH!3 won’t be able to carry on for much longer. Ultimately, it is what it is – take it with a grain of salt…or a couple of beers.

Gems: “Eyes Closed,” “Black Hole,” “Live for The Weekend” & “Two Girlfriends”

3OH!3 • Omens • Atlantic • Release: 6.18.13

Photo Credit: Atlantic