5 Seconds of Summer, Easier | Track Review

Aussie pop collective 5 Seconds of Summer continues their ‘sleek, modern-pop’ approach post-Youngblood on the short, but hella sweet single, “Easier.”

“I love you so much that I hate you / Right now, it’s so hard to blame you / ‘Cause you’re so damn beautiful.” Sigh.  It’s amazing the ‘about-face’ that 5 Seconds of Summer made between albums two and three. Sounds Good Feels Good (2015) possessed a similar sound to their 2014, self-titled debut LP – more rock-oriented generally.  As for their 2018 album, Youngblood, the sound evolved into more of the electronic, modern-pop vein.  The change of pace isn’t far-fetched, something that numerous rock collectives with pop sensibilities are opting for.  Actually, it worked out well for 5SOS in my opinion.  The Aussie pop collective continues to amplify the sleek pop of Youngblood on their short but sweet single, “Easier.”

“Easier” just barely crosses the two-and-a-half-minute mark regarding length, but 5 Seconds of Summer make it worthwhile.  What stands out about the single is the sound – hey – I didn’t spend the entirety of the first paragraph discussing it for nothing relative to the band’s career.  This may be the slickest 5SOS single ever thanks to the number of synths and programming.  Furthermore, the listener is treated to a heaping dose of falsetto.  Literally, the head voice is ripe AF.  Even when Luke Hemmings isn’t singing in the stratosphere, his tone is on-point.  The rest of the boys join him on the best section of the record, the chorus:

“Is it easier to stay? Is it easier to go?

I don’t wanna know, oh

But I know that I’m never, ever gonna change

And you know that you’re always gonna stay the same

Is it easier to stay? Is it easier to go?

I don’t wanna know, oh (I don’t wanna know)

But I know that I’m never, ever gonna change

And you know you don’t want it any other way.”

Final Thoughts

So, here’s the deal when it comes to “Easier.” If you prefer your 5SOS more “She Looks So Perfect” or “She’s Kinda Hot,” then maybe “Easier” is a bit harder to digest.  But, if you were a fan of Youngblood, and you don’t mind seeing the pop band embrace their status as a modern-day boy band driven more by electronics, synths and such, then “Easier” is your cup of tea.  The defining feature of “Easier” by far is its sound.

5 Seconds of Summer • Easier [Single] • Interscope • Release: 5.23.19

Photo Credit: Interscope