AJR, The Dumb Song | Track Review 🎵

Indie-pop brother trio AJR (Adam, Jack, and Ryan) remain true to self on their first single of 2023, “The Dumb Song.” Question: Is it good or dumb?

“When we go down / When kingdom come / Don’t look at me, don’t look at me / I’m just too dumb.” Um, K… sure. For many, 🎙 AJR – Adam Metzger, Jack Metzger, and Ryan Metzger –  are an acquired taste.  Sone love the indie-pop trio composed of the Met brothers, while others are far more critical of the collective.  Part of the reason AJR receives criticism is the incredible ornate nature of the production (sometimes characterized as overblown), as well as the consistent millennial, first world problem themes.  🎵 “The Dumb Song” is true to self for the collective, which will please the most loyal, dedicated fans and likely continue to polarize others.

As always, the production is colorful, ornate, and picturesque, handled by Ryan Met.  There are some nice moments with the blend of  guitars 🎸(which sound more pop/rock), keys/programming, pummeling drums 🥁, and notably, trumpet 🎺. Give them credit for the sound, regardless of if there are ample ideas.  Jack Met sounds as youthful as ever on lead vocals.  His vocals are clear and expressive – quite alluring by my estimations.  The songwriting is also what one expects of AJR, filled with self-deprecation.  It begins with the first verse, where Jack asserts, “You said with certainty / I may be the dumbest person that you’ve ever seen / You think you’re hurtin’ me / Bet you won’t believe it, but you kinda set me free.” Woo! Um, again I say, K… In the second verse, fitting that millennial narrative, Jack asserts, “We’ll get you back to college, you could study somethin’ real.” Interesting 🤔.  Also, for good measure, “I’ll text you, ‘That’s enough’ / That’s how empty-headed people get through shitty stuff.”

Final Thoughts 💭

So, what does one make of 🎵 “The Dumb Song”? As a person who often finds themselves on the fence when it comes to AJR, I find the record interesting.  Does it all come together to perfection? I’m not certain, but, it has its moments.  Some of the production by Ryan is intriguing.  The vocals by Jack are successful.  Maybe the songwriting is what is more polarizing… Again, if you’re a fan or stan, you’ll continue to be.  If you are more of casual listener of the Met brothers, you’ll likely be less enthused.

via GIPHY

🎙 AJR • 🎵 “The Dumb Song” • 🏷 AJR Productions LLC / Mercury / Republic • 🗓 4.21.23

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; AJR Productions LLC / Mercury / Republic; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]