The All-American Rejects return after a five-year hiatus with two new singles: “Sweat” and “Close Your Eyes.”

The All-American Rejects are back! The last time we heard from Tyson Ritter and company was in 2012 when they released their fourth studio album, Kids in the Street.  Kids in the Street wasn’t a big hit, so, arguably, their last relevant album came in 2008 with When the World Comes Down.  Regardless, the emo, punk-pop collective returns with two new singles: “Sweat” and “Close Your Eyes.”

Of the two singles, “Sweat” is the most traditional.  That isn’t to say that “Sweat” avoids some modern pop tricks to go along with the punk-pop, emo-oriented sound, but it’s what we expect of The All-American Rejects.  Ritter packs some punch vocally.  While he still sounds boyish, particularly at 33, he also bites.  While the music has a laid-back quality on the verses, it gains steam on the chorus.  The chorus, expectedly, is catchy.

“Sweat! Sweat! Sweat! / I’m making you / Sweat! Sweat! Sweat!”

No, this isn’t a particular poetic joint – depth isn’t the modus operandi.  It does, however, suit the emo script.  See verse two:

“I’m not a basic dude / But I’m just a waste of you / I know it’s hard to face the music that I play to you / Like I’m dropping a bomb…”

Honestly, much of “Sweat” is predictable.  It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but this is a standard song with Verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, and chorus.  There are no big surprises.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Sweat” is a respectable comeback single for The All-American Rejects.  It’s energetic, fun, and enjoyable. This isn’t the second coming by any means, but it’s a welcome sight to see Tyson Ritter and company back in the game.

The All-American Rejects • Sweat • Interscope • Release: 7.7.17

Photo Credit: Interscope