Neon Trees, Used to Like | Track Review 🎵

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After a five year hiatus, alternative collective Neon Trees, fronted by Tyler Glenn, makes a superb return with single “Used to Like.”

Question: Do you remember when was the last time you heard new music from Neon Trees? If your answer is, ‘you don’t know,’ that’s not surprising.  The last time the alternative collective released a new album was back in 2014 with the arrival of Pop Psychology (“Sleeping with a Friend” and such).  Of course, prior to that, Tyler Glenn and company released Picture Show (2012) and Habits (2010).  So, what happened between Pop Psychology and the release of the band’s long-awaited “Used to Like”? Well, there was the Glenn solo project, Excommunication, which found the front man discussing his break with the LDS church due to their views on sexuality (he’s openly gay).  But enough background – let’s jump right into “Used to Like,” shall we?

“You once told me I was all you had / I guess I know life and it doesn’t work like that.” “Use to Like” was co-written by Mike Green, Niko Hartikainen, and Tyler Glenn.  Co-produced by Green and Nico Stadi, “Used to Like” is a nice blend of rock and 80s pop/rock, which often incorporated synths.  This is an energetic record that is incredibly rhythmic – quite driving from the onset and throughout the course of the song.  While Glenn shows excellent vocal control during the verses, he doesn’t hold back when the chorus arrives in all its glory.  Here, Glenn flaunts his compelling and powerful pipes, while delivering the centerpiece of this comeback joint:

“Oh honey, now you’re sayin’ I’m acting crazy
And I don’t see what you see
Get back to what you used to like about me
Back to what you used to like about me
Highs so highs, drinks for free
Let’s go to extremes
Get back to what you used to like about me
Back to what you used to like about me
Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

Thematically, Neon Trees embrace a popular topic: love and matters of the heart.  It’s definitely successful.

Final Thoughts

Following a five-year hiatus, does Neon Trees seem to be having any problems dusting off the cobwebs? Nope, none at all.  “Used to Like” is a high-energy, irresistible alternative bop from the collective.  Tyler Glenn sounds as locked-in as ever.

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Neon Trees • Used to Like [Single] • Thrill Forever, LLC • Release: 11.13.19

Photo Credit: Thrill Forever, LLC