DJ/production duo The Chainsmokers – Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart – return with their second, full-length album, ‘Sick Boy.’

After releasing multiple singles throughout 2018, Grammy-winning dance duo, The Chainsmokers, release their second full-length album, Sick Boy. Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart struggled mightily with their 2017 full-length, debut album, Memories…Do Not Open. That project earned three stars, but in hindsight, that was being far too kind.  On Sick Boy, the duo has more noteworthy moments to showcase, but don’t call it triumphant or ‘the second coming.’

The Chainsmokers, Sick Boy (EP) | Album Review

“This Feeling” 

Sometimes, it’s an unlikely collaboration that can be truly ear-catching for an artist. Opener  ✓ “This Feeling,” which pairs The Chainsmokers with country-pop sensation Kelsea Ballerini, is a perfect example.  The production work is a selling point, successfully mixing acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards/synths, and a killer, stomping beat. Ballerini and Andrew Taggart effectively split vocals duties. Ballerini performs the first verse, pre-chorus, and half of the chorus, singing about making her own decisions, fueled by the heart, despite what others advise her to do. She does so with solid vocals, sounding clear, backed by excellent vocal production. As for Taggart’s verse, the sentiment is similar: “Hold on to your opinions and stand by what you said / In the end, it’s my decision, so it’s my fault when it ends.” Both join forces for the third verse, remaining partnered up for the following pre-chorus, before singing separate parts on the bridge, while Ballerini performs the outro alone.

The Chainsmokers, ‘This Feeling’ | Track Review

“Beach House” is literally named after the indie-pop duo Beach House, including a shout out on the first verse: “Woke up on the west side / Listening to Beach House, taking my time.” Taggart handles vocal duties by himself this round. Lyrically and thematically, the record is blasé, finding The Chainsmokers exploring the familiar – relationships, sex, etc. Despite the predictability, it has some notable moments, including the use of acoustic guitar on the pre-chorus section. The following chorus serves up a timbral contrast, incorporating electronic instruments – a more dance-oriented palette. Eliminating some predictability is the harmonic contrast during the bridge (or third verse). The melodic line is much more rhythmic, though not quite as smooth-flowing as the preceding verses. Also, worth noting is an ambitious sustained note by Taggart towards the end of “Beach House” – we definitely haven’t heard that from him previously.

The Chainsmokers, ‘Beach House’ | Track Review

“Hope”

“Hope” is the newest addition to Sick Boy.  The record enlists the services of Winona Oak, who dominates the first half of the record, as well as the chorus sections. Notably, during the chorus, Oak’s vocals employ the vocoder, definitely in line with dance/electronic music. As for Andrew Taggart, he briefly provides contrast on the second verse.  Ultimately, “Hope” is okay, but certainly ‘nothing to write home about.’

Drew Love is the first voice (and first sound) we hear on “Somebody,” singing the chorus in lovely fashion with his pure tenor.  Taggart handles the verses, clearly contrasting the smoother Love with lower, slightly more weathered vocals.  Notably, Taggart and Love duet, beginning subtly on the second verse, and more pronouncedly on the choruses. Regarding the production, “Somebody” fuses pop, electronic, and even elements of the urban contemporary script.  Is this a deep, profound record? Perhaps that’s what The Chainsmokers are aiming for in concept, but in realization, not so much.  Enjoyable enough. 

“Side Effects,” featuring Emily Warren, feels a bit abrupt and off-putting at the onset.  Yes, The Chainsmokers give the listeners a brief intro, but maybe more of a preface would’ve been more effective. Nonetheless, the duo spoils the listeners with a cool bass line. What can’t be denied is the power of the groove and danceable later of the record.  Another pro is the use of piano on the chorus. But, with the good comes the bad.  As I listen to “Side Effects,” I find myself listening more to the music, as aforementioned, as opposed to Warren’s singing or the lyrics.  Furthermore, the rapping on the bridge is as sketchy as a four-letter word. While I see what The Chainsmokers/Warren were going for, it’s definitely imperfect.

The Chainsmokers, ‘Side Effects’ | Track Review

“Sick Boy”

✓ “Sick Boy” opens with piano accompaniment and the vocals of Andrew Taggart abruptly.  What was notable about “Sick Boy” upon its arrival as a single were the more serious, thoughtful lyrics, particularly on the verses. A refrain of sorts separates the two verses, followed by a catchy, incredibly simple chorus:

“I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy…

They say that I am the sick boy

And they call me the sick boy.”

Concerning form, “Sick Boy” has lots of sections, lacking a standard, predictable overall form. It’s not groundbreaking, but respectable.

The Chainsmokers, ‘Sick Boy’ | Track Review

“Yeah, let’s do it again but, uh, this time, uh, let’s go full psycho.” That’s the intro that kicks off the dark, pessimistic ✓ “Everybody Hates Me.”  The raspy-voiced Taggart is clearly in a mood.  Lines like “Yeah, I just wanna drink tequila with my friends” or “I’m so defeated, I just want this shit to end” sum up the hate that he feels.  The chorus, followed by a drop, seals the deal.

“So, I walk into the club like, everybody hates me…

I’m talkin’ to myself, shit, now they think I’m crazy…

Like everybody hates me.”

Ultimately, “Everybody Hates Me” is a well-produced record, successfully blending pop and dance.  It’s not game changing, but okay.

The Chainsmokers, ‘Everybody Hates Me’ | Track Review

“Siren” 

“Three weeks down, but you’re on the mend / You swear that you’re free from the passenger seat / As we drive through the night, ‘til it starts again / You blame it on me ‘cause you’re three pills deep in…” ✓ “Siren,” featuring producer Aazar, is a brief record, clocking in under three-minutes.  Although it’s short, it’s chocked-full of energy and intensity. Furthermore, set in a minor key, “Siren” naturally has an edge about it, which bodes in its favor.  One of the collective’s strong suits is their production work.  “Siren” is no different, benefiting from rhythmic synths during the verse, as well as the malicious, utterly angry, biting synths during the drop. Following the intro, Taggart kicks off the vocals with effective results.  Lyrically (see the aforementioned excerpt), he doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but that’s often the case with dance joints. Sound and vibe makes this record successful.

The Chainsmokers, Siren | Track Review

Penultimate number “You Owe Me” opens with signature The Chainsmokers cues, reminiscent the harmonic progression and intro from “All We Know” (Collage EP).  The production is bright and exuberant. Taggart dabbles in gossip, mischaracterization, and skepticism. “And they don’t really care if we’re awesome or not.” Hmm.  As interesting as that lyric is, perhaps the key lyric is, “But I know, they wanna see me hang on the wall.” The first verse has a bit more ‘meat,’ while the second verse is shorter, more repetitive, with less depth. On the chorus, Taggart exhibits enthusiasm, representing the best part of his performance. “You Owe Me” falls in line with much of Sick Boy – decent/good/okay, but not the second coming.

The Chainsmokers, ‘You Owe Me’ | Track Review

“Save Yourself” featuring NGHTMRE concludes Sick Boy.  Taggart is on vocals once again, with so-so lyrics on his hands.  Basically, the song focuses on a fading relationship – been there, done that. While the chorus bears the titular lyric, it doesn’t perfectly summarize “Save Yourself,” which isn’t clearly written in my opinion.

“So, call it what you call it

But I just won’t be afraid of myself

‘Cause I know that I got it

I won’t give it up just to save myself.”

NGHTMRE assists on the production work, clearly the best thing about “Save Yourself.”  Malicious and hard-hitting, it’s much more dance-oriented than most of the other songs on Sick Boy.  Notably, there’s plenty of instrumental sections.  While Taggart matches the energy and intensity of the instrumental that accompanies him, the greatness of the instrumental still trumps everything else.

The Chainsmokers & NGHTMRE, ‘Save Yourself’ | Track Review

Final Thoughts

So, how ‘sick’ is Sick Boy? Moderately so, considering The Chainsmokers have their moments – “This Feeling,” “Sick Boy,” “Everybody Hates Me” (we can argue), and “Siren.”  Those who’ve struggled with Drew Taggart’s vocals will likely continue to cry foul, though arguably, there’s progression.  Those looking for a truly transcendent set of songs will totally be disappointed, but at least nothing’s quite a ridiculous as the low points of Memories... (again, we can argue). If you’re a The Chainsmokers fan, you’ll be onboard.  Otherwise, maybe, maybe not.

Gems: “This Feeling,” “Sick Boy,” “Everybody Hates Me” & “Siren”

The Chainsmokers • Sick Boy • Disruptor / Columbia • Release: 12.14.18

Photo Credits: Disruptor / Columbia