Jesse Rutherford and The Neighbourhood continue to deliver honest and reflective lyrics on “Nervous,” the second promo single from their self-titled, third studio album.

The Neighbourhood is back! After releasing two five-song EPs – Hard (2017) and To Imagine (2018) – the band is dropping their third full-length album.  That third, full-length album, simply titled The Neighbourhood, arrives March 9, 2018.  All 10 songs from the EPs appear on the deluxe edition of the album, which runs 18 tracks deep. Also, among the 18 tracks, is 2017 single “Scary Love”, and promo singles “Void” and “Nervous.”

“Nervous” begins nervously, better yet mysteriously, a common characteristic of music by The Neighbourhood. Jesse Rutherford delivers honest, reflective lyrics. His vocals, naturally, reflect a similar sentiment. While he has a bit of a self-indulgent vibe, he deserves respect for revealing and speaking about his many insecurities.  Each of the three verses tackle issues and self-worth.

On the first verse, he sings, “Maybe I shouldn’t try to be perfect / I confess, I’m obsessed with the surface… / Last year I fell flat on my face / And last month I knew somethin’ should change.” On the second verse, he’s totally confused about what to do and how to prove himself. “I don’t know which way to go / I keep on switchin’, I know / I need a different approach / It’s all because I wanna / Show you that I’m so capable.” Finally, on the third verse, he wants to prove he’s different now.  “Come on, baby, don’t you hurt me anymore / I’m not the same way that I was before…/ My nerves, they give me a sign / Tell me I’m not fine.”

With all the weight of the verses, Rutherford and The Neighbourhood summarize things on the chorus.  It’s heavy too, but definitely catchier and more accessible.

“You’ve got me nervous to speak / So I just won’t say anything at all / I’ve got an urge to release / And you keep tellin’ me to hold on / You’ve got me nervous to move / So I just won’t give anything to you / You got me turnin’ all around to be who you need me to.”

A refrain follows second chorus and the third and final chorus. Interestingly. The lyrics are a play on a nursery rhyme of all things. “Hush, baby, don’t you say another word.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Jesse Rutherford serves up a clear message on “Nervous.” Even so, “Nervous” is a bit lengthy and a bit ‘more of the same’ from The Neighbourhood.  It’s respectable, and it has its moments, but not ‘the second coming.’ Give the band credit – it’s worthwhile.

The Neighbourhood • The Neighbourhood • Columbia • Release: 3.9.18

Writers: Benjamin Levin, Brandon Fried, Frank Dukes, Jeremiah Freedman, Jesse James Rutherford, Lars Stalfors, Michael Margott, Zachary Abels | Producer: Lars Stalfors

Photo Credit: Columbia