Rising boy band Why Don’t We (Corbyn, Daniel, Jack, Jonah, and Zach) deliver an enjoyable, respectable full-length, debut album with ‘8 Letters.’

The boy band is still alive, believe it or not. There are newbies joining the fold of the boy band, including Why Don’t We. Why Don’t We is comprised of five members: Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery.  After releasing multiple singles and EPs, the up-and-coming boy band finally release their highly-anticipated debut album, 8 Letters.

“8 Letters”

“If all it is, is eight letters / Why is it so hard to say?” It’s not too hard to figure out ✓ “8 Letters” stands for the phrase, “I Love you.” “8 Letters” is a sleek, mid-tempo, ballad with production comprised of piano and cooler synths idiomatic of electro-pop. Drum programming adds some punch as well, anchoring at times and thoughtfully resting at others. Jonah kicks things off incredibly smoothly on the first verse singing, “I’ve been hurt so I don’t trust / Now here we are, staring at the ceiling.”  Daniel takes a similar approach on the second verse.  Zach provides contrast on the pre-chorus, packing a bit more punch leading into the chorus.

“I’ve said those words before but it was a lie

And you deserve to hear them a thousand times.”

Why Don’t We, ‘8 Letters’ | Track Review

Jack begins the chorus with poise, before ascending on the second half.  Corbyn ‘brings it on home’ on the final two lines with incredible falsetto.  Avery delivers the bridge before Besson takes the bulk of the final chorus and outro.  All in all, a “8 Letters” is great start for Why Don’t We. 

“We go, breaking up like cell phones / When I speak, ‘cause you don’t listen when I talk.” ✓ “Talk” isn’t about cell phones, but rather the boys’ poor communication within their respective relationships.  That’s certainly highlighted by the aforementioned excerpt from the chorus.  On the first verse, Zach sings about how the relationship seems to be slipping on both ends, with Daniel expounding upon the poor communication ahead of the super-catchy chorus.  Corbyn proclaims him and his girlfriend are “on different islands, just sounds of silence” on the second verse, which is patterned after the first.  Later, on the bridge, Jack takes the reins. Beyond the chorus there’s a post-chorus, best summed up as the relationship isn’t going to improve. Beyond the lyrics, form, and theme of “Talk,” the production is worth highlighting. There’s a fine hint of the soulful, while keeping it mainstream pop.

Why Don’t We, ‘Talk’ | Track Review

“Choose” 

“Choose” is a slickly produced, urban-pop record, embracing the rhythmic melodic lines idiomatic of hip-hop.  Naturally, Why Don’t We exhibit plenty of swagger.  One of the notable moments is when the ‘chopped-n-screwed’ techniques come into play at the end of the record. On “In Too Deep,” the boys opt for balladry – a moderate slow-jam a la six-eight meter.  While saying “In Too Deep” is synonymous with the R&B of old would be an overstatement, there are definitely some old-school cues in play that suit the boys.  The falsetto is lovely on the post-chorus, amplified by a playful, flirty approach.

The best element of “Friends” is the production.  The percussion and drum programming are stellar.  The synths aren’t too shabby either.  The chill, easy-going nature is another selling point, not to mention the fact that the boys can sing a little bit. It’s catchy, though not necessarily among the most elite records from the album. “It’s hard to act like I don’t think about you sometimes / I should win an Oscar.” A bit schmaltzy, but Why Don’t We express just how “Hard” it is.  Essentially, the relationship is over, and the various effects are merely “just too hard” to deal with.  This is perfectly captured on the chorus.  

“Hooked”

Unsurprisingly, Why Don’t We are ✓ “Hooked” on sex – at least within the context of the advanced single.  Jack lays out the inescapable temptation on the song’s centerpiece, the chorus.

“You’ve got a bad reputation in my neighborhood
You drive me mad with temptation ‘cause it tastes so good
You know I wouldn’t walk away even if I could
It took one night, one try, ayy
Damn, I’m hooked (oh).”

Why Don’t We, ‘Hooked’ | Track Review

On the first verse, Daniel mentions neck kisses and biting, while on the pre-chorus, Zach doesn’t care “everybody says he’s sleeping with the enemy.” It’s much the same on the second verse, covered by Jonah – “Baby, I’m the gasoline and your kiss is the spark / But then you take the wheel and crash my car.” Not only is this girl with a bad reputation the bomb, but as Corbyn adds on the bridge, “You’ve got me under your influence / I swear I’m never gonna give you up.” The theme is tried-and-true. Nonetheless, the boys successfully convey the relatable, delivering a solid vocal performance and a catchy chorus.  The supporting production is also solid, blending elements of pop and urban contemporary.

“Falling” concludes 8 Letters, continuing to focus on L-O-V-E.  Besides being ‘in their feelings’ once more, Why Don’t We have a fine backdrop fueling their fire, thanks to producer Mic Schultz. Again, the collective land somewhere between pop, urban contemporary, and the soul of old.  The minor key gives “Falling” a bit of an edge. 

Final Thoughts 

All in all, 8 Letters is an enjoyable, respectable debut album by Why Don’t We.  Does the urban-pop collective reinvent the pop wheel? No, but clearly, the boys have talent. You won’t leave 8 Letters with memories that distinctively stick, but the potential and the vibe are #winning.

✓ Gems: “8 Letters,” “Talk” & “Hooked” 

Why Don’t We • 8 Letters • Signature / Atlantic • Release: 8.31.18

Photo Credits: Signature / Atlantic