Alexander Brumari

I'd say it's AJR's best album but still suffers from a lot of the same issues the others have. It's an overwhelming album and I'd say that stems from their production style and how much it has these sudden changes. It feels like after every verse/chores they have this impulse to slow down or speed up the song and this becomes incredibly grating by the halfway point of the album. The lyrics feel unfocused and cringey at times like on 3 O’Clock Things I believe demonstrates this the best. it's like a My Chemical Romance album but all contained in one song, without the self awareness and lyrical wit. I like the idea of having this theatrical presentation but they're so insistent with keeping these layers of horns, trumpet leads and pitch shifted vocals, it feels more like an upbeat commercial or a Disney movie soundtrack. I don't want to be hater so I'd like to be a little constructive with my criticism. They should totally add some bass into their music and try to stop layering so many horns into their music, these things are a must! They should also try to experiment with their sound more and not just these weird sudden genre switch ups. Also get a ghost writer, IDK who in the group does most of the writing but it's clear to me that they just don't know how to properly articulate their emotions. If you like AJR but believe they could be better I'd recommend The Dear Hunter, they have this theatrical presentation just like AJR but a lot more successful at their attempts at it. They still have problems like over production but provide an enthralling experience.