ALL TIME LOW
Dirty Work
Interscope Records
Release Date: Out Now (7th June 2011)
Review by Tori Hyland
The cheeky American pop punk quartet, ALL TIME LOW, have returned with a highly anticipated fourth full length album, titled Dirty Work. With a new record label, a new ‘pop’ sound and some new haircuts, Dirty Work is sure to be a hit and a new beginning for the Baltimore suburban band.
ALL TIME LOW has already taken on a strong influence among many young upcoming Australian pop punk bands, and it’s difficult to believe that ALL TIME LOW are only young themselves. Alex Gaskarth (Vocals/Guitar), Jack Barakat (Lead Guitar), Zach Merrick (Bass Guitar) and Rian Dawson (Drums) began as a band at only the age of 14, now in their early 20’s they’ve already conquered four albums, four EP’s, a Live DVD and have toured most of the world. They have grown and developed as musicians and people, noticeable in Dirty Work.
During the last month, Dirty Work, has taken on mixed opinions throughout fans, critics and music lovers. With the more influenced dance beats, less guitar and catchy lyrics, ALL TIME LOW are definitely moving in a new direction. Having spent most of 2010 working on the album with multiple producers, the delay and impatience caused the album to be leaked prior to its release, a disadvantage to any band.
Dirty Work tackles the issues of love, relationships, friendship, pressure, freedom and youth. I have noticed a similar feel to their previous album Nothing Personal, a main highlight of ALL TIME LOW’s career. Although the lyrics throughout Dirty Work had been constructed well and are very catchy, they lacked heart and meaning. Much of the album is ‘party’ songs, rather than expressing personal lyrics. I was disappointed to find no songs similar to Lullabies and Therapy, which we have heard previously.
The album starts with the song, Do you want me (dead?), a high standard beginning which sets the feel of the album, keeping ALL TIME LOW’s old sound while slowly acquiring their new sound.
The album then moves through to I Feel like Dancin’, the debut single off the album written with Rivers Cuomo, a humorous party song with reference to mainstream musicians including Ke$ha.
The first few songs are very similar in energy and sound, songs ready for a party or to be blasted on the radio.
Until you get to the fourth song, Guts, which I would rate as the best song on Dirty Work. Still maintaining a high energy and fun sound, but the difference, these lyrics are deep. They deal with the pressure ALL TIME LOW has experienced as a band and a journey of discovering true happiness. With lyrics such as: ‘Is this what it feels like finding out, that I’ve got the guts to say anything.’ The song is empowering. Guest vocals from Maja Ivarsson of THE SOUNDS appear near the end of the song, really emphasizing for the final blast.
From the eighth song, the album took a change and turned into a letdown. The energy changed, and almost became boring. It’s not that the songs were bad, they were good, but they were nothing exceptional. Some seemed lost in the mix, like the eighth song; Return the Favor, with a slower pace and unusual latin feel. With the exception of the stand out twelfth song, Heroes, a song many fans have took a liking too. Why you might ask, simply because it’s ALL TIME LOW’s original sound.
The album concludes with the song Merry Christmas, Kiss my Ass. Just by the title, it’s humorous, and although the somewhat disappointing end, the album leaves on a high with this song. It’s a logical choice to end with, as Christmas does fall at the end of the year.
Concluding the review, it’s a very catchy pop album that I have enjoyed. Definitely an album I could have on repeat a lot with its addictive tunes. It starts brilliantly, seems to get lost in the middle, but finishes on a high. Dirty Work has the power to grow a bigger fan base, gain more radio play and help the band become more popular. It’s a wise direction for the band, but some people will find the change difficult to digest.
8 out of 10 Stars
All Time Low Official Website:
Interscope Records Official Website:
Official Youtube Video – I Feel Like Dancin’:
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