Don’t call Everyone’s a Star! a “boyband” comeback — because, truthfully, 5SOS never left. Album Review by, By The Fans Magazine

Words & Album Review: Grace Wearn

Photography Credit: Brian Ziff

It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of 5SOS for over thirteen years—since the days when scoring concert tickets felt like a battle of luck with the so-called “Ticket Gods.” Back then, ticketing sites more often than not, crashed under the frenzy of demand, and landing ticket/s for a show felt like somewhat winning the lottery, as a teen. Over the years, I’ve been lucky and fortunate enough to see them live more times than any other band, and each time has been a reminder of why I fell in love with their music in the first place.

But that’s not what this article is about. This time, we’re diving into their highly anticipated new album, Everyone’s a Star!

Ever since it was first teased back in late September, this release has been firmly on every fan’s radar. 5SOS have truly outdone themselves—not just musically, but in the creative and cohesive marketing campaign that surrounded the album. From exclusive global playback events and playful press moments (yes, including the now-iconic forehead signings) to intimate pop-up gigs across multiple cities, the rollout has felt like a wider celebration of everything that makes the band who they are: bold, connected, and fan-focused.

I was lucky enough to land tickets to the Kingston event — an exclusive album playback followed by a 5SOS-themed disco. Before diving into the review itself, I have to say: sing-shouting “Unpredictable,” one of their early classics, with my best friends (some of whom I met through the band) was nothing short of magic. It felt like a full-circle moment — a little piece of nostalgia that healed my inner teenage self in the best way possible.

At the Kingston event, I finally got my first taste of the new album — after weeks of purposefully dodging spoilers in the name of an authentic first listen. It wasn’t easy, but I am glad I approached it this way.

The album opens with “Everyone’s a Star!”, a track whose title says it all. Gritty and infectious, it immediately dominates attention with driving drums and a raw, kinetic energy. It flows seamlessly into “NOT OK!”, which reminiscent of the mid-2000s UK series Skins and brings to mind the atmosphere of an underground rave — dark, frenetic, and captivatingly danceable. The influence of acts like The Prodigy, Gorillaz, and N.E.R.D. is unmistakable, particularly in the early Gorillaz style of Feel Good Inc., Double Bass, and Punk, where electronic pop collides with bold basslines and punchy drum rhythms. The result is an immediate visual for setting the tone for an album that thrives on energy and eclecticism.

“Telephone Busy” can be summed up in two words: “Macarena-worthy” And I’m not exaggerating. This track ushers in a new era of rock and roll, one that unapologetically embraces the joyous chaos of mid-to-late 2000s UK school disco culture — specifically dances. Yet somehow, it works, blending nostalgia with modern energy to create a track that draws on both of the themes of being equally playful yet infectious.

With “Boyband”, the album takes a reflective turn. The track feels like a distillation of the past 15 years of 5SOS, confronting the exploitation and pressures that can define and both structure life in the music industry. Lyrically, I believe this song, as well as “No 1 Obsession” also delves into the dynamics of parasocial relationships between fans and boybands, exploring both extreme and more generalized forms of attachment. At the same time, it exposes the darker side of the industry: the way money-driven figures, entrusted with care and guidance, can manipulate, betray, and wield power over the very artists they are meant to support. It also alludes indirectly to the band’ unofficial label of “Boyband” over the past 15 years as well.

Much of this album carries what can only be described as an angelic quality, particularly on “Ghost.” It transforms words and emotions that wouldn’t typically be associated with beauty or romance into something that feels exactly that — beautiful and romantic. “I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep” continues within this, radiating purity and melodic grace. It’s a personal favourite of mine; during the Kingston playback, I couldn’t help but audibly quietly shout, “OKKK, drum solo!” — a moment that perfectly captured the song’s emotional intensity and musical flourish.

There’s an impressive sweet spot balance of instrument usage across the record, perhaps the most evident in “istillfeelthesame.” Each instrument finds its place without overpowering another, while the vocals are carefully layered to allow each member their moment to spotlight their talents — particularly Michael’s solo, which intertwines beautifully with the track’s synth coarse themes that are prominent, throughout.

“Sick Of Myself” echoes the sound and influence of a few of the bands that are on my personal playlists. For me personally, it blends a hybrid of the post-punk energy that Circa Waves project, but also hints of the raw guitar-driven music Catfish and The Bottlemen project. Thematically, it feels like a commentary on what can be the relentless scrutiny of fame — the way negative media coverage and paparazzi thrive on manufacturing drama and downfall.

“Evolve” seems destined to become a fan favourite. I sensed it during the Kingston playback, where the crowd’s reaction spoke volumes. One of my best and closest friends — whom I actually met through the band — has already declared it her favourite based from the UK listening events, and I can see why. It’s the kind of track that you immediately want on repeat. There’s something deeply special about it; it’s gritty yet full of life, its heavy bassline grounding the track in the same underground London energy that I think defines the band’s edgier moments.

That then same energy carries to “The Rocks” the 1/2 of the outro songs on the album. This song treads on heavy yet it’s so euphonic. It’s emotionally dense yet sonically rich at the same time.

Finally, “Jawbreaker” brings the album to a close — and what an outro closer it really is. Its lyrical nods to “Teenage Dream” recall early 5SOS performances, when the band would dedicate covers to audience members who might not yet know their songs: “This is for your mum, dad, significant other, auntie, uncle, puppy…” — if you know, you know. Whether intentional or not, it feels like a deliberate reflection on their beginnings — a nostalgic, heartfelt finale that ties the band’s evolution neatly back to their roots.

This album was MADE to be played live, and like everyone else - I cannot wait to hear it on their tour next year.

Don’t call Everyone’s a Star! a “boyband” comeback — because, truthfully, 5SOS never left.

“Everyone’s a Star!” is out officially on the 14th of November.