5 Seconds of Summer prove ‘Everyone’s a Star‘ with their new album, and they are shining brighter than ever before.

Words by Libby Sturgess

After three years away from the spotlight, Australian boyband 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have returned with their sixth studio album “Everyone’s a Star!” From pink limousines to punk-rock hairstyles, 5SOS have created a fresh visual identity rooted in Y2K nostalgia.

Formed in 2011, 5SOS skyrocketed to fame in 2013 while touring with One Direction. With smash hits like She Looks So Perfect and Youngblood, they shattered records and became one of the defining boy bands of the 21st century. Their highly anticipated new album ushers in a more mature, emotionally charged chapter for the band, blending their pop-rock roots with a bold, electronic and dance-inspired sound. 

The title track “Everyone’s A Star!”  strikingly kicks off the album, immediately encapsulating its lively, energetic and shimmery tone. The track is driven by a kinetic drumbeat, paired with lyrics that play on the idea of stardom, fame, and facade.  

5SOS particularly lean into their experimentalism, musically, with their single “NOT OK!” Their influence from bands like Gorillaz and The Prodigy is prominent here, highlighting their shift towards a mixture of alternative rock and electronic music. 

In the opening verse of their second single, “Telephone Busy,” Ashton steps away from the drum kit to take the mic, showcasing one of the album’s most intriguing qualities: the experimentation with vocal leads. This artistic choice contributes to the album’s distinctly personal tone, reflecting the individuality of all four members and their journey as a band.

From a thematic point of view, the third single, “Boyband”, is one of their strongest, where the introspective lyricism explores vulnerability and anxiety around conforming to the boyband stereotype. The band take a tongue-in-cheek approach with lyrics like “Boy in a boyband, imaginary boyfriend” that play on the 2010s nostalgia of boybands and fandoms. The satirical tone almost allows them to take ownership and reclaim their title as a boyband, as they evolve into this new era of musical maturity. 

“No. 1 Obsession” is an energetic, lively anthem driven by a pulsating bassline. Leaning into a pop-star narrative, the track is exceptionally well-produced and polished. It’s arguably the catchiest song on the album and is sure to become a fan favourite. Despite its high energy, the lyrics reveal a more vulnerable side. Exploring the highs and lows of fame, the band dives into the fantasies and realities of fame and love.“I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep Again” is another track that stands out for its rawness and vulnerability. Luke’s vocal delivery of the chorus feels incredibly emotion-driven; it’s almost as if you can hear the yearning in his voice as he sings “Every bed is cold without your body in it… I’m scared I’ll never sleep again.” This captures the band’s focus towards more developed themes of emotional depth and a sense of turmoil. 

“istillfeelthesame” gives Michael Clifford a chance to shine as he takes the vocal lead. Co-written by Clifford and Luke Hemmings, the track highlights their nuanced lyricism and undeniable musical chemistry. “Sick of Myself,” also written by this duo, delves into themes of insecurity and self-discovery, standing out as one of the album’s most nostalgic moments. With its guitar-driven sound, it feels closest to the band’s roots, evoking the energy and emotion of their earlier work. 

“Ghost” is like the older sibling of “Ghost of You”, equally as haunting and emotional. It differs in mood from the other tracks, being the slowest and simplest on the album, characterised by its mystically soothing backing vocals and soft drumming. The track was co-written by Hemmings and his wife, Sierra, which adds an intimate layer of emotional depth. The song follows two people through a shared reflection of love and fear, finding comfort in this shared vulnerability.  

Ashton Irwin’s musical influence is present in the following two tracks; “Evolve” and “The Rocks” feel as if they would fit seamlessly onto his 2020 album “Superbloom.” “Evolve” is a bass-driven track which can only be described as infectious and anticipatory. “The Rocks” captures a similar vibe, moving towards this gritty, pop-rock feel.

“Jawbreaker” perfectly brings the album to a close. The atmospheric track feels reflective in tone and captures what feels like the end of a story; it’s equally as warming as melancholic. The lyrics, such as “This is everything I didn’t know I wanted,” sum up the album’s themes of growth and reflection, with a subtle and grounded rhythm that emphasises the mood. 

This album is bold, self-aware and satirical in parts, capturing 5 Seconds of Summer’s rebellion against the boyband stereotype, as they delve into a punk-rock world of sonic evolution and maturity.  With a clear sense of direction, the band blends fresh electro and dance textures with nostalgic undertones and nods to their past, crafting a sound that perfectly defines who 5SOS are becoming. 

The album “Everyone’s a star!” is now available on all streaming services. After their incredible performance at Outernet, London, 5SOS’s 2026 arena tour is not one to miss! 

Photos by Brian Ziff