“Finding the band’s highest points and lowest, the aptly named The Good Times and the Bad Ones is a mixed bag.”
Daniel Seavey, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais, Jack Avery, and Zach Herron make up the five-man band of Why Don’t We released their long-awaited second album, The Good Times and the Bad Times. Fans were very excited for this release, launching many Twitter campaigns based on what songs they were most excited to hear, hosting streaming parties, and more for their favorite band.
In the two years between albums, slowing down was not an option for the band. They took the reins and assumed creative control over songwriting and assisting with production. “I’m happy we got to release our own vision. These are our ideas, melodies, and thoughts. When the fans listen, they’ll know it really comes from us,” Daniel Seavey explains. Their own vision incorporates classic pop elements reminiscent of their biggest inspiration, Justin Bieber.
Synths, guitars, and even pianos blend together to create a typical pop album that doesn't offer too much more than a mildly entertaining 32 minutes. “Fallin’ (Adrenaline)” opens the album with a bang, the catchy song drawing the listener in instantly. It sets the scene for the rest of the album to follow: a fast-paced album that only slows down for the deeper and more personal “Be Yourself” and “Grey.” Driving the direction of the band is a big risk and the music that resulted from it came out too safe for the boy band.
Being the first Why Don’t We album I’ve listened to, I got exactly what I expected from it. While I may not listen to the album as a whole again, songs like “Slow Down” will definitely find their way to my music library. I’m also glad the album was relatively short so it didn’t overstay its welcome.
Besson revealed to American Songwriter that “I think when you’re in a boy band and you’re coming up, there’s a certain formula and a certain way that the industry makes you feel like you should act or behave.” Songs like “For You” feel like that formulaic, pop music and not like the raw and honest tracks they’re advertising. Finding the band’s highest points and lowest, the aptly named The Good Times and the Bad Ones is a mixed bag. There are entertaining tracks alongside others that fall flat but overall produce a pleasant album.
STREAM THE GOOD TIMES AND THE BAD ONES ON ALL PLATFORMS HERE
Comments