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Review: Neon Trees - Pop Psychology

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Pop Psychology is the third studio album from Utah new wave rockers Neon Trees. In comparison to their previous releases, 2010’s Habits and 2012’s Picture Show, this new album is definitely more mature both lyrically and musically. On first listen, you can’t help but bob your head or tap your foot and if it came on at a party, it would definitely get people on their feet.

The album starts off with the upbeat track “Love In The 21st Century”, which describes just that, the perils of falling in love in the digital age. With lines like “Your kisses taste so sweet, but then you click ‘delete’” and “I check my four different accounts just to end up mad”, most young people can relate. The theme of love and technology also continues into track two, “Text Me In The Morning”.

The lead single from Pop Psychology, “Sleeping With a Friend”, was released this past January and peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 chart. While it’s not as upbeat as other tracks on the album, it’s just as catchy. One thing Neon Trees definitely know how to do is write a catchy song!

Lead singer Tyler Glenn recently came out as gay and although his sexuality isn’t one of the album’s prominent themes, it’s clear that there are a few songs that deal with his struggles during that time. “Living In Another World” is clearly the deepest and most personal song. Lyrics like “I guess I’ve always been this way / It’s been hard for me to say / Close my eyes, it’ll go away” are just one of the few instances he uses his music to vent his feelings. During an interview, he explained that “at moments, there’s a cry for help and sadness… But I think it’s a real fun pop record at the heart of it and something with a message too.”

Whilst the tracks are energetic and catchy, I feel like Pop Psychology lacks some sort of edge to set it apart from other generic pop bands. However, overall, it is a good pop album that I believe both fans of the band and pop music in general will like.

Download: Love In The 21st Century

3.5/5

By Becky House