For the kids whose emo phases were never just a phase but a full-blown lifestyle, I have exciting news for you. All Time Low is back with a new album that reminds everyone why they’re still in the game.
Originally from Maryland, All Time Low is one of the defining names of pop-punk, but they cannot be contained in a box. Since forming in high school in 2003, the band has continually evolved, their sound expanding to include elements of pop rock, alternative, and indie.
The band is best known for their iconic 2007 hit “Dear Maria, Count Me in” and “Monsters” featuring Blackbear, released in 2020. A new generation was introduced to All Time Low in early 2021, when “Dear Maria, Count Me In” became the soundtrack of a viral TikTok trend. In these videos, people scream “Mom, it was never a phase, it’s a lifestyle!” over the song’s bridge before jamming out to the chorus.
This trend was a celebration of the emo subculture that shaped so many people, and a testament to All Time Low’s continued influence and relevance.
Now, All Time Low is back with their tenth studio album, Everyone’s Talking!, released on Oct. 17 via their own record label Basement Noise in partnership with Photo Finish Records and Virgin Music Group. This album proves that All Time Low’s legacy isn’t confined to the mid-2000s pop-punk era, but that they continuously grow alongside their audience, maturing without ever losing their lively spark that made them so popular in the first place.
The response from fans has been positive overall, with Redditors admiring the album’s range, strong songwriting and impressive vocals.
Let’s talk about Everyone’s Talking!
With 15 songs, Everyone’s Talking! strikes the perfect balance between pop-punk nostalgia and reinvention. Pop-punk combines the fast and energetic style of punk rock with the catchy melodies and lyrics of pop music. In this new album, All Time Low seamlessly blends the catchy hooks and angsty yet relatable lyrics that define their work with a more polished, genre-defying sound that reflects just how far they’ve come.
Lyrically, it’s some of All Time Low’s strongest work yet. With creative storytelling and clever word play, the band’s songwriting is well constructed. Witty humor is cleverly incorporated into the album without taking away from the serious themes explored like love and heartache, identity, and navigating life under public scrutiny.
The production allows for each member’s musical talents to shine. Alex Gaskarth commands attention with his powerful vocals, while Jack Barakat’s guitar work brings energy to every track. Zachary Merrick’s bass adds depth and groove, while Rian Dawson’s drumming ties everything together with heartbeat and momentum. Together, they’ve created something that feels unmistakably All Time Low, the camaraderie and chemistry that makes them so unique showcased front and center.
“[cold open]”
The short opener “[cold open]” pulls back the curtain on the band’s inner world, setting the stage for the album. Gaskarth’s lush vocals ease you in, giving the album a calm start before the energy intensifies in the following tracks. “[cold open]” feels like an invitation to settle in and let All Time Low take you on a journey through the emotions and experiences shared in the album.
“Everyone’s Talking!”
I see track two, “Everyone’s Talking!” as capturing the all-too-familiar kind of isolation when everyone looks at you but no one truly knows you.. The first verse moves through the days of the week, tracing the narrator’s unraveling. The song reaches its climax in the chorus, with lyrics like “there must be something wrong, cause everyone’s talking but no one’s talking to me” and “everyone’s looking, but no one’s looking at me” capturing the irony of constant attention without connection.
However, some fans speculate the song references the false allegations made against the band in 2021 that spread like wildfire online. The second verse really supports this theory, with lyrics like “well I’m clickbait now” and “you’ll probably still fucking come to my show” sung with particular anger.
“SUCKERPUNCH”
The following track is “SUCKERPUNCH,” the album’s first single released on June 13. “SUCKERPUNCH” hits hard from the start, driven by a punchy rhythm and single-strike guitar chords that accentuate its sharp intensity. Gaskarth’s delivery of the lyrics mirrors that intensity, which works perfectly for the song’s fiery tone.
“Oh No!”
The mood shifts dramatically with “Oh No!” first released as a single on Sept. 5, and takes on a more emotive and melodious turn. The lyrics grapple with finding oneself after healing, and wondering what comes next after your pain no longer defines you. All Time Low songs have always tackled difficult-to-talk-about themes like anxiety and depression. “Oh No!” feels like the band asking if fans will still love them without the turmoil that once shaped their lyrics. (the answer is yes!).
“The Weather”
The band released “The Weather” on July 11. The song keeps a quick pace but takes on a more subdued mood. Gaskarth, happily married to his high school sweetheart for years, has somehow always had a knack for capturing the complicated feelings surrounding love and heartache in his music. The lyrics are somber, but the music video’s bright colors create a sharp contrast between tone and visuals. The band appears in boldly colored tracksuits that have become an image distinguishing this album era. These were first seen at the revived Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C. on June 13, then on the album cover.
“Falling For Strangers”
The album continues with “Falling For Strangers” which follows the standard pop-punk formula of pairing upbeat instrumentation with expressive lyrics. Its opening sounds reminiscent of “Getaway Green” on their 2020 album Wake Up, Sunshine, a subtle detail that hardcore fans will be quick to recognize and appreciate.
“Viva Las Vagus Nerve”
“Viva Las Vagus Nerve” plays on “Viva Las Vegas,” the Elvis Presley song made for the popular 1964 movie of the same name, and the “vagus nerve,” which controls a person’s heart rate and breathing. The song uses imagery of a wild night out in a city to depict a thrilling yet destructive romance.
Songs about sweetness and sweet collabs
Continuing into the second half of the album, “Sugar” featuring JoJo is one of two songs on the album where All Time Low collaborates with other artists. Both voices harmonize beautifully in the chorus, and overall, it’s one of the album’s more playful and catchy tunes.
Skipping ahead, “Bubblegum” carries a similar vibe to “Sugar” with its catchy lyrics and bright and playful energy. Musically, it is more pop-like, and the kind of track that stays stuck in one’s head long after hearing it.
Track 13, “Treading Water” with Ruston Kelly, is the album’s second collaborative effort. The music slows down and Kelly lends his warm and soulful vocals to the track. His voice compliments Gaskarth’s perfectly and adds a beautiful touch to the song.
“Goodnight, C’est La Vie”
Circling back to “Goodnight, C’est La Vie,” the one minute song feels meant for singing around a campfire. However, the lyrics blend Americana imagery with tragedy to paint an image of a dying American dream. The energy is then amped up tenfold in track 11, “Little Bit.” Here, All Time Low gets loud, exploring more heavy, rock-n-roll coded soundscapes.
The final three
Tracks 12 and 14 fit in seamlessly with the rest of the album. In “Cigarettes & Sabotage,” Gaskarth carries fun yet meaningful lyrics over vibe-fueled melodies. “Different Languages” winds things down before the grand finale, allowing a moment of reflection on the listening experience so far.
The closing track, “Butterflies” feels similar to their 2010 track “Painting Flowers,” one of their most beautiful yet under-appreciated releases. “Butterflies” nicely rounds out the album with Gaskarth’s vocals soaring over smooth, flowing instrumentals. It brings the album to a heartfelt and cinematic close that leaves listeners feeling both nostalgic and hopeful.
All Time Low continues their legacy with Everyone’s Talking!
As a long time emo kid and All Time Low fan, I was really happy with Everyone’s Talking! overall and found there to be no skips. This album is a perfect picture of who they are today — older and more mature, but still full of the energy and heart that have carried them through the years and given them their loyal fanbase.
Few artists from the 2000s have stood the test of time quite like they have. But they strike the perfect balance between doing what they do best while still growing and adapting to the times. Whether you’ve been a fan since The Party Scene or are just discovering them now, Everyone’s Talking! stands on its own as a well-produced album where every element of its songwriting is intentional. In the context of their career, All Time Low continues their legacy as pop-punk veterans with this album that feels like the perfect continuation of their journey as musicians.
You can listen to Everyone’s Talking! on Spotify, and be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorite song is! (mine are “Everyone’s Talking!” and “Little Bit” because I can’t pick just one)!
