Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer are back with a bang with their latest album, 5SOS5, and a new promo single, ‘Bad Omens’.
With nearly eleven years as a band, two number one albums and millions of dedicated fans following their journey, it seems that 5SOS have finally discovered their sound. They’ve dabbled in different genres: from pop-punk in their debut self-titled album to an electronic vibe in Youngblood.
Through the years, their lyrical content has stayed much the same, revolving around themes of heartbreak and toxic relationships – and ‘Bad Omens’ is no exception.
The song details a relationship in which two people struggle to stay away from each other, with a lyric from the first verse summing that feeling up wonderfully: “every time we say goodbye, I say hello again”.
The band’s main vocalist Luke Hemmings leads the song, and his voice has never sounded better. As the band have matured, their music has too—both sonically and lyrically, through their evolution from cheeky, punky tunes in their early days to sleek and polished tracks today.
The song feels closer to their 2018 album Youngblood than their 2020 release, CALM, which was inspired by rock bands such as Nine Inch Nails. While CALM came across as an edgier, experimental album, offering fans a glimpse into their take on the new wave genre, Youngblood was undeniably pop, with the title track entering the top ten of various charts around the world.
The song’s highlight is the bridge, where the band’s vocals are layered to create a beautiful chant, singing: “we go round again, we jump back in bed / that’s what you do when you love somebody”. The lyrics are complemented by a rhythmic drum beat, building up to a very satisfyingly cinematic outro.
‘Bad Omens’ is the perfect pop song from 5SOS—vulnerable, comforting, and certainly a career highlight due to its nostalgic feel, impressive build-up, and captivating vocals, showcasing 5SOS at their very best.
Words by Lauren Cox
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