Score: 4.5/5
The Maine must have spent more time in the candy shop than the recording studio when creating its latest album, “American Candy,” because these songs are sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
After exploring a more intense rock sound on previous albums “Pioneer” and “Forever Halloween,” the band from Tempe, Arizona, returned to its pop-punk roots without losing its maturing sound, and it’s exactly the springtime addition the band’s fans needed.
Frontman John O’Callaghan experimented with darker storytelling in some of his past lyrical endeavors, but the album’s singles, “English Girls” and “Miles Away,” which is also the opening track, showed promise for feel-good songs with just as much meaning. The lyrics, “I feel so alive,” couldn’t be more appropriate for this album’s vibes.
This is a band that grew up with its fans, and each song’s lyrics capture experiences both the band and listeners can relate to, whether it be about growing up, resisting the pressure to conform or simply about valuing friendships.
The first time listeners hear the track, “My Hair,” it may sound like a tribute to O’Callaghan’s luscious summer locks, but when they pay closer attention to the lyrics, it’s more about not allowing others to dictate the decisions in an individual’s life. This is evident by the lyrics, “Nobody’s gonna tell me how to wear my hair. Not my mother or a big-wig millionaire.” In the past, the band’s artistic ideas conflicted with its record label, so perhaps this song is a “stick it to man” bonus.
A majority of the tracks possess a jubilant sound, but there’s typically one song on each album sure to hit its listeners right in the feelings. That being said, fans should brace themselves for “24 Floors.” It’s certainly not bubbly and sweet, but it surrounds an individual contemplating their life, and it’s well done. Right after the band brings down the mood, it wastes no time bringing it right back up.
Lighthearted strumming and a toe-tapping drumbeat course through the veins of “Diet Soda Society” alongside the chorus’ “Oblivion, is where I’m headed.” This same societal idea carries into the next track, “Am I Pretty?” with the repetition of a series of the questions: “Am I pretty? Do people like me yet? Is there a party? Am I invited?” Toward the end of the song, the band chimes in with the answer, “There’s beauty and grace in the flaws of your face.”
The album’s title track is one of the strongest songs overall, both lyrically and musically. O’Callaghan also managed to cleverly incorporate candy-themed jargon throughout, and this same cleverness is carried into the album’s final track, “Another Night on Mars.”
Anyone who’s familiar with the band will recognize this style from “We’ll All Be…” off it’s 2008 album, “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.” The chorus of voices in the background, the celebration of camaraderie and tribute to youthfulness capture the same essence from the first album, and it’s a smart way to close out this sweet listening experience.
Though some devoted fans weren’t thrilled with the band’s previous rock ‘n roll stint, it would have been nice to hear a little more of that style from the band’s talented guitarists because it felt like the members were becoming comfortable with that sound.
Regardless, The Maine has gained confidence in its sound simply by exploring its freedom to experiment. Despite any production confliction in the past, this band knows what kind of music it wants to make, and it’s well-worth the listen.