With their latest single “NOT OK”, 5 Seconds of Summer re-emerge with a sharp sense of self-awareness and creative daring. The track serves as the band’s reintroduction—darker, more confident, and sonically expansive—setting the tone for their forthcoming album “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” releasing on November 14th.
“NOT OK” blends the band’s signature pop-rock energy with a more experimental edge. From its thunderous percussion to its brooding basslines, the song bursts with urgency. Luke Hemmings delivers on impassioned vocal performance, balancing intensity with vulnerability, as he confronts themes of inner chaos, duality, and self-acceptance. The refrain—unapologetic and inspiring—captures that familiar 5SOS knack for turning emotional turmoil into something cathartic and communal.
“NOT OK” doesn’t just reassert 5 Seconds of Summer’s presence; it reinvents it. The band sounds refreshed—older, wiser, but still charged with the raw emotion that first drew listeners in. it’s a commanding statement of evolution, not departure.
Schedules for release, “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” represents the next phase in 5 Seconds of Summer’s artistic journey. The album promises twelve tracks, including “NOT OK”, and is expected to explore identity, individuality, and the complexities of fame.
Early track titles such as Boyband, I’m Scared I’ll Never Sleep, and Ghost suggest a record that blends self-reflection with sharp social commentary. Thematically, it appears to revolve around the paradox of visibility-the idea that everyone seeks the spotlight yet struggles under its weight. It’s a fitting narrative for a band that has spent more than a decade evolving in public view.
Musically, “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” seems poised to strike a balance between the band’s guitar-driven roots and their growing attraction for electronic and atmospheric textures. If “NOT OK” is any indication, listeners can expect bold contrasts-darkness and light, chaos and control—intertwined into a cohesive sonic identity.
PHOTO: BRIAN ZIFF
The album also arrives at a pivotal moment for 5SOS. Having matured from teenage pop-rockers into seasoned musicians with a clear sense of artistry, they now face the challenge of redefining what a modern rock band can sound like in the streaming era. If the rest of the record matched the ambition and intensity of its lead single, “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” could solidify their status as one of the most adaptive and enduring acts of their generation.
Overall, “NOT OK” is a striking preview of what’s to come. It’s the sound of a band unafraid to confront its shadows, willing to evolve, and confident enough to turn vulnerability into strength. As “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” approaches, it’s clear that 5 Seconds of Summer are not just returning—they’re reinventing what it means to shine.