Every music lover knows the excitement of their favourite artists dropping a new album—that curious feeling of not knowing what’s waiting when you hit “play”. For me, it’s rare that I’m like “wow” at every single track, but Calum Hood’s new album did exactly that. With ORDER chaos ORDER, released on June 13th 2025, my summer playlist is shaping up to be one of my favourites yet.
PHOTO: LE3AY STUDIO
Calum Hood is known as the bassist of the Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer, and I’ve always loved when his voice got to shine in their songs, so I was really excited for the release of his debut solo album. He gave us a first taste with the singles “Don’t Forget You Love Me” and “Call Me When You Know Better”, which also happen to be the album’s first two tracks. These songs perfectly set the tone for what’s to come: an indie alt-pop album that feels nostalgic, emotional, and introspective.
Starting with “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” Calum sings about a former lover who makes him question his self-worth while still holding onto an emotional connection, making the song a vulnerable opener. I kept coming back to this song when it dropped in April. It’s one of those tracks that grows on you with every listen.
‘Cause on that last night
Instead of lookin’ for a fight
I should’ve looked you in the eyes
‘Cause what it really was was me beggin’
Don’t forget you love me
“Call Me When You Know Better” might sound upbeat and fun, but the lyrics run deeper. It’s about not always being the best lover or friend, reflecting regret over mistakes made. Calum describes it as a love letter in the form of an apology.
Oh, well, I’m sinkin’ in my head when I see you down
Keepin’ me in my place
Oh, if I could change you
I would make you love me forever
“Sweetdreams” is the third track and starts with a vocal “Da-da” and soft instrumental, the sound of the song continues with this dreamy, melancholic vibe. In an interview with MILKY, Calum says that the track unpacks finding himself amidst people struggling with addiction.
I’m a little fragile when I’m drivin’ too fast
Tunnel vision when I face subliminal crash
Each time that I sleep with road beneath my head
The next song, “I Wanted to Stay,” is a bittersweet one. Calum shared that it’s a love letter to his late dog, Duke. The track closes with a subtle instrumental and soft, harmonic vocals.
One more head tic and I am on my way
The nights keep swallowin’ another day
I love my baby, but I’m fadin’ away
I wanted to stay, I wanted to stay
Following “Sunsetter,” you start feeling deeper emotions. It’s a heartfelt track that expresses the uncertainty in a relationship—whether drifting apart or staying together forever.
What’s it gonna be?
You and I forever
What’s it gonna take?
Come with me, sunsetter
“All My Affection” starts with a soft guitar and Calum’s delicate voice, and the song builds itself up until the end. It’s a track that remained from the initial selection for the record, Calum shares. The lyrics seem to reflect getting hurt to the point of feeling empty, yet still wanting to give all the love and affection left to the people who matter most.
So take everything left of me
Anything that you might want
All my affection is all I have to lose
Track seven, “Endless Ways,” might be my personal favorite. I was on my way to work when I listened to the album, and when this song came on I had to stop myself from smiling like an idiot because I was just thinking, “Ugh, I love music so much.” You know that feeling when you hear a song for the first time and get this kind of euphoric yet emotional rush, and you just know it’s going to be on repeat for days? That’s exactly what happened with this one. It’s one of those upbeat songs where the pre-chorus softens before the chorus hits, and I love everything about it. The lyrics are about self-discovery and finding yourself through connections with others. It reflects on how relationships and shared experiences reveal who we truly are.
Sometimes, it takes somebody else to get to know yourself
To take your hand and hitch a ride
One more dance and one more cry
The album keeps getting better, and “Streetwise” is no exception. It’s one of my favorites as well. I let myself sink into the sentimental feeling it gave me. With its upbeat sound, the song captures the bittersweet tension of a relationship caught between nostalgia and an uncertain future. The lyrics speak of someone who offers support and encouragement, yet keeps their distance. If you can’t relate to this one—congrats on your stable relationships.
You fill my cup and you drink it slow
My one and my only
You don’t hang on, but you don’t let go, oh, oh
Honey, this might be the place
“Dark Circles” follows as the ninth track. Calum explained that the song explores the idea that 5 Seconds of Summer had never formed, and the chasm it would create (via MILKY). The lyric “dark circles under my eyes” reflects sleepless nights weighed down by emotional pain.
I wish time was nothing
What a shame, we’re gettin’ older
It comes in doses
I’m afraid we’re goin’ nowhere
Lost you somewhere in a fever
I don’t feel myself when you’re not around
“Three of Swords” is the last track of the album. It starts slowly, tender drums and guitar setting in, creating a slow-beat song and the perfect mood for a closing track. Just like it’s the end of the album, it feels like the end of a day, where you’re on your way home with your headphones on, and you just fade out every feeling except the ones of the song.
Did you imagine when we were younger
I wouldn’t see you for what felt like a thousand years?
When you find yourself outside on a summer evening—the sun going down, golden hour setting in, and a cool breeze in the air—this album hits just right. On release day, Calum wrote on Instagram: “This is my sincerest take on what it is like to feel alive and to have experienced a spectrum of deeply coloured emotions throughout it all.” That couldn’t describe it better. He continued: “I hope this album lives with you on long drives at night when you’re trying to clear your head. Or fills a space that brings you closer to yourself or a loved one. Or something else that sounds cool. Do whatever you like. It’s yours now.” And I can say—the album definitely does sound cooler than cool. These songs will be on repeat all summer long.