An inevitable challenge that all breakout artists must face sometime in their careers is to create music that matches, if not exceeds, the success of their previous smash hits. Faced with immense pressure and anticipation from fans and critics, artists could either adhere to the same musical style from previous works or head in a totally different direction. Unlike some other musicians, Neon Trees choose the safer route to continue their signature pop rock sound. The band released their third studio album, Pop Psychology on April 22. Although their sound for the most part is preserved on this album, hidden underneath bright and sugar-coated instrumentals are personal and dark lyrics that showcase the band’s growing maturity.
The reigning sovereigns of their unique style, Neon Trees stride to revive the popularity of 80s new wave pop. The band’s personnel consists of vocalist Tyler Glenn, guitarist Chris Allen, bassist Branden Campbell, and drummer Elaine Bradley. Formed in Provo, Utah, the band chose to stray from the alternative rock identification that many listeners and critics often gave them. Neon Trees rose to fame with their breakthrough album Habits back in 2010 which reached number 13 on the BillboardHot 100 charts. The band continued to establish their placement in the music industry with their sophomore record Picture Show in 2012. From then on, Neon Trees began to drastically mature as a result of Glenn’s coming out as gay and the birth of Bradley’s son. These experiences reflect on Pop Psychology’s lyrics as a whole and make some tracks more relatable to listeners.
The standout tracks in the album include “Voices In The Halls,” “Living In Another World,” and “First Things First.” These songs showcase Glenn’s struggles with his newfound sexuality and are hands down the most personal and emotional tracks on the record. “Voices In The Halls” is a haunting ballad that combines orchestral elements and electronic keyboards to produce an overall eerie sound that emphasizes the song’s meaning. Glenn describes the impactful change his sexuality has brought in his life: “No it’s never like what it used to be, maybe it just never really was.” In “Living In Another World”, Glenn comes to terms with his homosexuality and accepts it: “I guess I’ve always been this way. It’s been hard for me to say close my eyes, it’ll go away.” Backing Glenn’s diary-like lyrics are Bradley’s cheerful and energetic drum beats as well as Allen’s guitar riffs. The second to last song on the record, “First Things First” serves as the album’s anthem with its catchy sing-along chorus that reminds listeners of the realities of the real world: “You are never gonna get everything you want in this world. First things first, get what you deserve.” Complimenting the track is an uplifting guitar solo that is reminiscent of 80s pop rock. By including these songs on the album, Neon Trees displays their gradual maturity to fans and critics.
Although the band clearly shows a transition in producing more personal and meaningful music through these few tracks, the rest of the songs on the album continue to retain the same sound as the band’s older albums. For example, tracks such as “Sleeping With a Friend”, “I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)”, and “Teenager In Love” seem disconnected with the powerful messages that the band strived to advocate in previous songs. While these tracks are radio-friendly and perfect for summer car rides, they do not create an impact like “Voices In The Halls” or “Living In Another World” do. Just like most other mainstream music, these songs are primarily about crushes, first loves, and the struggles to get a cute guy or girl’s attention. Nonetheless, the addition of these songs provides listeners with a refreshing break from the intensity and somberness of the songs before.
Of course, listeners cannot expect a band to immediately grow up overnight. The compromise between Neon Tree’s signature playful tunes and their more grown up and serious content is only just the beginning of their inevitable maturity. By getting a little taste of Neon Trees’ musical maturation in Pop Psychology, listeners are no doubt left impatiently waiting to hear what the band has next in store.
