5 Seconds of Summer aka 5SOS, exploded onto the scene in the 2010s, cementing themselves as pop royalty. These Aussie lads started as YouTube stars but quickly transformed into global pop sensations. Comparatively, they were what the Beatles were to the 60s, or NSYNC to the late 90s.
Tracks like “Youngblood” and “She Looks So Perfect” didn’t just dominate charts; they became anthems for a generation. Their lyrical genius? Relatable. Their hooks? Unforgettable. Just as Madonna made the 80s pop with her sensational beats and iconic lyrics, 5SOS brought in the new wave of pop-rock, creating a soundtrack for the 2010s youth.
Beyond the hits, it’s their songwriting chops that set them apart. Crafting songs with heartfelt lyrics and banging tunes, they were like the Taylor Swift of pop-rock. Emotion, vulnerability, passion— they brought it all. Their album “Sounds Good Feels Good” is a testament to their range and artistry.
But it wasn’t all roses. The road to fame is never smooth, and 5SOS had their share of bumps. Rumors, drama, and the typical pop-star controversies— tabloids had a field day. Calum’s Snapchat scandal? Fans were shook. Ashton’s mental health struggles? Had us all sending love and light. The media loved to dissect their every move, much like the frenzy around Britney Spears in the 2000s.
Through it all, their bond remained tight. No epic breakups, a la One Direction. Sure, there were rumors of solo careers, but 5SOS remained a unit. And just like the Rolling Stones, they proved that staying power in the music industry is a mix of talent, unity, and a dash of drama.
So let’s get to it, counting down the eight songs that are more than just noteworthy to mention, they’re evergreen hits that’ll forever be on our playlists.
9. Lie To Me feat. Julia Michaels
Known for dropping bops left, right, and center, 5SOS gave us a heavy hit of feels with “Lie To Me feat. Julia Michaels”. Born out of collabs and midnight studio sessions, this track took “emotional” to a whole new level. The lyrics? A deep dive into heartbreak and the raw pain of wanting someone to sugarcoat the truth. With lines like “While he’s taking off my dress, I know she’s laying on your chest”, the song pulls no punches. It resonates because, let’s be real, who hasn’t been through that kinda heartache? The echoes of regret and longing? Relatable AF. And let’s not forget that iconic live performance with Julia at The Voice. Pure. Magic. Here’s the tea: not all songs become anthems. “Lie To Me”? An exception. Next on the list? Buckle up, because if it’s anything like this banger, you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster.
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8. She’s Kinda Hot
A youth anthem of the 2010s. Dropping in 2015 as the lead single from their sophomore album “Sounds Good Feels Good,” this track was a game-changer. It masterfully blended pop-punk vibes with relatable lyrics, creating a musical cocktail that had everyone jamming. Think of it as the Gen Z’s answer to Blink-182’s teenage rebellion. And boy, did it resonate! The track was a straight-up chart-topper, nabbing the No. 1 spot on iTunes within hours of its release. Let’s talk feels. Beneath the catchy hooks and punk-rock energy, “She’s Kinda Hot” dove deep into the emotional trenches of youth – insecurities, societal pressures, and the quintessential angst. It was a shoutout to all those feeling “a little bit lost.” While haters tagged it as just another pop tune, fans recognized its depth, making it a generational battle cry. The MV, with its DIY revolution theme, further solidified the track’s iconic status.
7. Easier
An epic combination of an emotional journey packed into a fiery tune. Released in 2019, it saw 5SOS diving deep into the murkier waters of relationships. The lyrics? Raw and relatable. “Is it easier to stay? Is it easier to go?” – they echo sentiments most of us have felt, but never put to words. Produced with the iconic touch of Charlie Puth and Louis Bell, it’s a track that merges gritty bass lines with Luke’s haunting falsetto, creating a sound that’s both vulnerable and powerful. The song’s MV, set in a claustrophobic cavern, perfectly encapsulates the suffocating nature of toxic love, making it a visual treat. It’s not just a song; it’s an experience. And just as you’re processing its depth, you’re itching for more, eagerly hitting repeat or moving onto the next track.
6. Who Do You Love
The collab between 5 Seconds of Summer and The Chainsmokers — it’s the banger nobody saw coming. Dropping in 2019, this electro-pop masterpiece set the airwaves on fire, with its infectious hooks and heart-wrenching lyrics. The backstory? It’s all about the heart’s tug-of-war between past and present love. With lines like “Found cigarettes in your Fendi coat”, the rawness cuts deep. Let’s face it; we’ve all been there — caught between moving on and lingering feelings. The track didn’t just tug at heartstrings; it smashed charts worldwide. Fans and critics alike went gaga, praising its emotional depth and killer production. For 5SOS, known for their pop-rock jams, this was a fresh direction, and boy, did they nail it! As you jam to that sick beat, remember — love’s messy, but damn, does it make for some epic tunes.
5. Amnesia
An epic emotional gut-punch that had fans all over the world in their feels. Released as part of their self-titled debut album in 2014, this track quickly stood out, giving everyone major emo vibes reminiscent of the early 2000s pop-punk era. The raw lyrics about heartbreak and trying to forget a past love resonated with anyone who’s been through the wringer in the love department. I mean, who hasn’t wished they could just erase memories of an ex? The world couldn’t get enough. “Amnesia” skyrocketed, landing spots on major charts globally, and showed a vulnerable side of the Aussie lads that fans weren’t used to. Reception? Critics lauded it, and fans streamed it on repeat, sobbing to its relatable lines. Behind the scenes, the track was a result of a collab between the band and Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers. That explains the touch of OG pop-punk magic! And sure, it’s one of those songs that make you want to drive around at night, windows down, screaming the lyrics. But isn’t that what epic anthems are made of? This track proved 5SOS wasn’t just about punkish vibes; they had depth, and they weren’t afraid to dive deep.
4. Ghost of You
This was THE tear-jerker track on the “Youngblood” album. Every time that melody kicks in, you’re transported to a place of heartbreak and nostalgia. This song, fam, hits different. Lyrics like “So I drown it out like I always do” and “Too young, too dumb to know things like love” are all about regret and lost love, a theme so many of us can resonate with. While “Youngblood” brought the bops, “Ghost of You” made sure we all had a good cry in the shower. The song’s success wasn’t just about its emo vibes though. Fans and critics alike recognized it as one of 5SOS’s most mature tracks to date, praising its lyrical depth and haunting melody. It’s that song you play on repeat when you’re deep in your feels, and it never fails to deliver. Despite not being a single, it gained massive traction, becoming one of the fan faves from the album. Tbh, this track stands as a testament to 5SOS’s versatility as artists.
3. She Looks So Perfect
Talk about dem feels, it’s the pop anthem that defined 2014. Bursting onto the scene with an infectious hook and an iconic music video that had everyone ditching their American Apparel underwear, this track was pure fire! Blending pop with punk vibes, it set 5SOS apart from the boy band image, carving out a niche of their own. Those edgy guitar riffs, the punchy drum beats, and lyrics that were as cheeky as they were emotional resonated with fans worldwide. I mean, who didn’t scream-sing about standing there in a particular brand of undies? Diving into the lyrics, you get that yearning, that deep-rooted emotion, packaged in a fun, rebellious exterior. It’s like the best of both worlds: a head-banging track with heart. The blend of raw energy and sentimentality strikes a chord, making it clear that 5SOS is more than just another boy band.
2. Teeth
Not just another pop-rock banger; it’s an emotional roller coaster that leaves you shook. Dropped in 2019 as part of the album “Calm,” this track delves deep into the complexities of love and relationships. We’re talking dark vibes and moody aesthetics, folks. The bassline? Killer. The vocals? A one-two punch of raw feels and vocal prowess. The song captures that love-hate dynamic, making you question if you’re the moth or the flame. It’s the kind of song that’d fit right into a Quentin Tarantino flick. It’s like the edgy older sibling to their earlier hits, showing they weren’t just boys anymore; they were full-on pop-rock gods. “Teeth” is more than just a song; it’s a whole mood, and we’re so here for it.
1. Youngblood
Not just a track; it was THE track. Dropping in 2018 as the title song from their third album, it was a certified bop that had everyone vibing. Originating from a whirlwind of emotions, the track took fans on a rollercoaster, diving deep into the realm of love, youth, and the complexities of growing up. The melancholic yet punchy tune was relatable AF. The boys took a chance, shifting from their earlier pop-punk sound to this pop-rock anthem, and man, did it pay off! Fans and critics alike couldn’t get enough. It was a turning point for 5SOS, proving they weren’t just another boy band; they were evolving artists laying it all on the line. The emotional depth, catchy rhythm, and sheer artistry of “Youngblood” ensured it wasn’t just a hit; it was an era.
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In a nutshell? 5SOS was the heartbeat of the 2010s pop scene. Through anthems, awards, and adversities, they cemented their legacy as pop legends. Their story? A roller-coaster of dreams, drama, and dominance. And honestly? We were all here for the ride!
Listen to it now on our custom playlist made for you on Youtube or Spotify.
