On October 23, 5 Seconds of Summer released their sophomore effort, "Sounds Good Feels Good." The Australians – Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Michael Clifford and Ashton Irwin – have honed a sound reminiscent of pop punk bands of the 1990s. Collaborations with Good Charlotte’s Joel and Benji Madden in addition to All Time Low provide an edgier sound.

With a rockier, pop punk-influenced sounds, 5 Seconds of Summer delivers their new album with deeper emotions and messages, legitimizing their place as a pop-rock band with alternative edge.

Following the success of their self-titled debut and multi-national Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour, 5 Seconds of Summer starts their movement of The New Broken Scene. Although they share a record label (Capitol) and management with One Direction, their new album signifies a clean break from the boy-band image, acquired through opening twice for One Direction and winning over the boy band’s fans – teenage girls. It has the potential to expand 5SOS’ fanbase, since their alternative sound appeals to greater amounts of people.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons Why 5 Seconds Of Summer Is Better Live Than One Direction

Overall, their album does, in fact, sound good and feel good. Its content demonstrates their maturity; however, it alludes to deeper issues. Some tracks hint at the band’s personal struggles with identity and private issues.

5 Seconds of Summer’s second album begins with “Money,” a feel-good, upbeat song about the band offering what material possessions they have to woo a girl. This song has a chorus that is meant to be screamed at the top of your lungs. This is one I’d love to see live.

The second track, “She’s Kinda Hot,” was the first single off the album. A western-inspired guitar riff and calm first verse begins the song. Heavy guitars then make their presence known and help transition the song into a loud chorus. The song is uplifting, and reminds you that “we’re alright though.”

“Hey Everybody,” the second single off the album, gives inspiration to anyone who feels like they don’t fit in and encapsulates the entire album’s message perfectly in one song.

5 Seconds of Summer actually played a track off the album, “Permanent Vacation,” at a show on May 4. It already sounded great live, but the actual recorded track sounds awesome. This song, especially the bridge, is reminiscent of Green Day, which again, acknowledges the source of the band’s influences.

The fifth track, “Jet Black Heart,” was released a little before the album came out, on August 28. This song slows the album down and reminds me a little of a song off their first album, “Beside You.” While lead vocals are normally done by Luke or Calum, this song features Michael, which is a great change of pace. Listeners can really hear the emotion in his voice.

“Safety Pin” and “Invisible” are my initial favorites on the album. I like the imagery of the safety pin evoked in the chorus and also how the sound of this song reminds me of their earliest EP material. On the other hand, “Invisible” features Calum’s personal, yet relatable, experience of despair and questioning identity. He asks, “Who am I? I don’t know myself.” The orchestral section at the end only adds to the raw, powerful emotion in this song.

This album demonstrated 5 Seconds of Summer’s maturity and fully launches their name into the pop-punk conversation. I highly recommend everyone gives it a listen.

Rating: 9/10

Buy the album here. 

Reach Staff Reporter Sabrina Tong here.