5SOS FANS ARE NOT OK!

Written by Claire Hookstra

Image Courtesy of Spotify

5 Seconds of Summer (yes, the band with the song about underwear) is back and better than ever. Despite media outlets and old fans claiming they’ve “returned from hiatus,” 5SOS has been making music at a steady pace since 2013. After each member, Luke Hemmings (lead vocals), Michael Clifford (guitar), Calum Hood (bass), and Ashton Irwin (drums), released solo albums in the past year or two, the group is back in the studio and ready to take over 5SOS fans’ hearts once again.  Announced with the unexpected release of the Australian unit’s latest single, “NOT OK,” the band is set to release their sixth studio album, EVERYONE’S A STAR!, on November 14, 2025. 

The single blends the rapid chaos of Gorillaz, mixes in some circa-2015 punk elements reminiscent of the band’s album, Sounds Good Feels Good, and… tambourine, to create 5SOS’s new era of sound. That's one of the most exciting things about the group, with each new album comes a new style and new sound. The band began with teen rock, moved slowly into a more pop sound, and is now back to their rock n’roll roots with a hint of electronic elements for EVERYONE’S A STAR.

“NOT OK” starts with deep, reverbed vocals from Hemmings over a catchy electric bass line. There’s a synth in the back keeping tempo, immediately signaling to the listener that 5SOS is removing itself from the beloved pop sound of 5SOS5. The chorus is characterized by a rapid tambourine, before the band members all join in singing “Hey / I’m not ok / I like the darker side of me.” The post-chorus allows for Hood's drawn-out vocals to shine as the track goes quiet before returning to the chaotically brain-scratching punk rock production. The single is fun, it’s unlike anything 5 Seconds of Summer has done before, and it is guaranteed to be life-changing when heard live.

With the first single being an undeniable banger (are we still saying banger?), it sets nothing short of the highest expectations for the upcoming album. Additionally, as if the completely new sound wasn’t enough, the band has acquired new looks as well. At a pop-up show in West Hollywood, CA, the band graced the stage with Hemmings in standout spiked hair, Clifford dying his locks from blonde to neon red, Hood returning to his blonde identity, and Irwin… being Irwin, killing it on the drums as usual. This new era is exciting, it’s crazy, and I can guarantee it’s going to be an absolute blast. 

Stream “NOT OK” on Spotify and Apple Music