Jack Antonoff and co are back with their fifth studio album, “everyone for 10 minutes” [stylised lower case] via Dirty Hit; the follow up to their critically acclaimed self-titled album – which this magazine made ‘Album of the Month’ in March 2024.
So… Has Mr Antonoff matched, or even surpassed, his track record and produced another incredible album for our listening pleasure? The short answer is yes.
If you’ve been keeping up with the 13-time Grammy-winner over the last year, you’ll know he’s been busy. Jack and his Bleachers’ band mates, have been popping up across New York performing with their industry powerhouse friends, including Florence Welch and Hayley Williams.
He also produced some of the biggest records of last year, including Sabrina Carpenter’s “Man’s Best Friend” and Doja Cat’s’ “Vie”. But despite a busy diary, there seems to be no stopping Jack’s creative force with this new Bleacher’s album potentially being his best work yet.
Part of the new record’s press release comments: “The new album is the inevitable culmination of a lifetime of devotion to bands (sic) for the six members and, ultimately, finds each one at their creative peak.” I concur.
These 11 tracks – featuring lead vocalist Jack, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Evan Smith, Michael Riddleberger and Zem Audu – blend folk rock, pop and soul genres and the band’s signature sax-soaked New Jersey sound; with introspective storytelling, airy synths, great basslines and unexpected harmonica.
Overall optimistic and lively, this is an album I’ll be spinning all summer long.
They open with “Sideways”, a perfect jumping off point for the rest of the record. It’s anthemic with choruses that build to bold crescendos to instantly get you hooked. “We Should Talk” references connecting with a past collaborator who “shared a brain”, but now has a wife and family. A standout track on the album and my personal favourite.
“Dirty Wedding Dress” nods towards a bit of a country vibe; the kind of song you want playing at the end of a great night surrounded by all your best mates. Jack makes a few cheeky jabs at the drama that comes with being in the music industry: “A critic has moved up the block. He jokes he wants publishing ’cause I referenced him once”. I’m sure fans of Antonoff’s work can put the pieces together. He adds an emphatic “I’ll never let them take my soul!” in the final verse.
There’s a few darker themes here too. “I Can’t Believe You’re Gone” references the aftermath of losing a loved one, and “She’s From Before” looks back on ‘ancient love’ and how to move forward.
Lightening the mood with the stunning closer, “Upstairs At ELS”, meaning famed Electric Lady Studios where Antonoff records a lot of his work and where the cover art was shot. It’s a sparkling track and the perfect finale; with gang vocals and a glorious sax solo.
Overall, another triumph from the creative mind of Jack Antonoff; and now for the Grammy nominations to flood in.