Is Calm a good place to start with 5 Seconds of Summer?

Yes, Calm is recommended as a starting point for new 5 Seconds of Summer listeners. Euphoric pop melodies blend with introspective lyrics, creating an emotional soundscape that captures both vulnerability and resilience. Released on March 27, 2020, Calm is the fourth studio album by 5 Seconds of Summer, arriving after their commercially successful album Youngblood. This record marks a significant artistic evolution for the band as they explore deeper themes of self-reflection and personal growth while experimenting with a more mature sound.

Calm works well if you're into steady flow for reflective moments, youthful vulnerability in every track and catchy hooks for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Calm?

Calm has 15 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Calm

5 Seconds of Summer · 2020

49 min · 15 tracks · pop rock

Euphoric pop melodies blend with introspective lyrics, creating an emotional soundscape that captures both vulnerability and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Red Desert Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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No Shame — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of embracing one's flaws and vulnerabilities, resonating through its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics.
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Old Me — Reflecting on personal growth and past mistakes, this song stands out for its poignant introspection and anthemic chorus that encourages self-acceptance.
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Teeth — With its gritty production and dark undertones, this track represents a bold departure from the band's earlier sound, exploring themes of struggle and emotional conflict.
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Wildflower — The lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics create an enchanting atmosphere that highlights the beauty of love amidst uncertainty, showcasing the band's songwriting maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, though it lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the sixth introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady flow for reflective moments
youthful vulnerability in every track
catchy hooks for sing-alongs
balanced pacing for easy listening
live versions enhance emotional connection

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification tracks
prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic evolution and received positive acclaim.
Themes: self-acceptance journey· personal growth reflections· emotional conflict exploration
Career context: Released on March 27, 2020, Calm is the fourth studio album by 5 Seconds of Summer, arriving after their commercially successful album Youngblood. This record marks a significant artistic evolution for the band as they explore deeper themes of self-reflection and personal growth while experimenting with a more mature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: All Time Low· Paramore· Panic! at the Disco