A Day To Remember – Bad Vibrations (Album Review)

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With the entire world right at the tips of their fingers, the pressure to be exceedingly distinguished is at an all-time high. Looking as though they breezed right past this usual struggle, A Day To Remember makes difficulty look surprisingly simple. Taking an extreme amount of talent and basically forcing an entire scene to be fully engulfed in everything they are, music enthusiasts from all over the globe soon knew just exactly who this once small band was. Taking residence in Ocala, Florida, 2003 brought life to this group through past and founding members Tom Denney and Bobby Scruggs, only to morph into what fans know today as Jeremy McKinnon (vocals), Neil Westfall (guitar), Joshua Woodard (bass), Alex Shelnutt (drums), and Kevin Skaff (guitar); A Day To Remember.

Awaking the scene with the release of their 2005 debut album, entitled And Their Name Was Treason, attention was grasped immediately and what came next was even better. Only having a taste of what A Day To Remember’s initial sound was, the quintet already had a budding fan base that would stand by their side for years of music to come. After being signed to a new label, the band went on to release their next record and tour constantly throughout the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, picking up even more wandering ears along the way.

Fastforwarding through the first couple years of their being, 2009 and 2010 brought the largest amount of commercial success to the band. A Day To Remember released some of their most popular music to date, being heard from 2009’s Homesick and 2010’s What Separates Me From You; two albums that every fan will know front to back. Premiering on television with MTV and being featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! are just some of the band’s most popular debuts, while also touring with other talents along the likes of Pierce The Veil, Bring Me The Horizon, and We Came As Romans.

Later on, A Day To Remember was involved in a dispute concerning contracts with Victory Records, only to come out of it with another undeniably incredible record; this time, self-released. That in mind, 2013’s Common Courtesy was said to be their best record yet, but what fans were not expecting was another insane album so soon. Bad Vibrations was self released to the public September 2, and already has listeners raving.

A Day To Remember kicks off their sixth album with the title track, “Bad Vibrations;” “Don’t forget that this is a choice, pick your poison, live with remorse.” Chanting, screaming, and singing, alongside intense and intricate instrumentation, this piece represents everything A Day To Remember is known for, not to mention their crazy skills. Followed by the first single to be released off of the album, “Paranoia” is fast-paced, intense, and just overall zealous. With lyrics “And no matter what you do about it, about it, about it, I’m still in your head,” perfectly summing up this track, listeners are sure to be completely hooked by the end of this piece.

Already an instant favorite, “Naivety” is exhilaratingly catchy and cleverly written; “This is me, honestly I’ve got no apologies. I’m done chasing things that don’t belong to me.” With lyrics to die for and instrumentation to strive for, A Day To Remember is clearly back and better than they have ever been before. Jumping to track five, “Bullfight” is another top contender for best song of Bad Vibrations. Although the entirety of the album is pristine, there are quite a few pieces that slightly outshine the rest; this one being highly energetic and thrilling all throughout.

Taking a slight shift, “Justified” is a track that starts out soft and calming, only to jump to an incredible intensity that most can relate to; “Burn me alive, if you feel that’s justified. I need more than faith to see you on the other side.” Highlighting poetic lyrics with killer instrumentation, this piece is everything including expansive. With just as much excitement as the tracks before, “We Got This” is a piece that will stick with any listener. Being completely memorable, this song will remind all fans why they listen to and love A Day To Remember; “You’re just like me when I was your age. Things do get better, trust me I’ve been there.”

Closing in on the end of Bad Vibrations, “Same About You” is harshly relatable, hitting home hard, all while having a sense of relief; “Think I lost my nerve like I lost you. Held trapped by what we were,” touching on a failed relationship that one is thankful to have gotten out of. Now completely different from all the rest, “Forgive and Forget” is an odd way to end an eccentric album, but definitely grabs hold of all who listen. Breathtaking and beautifully performed, this piece is comprised of raw energy and heartfelt lyrics. Utterly sublime and poignant, all listeners are sure to revisit this track with great respect and passion.

Forming Rock to fit themselves and what they stand for, A Day To Remember surely makes an impression on all those who give their attention to this vibrant band. Always exuberant and never dull, this dedicated group constantly surpasses all expectations that were once made. Currently out on the road with Blink-182 promoting their new music, it easy to say A Day To Remember has definitely made it. CrypticRock gives Bad Vibrations 4 out of 5 stars.

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