Music’s beauty lies in its diverse interpretations. A shared love for a band can unite fans, yet individual preferences for songs and albums remain wonderfully unique. This connection, built on the same foundation but expressed differently, is what makes fandom so special.
My journey with 5 Seconds of Summer began in 2013 during One Direction’s Take Me Home tour. Despite the iconic Harry Styles’ wink (a near-spiritual moment, I admit!), it was the opening act – four charmingly dorky Australians – who truly captured my attention. From that moment, 5SOS’s music became a significant part of my soundtrack.
Each 5 Seconds of Summer release holds a special place for me, resonating for different reasons and at different times. However, the songs from those early shows carry the strongest emotional weight. They were my gateway, paving the way for me to appreciate the band’s evolving sound and increasingly impressive discography. Tracks like “Youngblood,” a standout single from their album of the same name, and the live rendition of “Lost Boy” remain highlights. And let’s not forget their unforgettable covers of “Teenage Dream” back in 2014!
Choosing a definitive top 10 from 5 Seconds of Summer’s catalog is a delightful challenge. It’s a testament to their consistent quality and diverse sound. So, with a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for their musical journey, here are my top 10 essential 5 Seconds Of Summer Songs:
10. End Up Here (5 Seconds of Summer, 2014)
Sometimes, all you need is a powerful pop-punk anthem to inject pure energy into your day. “End Up Here” delivers exactly that. While Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” provides classic catharsis, there’s something equally exhilarating about these Australian musicians singing about loving “the song about living on a prayer.” It taps into the pure, unadulterated joy of fandom. In a world that often demands profound meaning from music, “End Up Here” reminds us of the simple bliss of a feel-good track. It’s the quintessential summer road trip song, the perfect soundtrack to carefree adventures and letting loose.
9. Beside You (Somewhere New EP, 2012)
To truly appreciate “Beside You,” seek out a live acoustic performance. Stripped of studio polish, the raw harmonies of 5SOS shine, highlighting a rare quality: every member is a genuinely talented vocalist, not just in a typical boyband sense, but as individual singers contributing to a rich ensemble sound. Originally featured on the Somewhere New EP and later on their self-titled debut album, “Beside You” retains its emotional punch. The lyric “My heart wants to come home…” still evokes a pang of longing and vulnerability, showcasing their early talent for heartfelt songwriting even in their formative years.
8. Long Way Home (5 Seconds of Summer, 2014)
“Long Way Home” possesses that quintessential end-credits vibe of a classic teen movie. It perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of summer’s end, the last hurrah before life changes and paths diverge. It’s nostalgic without being overly sentimental. The prominent acoustic guitar adds a layer of wistful reflection, yet the overall feel remains upbeat and optimistic. This track is ready-made for those movie moments where the credits roll, and you’re left with a warm glow of memories and anticipation for what’s next.
7. She Looks So Perfect (5 Seconds of Summer, 2014)
Were you truly a 5SOS fan in 2014 if you didn’t have a family member inquire about “that band singing about American Apparel underwear?” “She Looks So Perfect” was the catalyst for 5 Seconds of Summer’s meteoric rise. It propelled them from internet buzz to mainstream dominance, landing them on Top 40 radio and a remarkable 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyond chart success, it played a pivotal role in bringing pop-punk back into the mainstream conversation, creating a platform for 5SOS and other bands to reach a wider audience. This song isn’t just a snapshot of a specific moment in time; it’s also undeniably catchy, boasting one of the 21st century rock’s most memorable choruses.
5 Seconds of Summer posing on a red carpet, Luke Hemmings in the center
6. Outer Space/Carry On (Sounds Good Feels Good, 2015)
Words struggle to fully capture the depth of “Outer Space/Carry On.” This two-part song is a masterpiece in itself, concluding 5SOS’s sophomore album on a note of complex hope. “Outer Space” is achingly beautiful, portraying a relationship strained by earthly struggles, finding solace only in a fantastical escape. For a fleeting moment in the bridge, you’re led to believe their love might endure in this self-created haven, untouched by external pressures. But then, the final lines hit with emotional force: “Love me like you did, I’ll give you anything.” The heartbreak is palpable.
Then, “Carry On” emerges, offering a sense of resolution and optimism. It reflects on the passage of time and the promise of brighter days. In retrospect, it feels almost prophetic, foreshadowing their journey towards creative freedom and renewed energy after years of relentless touring and public life, paving the way for their evolving sound.
5. Disconnected (She Looks So Perfect EP, 2014)
An early fan favorite, “Disconnected” speaks to the simple power of human connection, free from the distractions of technology. However, it avoids being preachy or dismissive of social media’s genuine appeal. Co-written with Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low, the song’s familiar pop-punk sensibilities resonated instantly with fans of the genre. It’s a nod to the lineage of pop-punk, a passing of the torch from one generation to the next, as bands mature and inspire new artists and fans alike.
4. Girls Talk Boys (Ghostbusters official soundtrack, 2016)
The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot may have divided opinions, but “Girls Talk Boys” received near-universal praise. This track marked a turning point in 5SOS’s sound, subtly shifting away from their pop-punk roots towards a more polished, pop-oriented direction that would fully blossom in 2018. While stylistically different from their earlier work, the same raw energy remains. It’s a testament to their organic growth, not a forced reinvention. Whether you prefer their early, rambunctious sound or their newer, streamlined pop, “Girls Talk Boys” is a crucial transitional track, bridging eras and opening doors for the next chapter of 5SOS.
5 Seconds of Summer in a promotional shot for "Want You Back"
3. Try Hard (5 Seconds of Summer, 2014)
I will always champion “Try Hard” and advocate for its return to 5SOS’s live setlists, even though it hasn’t been played in years. This song is a hidden gem, offering an updated, male perspective on the “Sk8er Boi” narrative popularized by Avril Lavigne 16 years prior. It’s a story of contrasting worlds colliding and unexpected connections forming. When Luke sings about the girl in the front row, it evokes a nostalgic yearning for those early fan experiences, reminiscent of believing a Jonas Brother might spot you in the crowd and whisk you away to a fairytale romance serenaded by “Hello Beautiful.”
2. Youngblood (Youngblood, 2018)
“Want You Back” hinted at a new sonic direction, but “Youngblood” fully launched 5SOS into a fresh era. Less tethered to pop-punk conventions, they embraced a more genre-fluid approach, following their musical instincts wherever they led. In today’s streaming landscape, genre boundaries are increasingly blurred, creating space for exciting musical fusions. “Youngblood” exemplifies this evolution – a swaggering, groove-heavy pop song with subtle EDM influences. It’s what happens when artists break free from self-imposed limitations and explore the vast possibilities beyond.
1. Jet Black Heart (Sounds Good Feels Good, 2015)
This might sound dramatic, but I would genuinely defend “Jet Black Heart” with my life. It’s a masterclass in emo-pop power ballads, tailor-made for anyone who still holds a torch for the angst-ridden anthems of the Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge era. Michael takes center stage on lead vocals, injecting the track with the perfect blend of stormy intensity and romantic vulnerability. If you’re seeking a song to introduce a skeptical listener to the depth and range of 5 Seconds of Summer, “Jet Black Heart” is the ultimate gateway. It has the power to penetrate any preconceived notions and reveal the passionate core beneath.
