The sophomore album from
Why Don't We
, 2021's
The Good Times and the Bad Ones
, finds the pop outfit updating their hooky boy band sound with some '90s alternative rock and electronic influences. Once again, the record showcases the talents of singers
Jack Avery
,
Corbyn Besson
Zach Herron
Jonah Marais
, and
Daniel Seavey
. In particular,
Seavey
grabs the spotlight producing the album with
Jaycen Joshua
(
Gucci Mane
Wiz Khalifa
Pop Smoke
), as well as writing and/or co-writing many of the songs. The lead-off single "Fallin' (Adrenaline) is an infectious jam that builds upon the group's love of EDM and R&B. Another standout is "Slow Down," a laid-back anthem built around the main guitar hook from
Smashing Pumpkins
' 1996 classic "1979." The song builds upon the original track's wistful summer vibes and features its own chorus hook. In some ways, it brings to mind
Janet Jackson
's 2001 single "Someone to Call My Lover," which deftly repurposed
America
's 1972 hit "Ventura Highway." More sun-dappled, dance-oriented sounds follow as on "Lotus Inn," "Love Song," and "I'll Be Okay." We also get several romantic slow jams, including the atmospherically woody "For You" and the falsetto-steeped "Stay."
speaks to
's deepening pop maturity. ~ Matt Collar