Return to sender
May 10, 2017
The “Memories…Do Not Open” album by The Chainsmokers causes loyal fans to literally “not open” the album as the group strays away from its original electronic sound to mainstream pop music.
For ardent followers, issues with the album arise with almost every cut.
The track “Break Up Every Night,” along with the majority of the album, depicts a scene of teenage angst featuring uninspired lyrics and production. The phrase “break up every night” makes up a fourth of the song’s lyrics and calls to mind thoughts of limited inspiration.
The Chainsmokers duo of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart are currently a pop-centered pair, causing them to stray from their signature sound. This transformation is understandable, as the two musicians continue their success with the support of loyal radio stations, leading them to the top of multiple charts and even a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
However, this drastic change in sound and identity feels more like a craving for fame rather than a career move for many longtime fans of the group.
Prior to its release of hit single “Closer,” the Chainsmokers focused on hard-hitting dance tracks like “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Split.” While these tracks feature high beats per minute and intense songs, the band’s music now mimics monotone radio music, repeating the same words and harmony for what feels like forever.
Off the album, only the track “It Won’t Kill Ya” seems to resemble the old Chainsmokers’ character, but the album as a whole falls under the category of repetitive lyrics, in addition to having an unimpressive and uninspiring message.
The album features little variation among tracks, and while all the songs blend together uniformly, there is no uniqueness that sets them apart from other festival musicians like Porter Robinson. Fans expect more from The Chainsmokers as its new work lacks in length and depth, causing the album to appear rushed.
The verdict: Pop-driven group The Chainsmokers stray from original sound once again while having no songs stand out. Heed the advice of the title and do not open it.