Ranking Every Song on The Jonas Brothers' Latest Album "The Album" - image source Billboard
After a lengthy four-year wait for new music from the Jonas Brothers, their loyal fans can finally rejoice as the band releases their sixth studio album, “The Album,” on Friday, May 12th. Although this wait may seem long, it pales in comparison to the ten-year gap between their 2009 album, “Lines, Vines and Trying Times,” and their 2019 comeback album, “Happiness Begins.”
“The Album” consists of 12 brand new tracks that are sure to be the soundtrack to summer. The Jonas Brothers draw inspiration from soul and pop legends like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and the Bee Gees, infusing their music with bright synths and an infectious sense of joy. The trio’s lyrics are filled with love for their significant others, their children, and their carefree lifestyle, making this album the perfect summer anthem.
The Jonas Brothers have been building anticipation for the album for months, testing out many of the songs during their coast-to-coast residencies and a sold-out run at Yankee Stadium. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the band has persevered and is now ready to hit the road on a North American tour in August, playing music from all five of their internationally-released albums. Fans can expect an unforgettable live experience, as the Jonas Brothers bring their infectious energy and undeniable talent to the stage.
In a recent statement, Nick Jonas expressed his hope that fans will feel like they are a part of the band’s journey through this new era. He acknowledges that the Jonas Brothers have been fortunate enough to be a part of their fans’ journey, and he hopes that their authenticity and commitment to their craft will continue to resonate with listeners.
Joe Jonas chimes in, encouraging new listeners of The Album to give it a chance and listen to it from start to finish, without skipping any songs. He wants everyone to experience the full range of emotions and musical styles that the album has to offer.
In the following ranking of the 12 songs on The Album, fans can see the fruits of the Jonas Brothers’ hard work and dedication to their craft. Each song has been crafted with care, and the album as a whole is a testament to their passion for music and their desire to connect with their fans on a deep level. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time listener, there’s something for everyone on The Album. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey with the Jonas Brothers.
12. Summer in The Hamptons
It’s no secret that the Jonas Brothers are known for their musical talents rather than their lyrical prowess. However, their latest song, “Sex like summer in the Hamptons,” has been criticized for its lazy and unimaginative use of metaphors. The line, in particular, has been subject to scrutiny as the trio repeats it multiple times throughout the song without developing the metaphor any further.
Unfortunately, the lyrical shortcomings do not stop there. The line, “I’m deep inside your sand/ A different kind of warmness,” has been described as cringe-worthy, lacking the sophistication and creativity that the Jonas Brothers are capable of producing.
While the melody and instrumental aspects of the song may be enjoyable, it’s disappointing to see the Jonas Brothers rely on cliché and unoriginal lyrics. As artists who have consistently evolved and grown throughout their career, it’s understandable that fans expect more from them. Despite this misstep, we can only hope that they continue to push themselves creatively and deliver the quality content that they are capable of producing.
11. Celebrate
Although “Celebrate!” is a catchy and fun song, some listeners have found it lacking in substance. The song’s cheerful tone is not specific enough, leaving it feeling somewhat empty and forced at times. While it may be suitable for certain occasions, its lack of depth and overly generic lyrics may make it less appealing to some listeners.
It’s disappointing to see the Jonas Brothers fall short on this track, especially considering their reputation for delivering high-quality music. Despite this misstep, it’s important to acknowledge that not every song will resonate with every listener. It’s possible that “Celebrate!” may still find a place in the hearts of some fans, even if it doesn’t quite hit the mark for others.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual listener to determine whether “Celebrate!” is a worthwhile addition to their music library. While the song may not be perfect, it still has its merits and may be enjoyed for its upbeat and lighthearted energy.
10. Americana
As expected, “Americana” by the Jonas Brothers delivers a straightforward take on the genre. The band leans heavily on word association, referencing blue jeans and Bruce Springsteen among other classic American symbols. While the lyrics lack depth, the overall effect of the song is still pleasing to the ear.
That being said, the third verse of “Americana” stands out as a high point, featuring a meaningful message delivered through a call-and-response style between Joe and Nick. The verse emphasizes the importance of unity and the idea that we are all interconnected, with lyrics such as “My brother is your brother and my sister is your sister/ It’s all part of a bigger picture.” The verse concludes with a call to action to spread love and compassion, with the poignant line “Arms lift up, love’s hard so love harder/ My love is your love.”
While “Americana” may not be the most groundbreaking song in the Jonas Brothers’ catalog, it still manages to deliver a catchy and enjoyable listening experience. The song’s third verse in particular showcases the band’s ability to incorporate meaningful messages into their music, even within a relatively simple structure. Overall, “Americana” is a solid addition to the Jonas Brothers’ body of work.
9. Vacation Eyes
Compared to the lackluster “Summer in the Hamptons,” the summer-themed track “Vacation Eyes” on this album is a standout with its smooth and jazz-infused instrumentation, and impeccable vocal harmonies.
The Jonas Brothers’ use of jazz elements in “Vacation Eyes” adds an extra layer of sophistication to the song’s overall sound, setting it apart from the more generic summer pop anthems on the album. The band’s tight vocal harmonies and infectious energy enhance the song’s overall feel-good vibe, making it a perfect addition to any summer playlist.
8. Miracle
While “Miracle” may not be the strongest track on The Album, it serves as an excellent opening number, setting the tone for the rest of the project. As the first track on the listing, it does a great job of introducing listeners to the energetic and vibrant sound that permeates the entire album.
The electronic pop embellishments and catchy hooks that define “Miracle” are a clear indication of what’s to come on the rest of the album. As a result, it serves as a great preview of the summer-themed tracks that will follow, getting fans excited for what’s to come.
While it may not be the standout track on the album, “Miracle” is an essential part of the overall listening experience. Its upbeat sound and infectious energy make it the perfect starting point for fans looking to immerse themselves in the Jonas Brothers’ latest musical offering.
7. Waffle House
The idea of Nick and Joe Jonas, along with their celebrity wives Priyanka Chopra and Sophie Turner, dining at a Waffle House in real life seems highly improbable. However, the concept does make for an entertaining song.
6. Walls” (feat. Jon Bellion)
“Walls” features a perfect blend of classic and experimental rock vibes with some of the most compelling lyrics on the album. Lines such as “Time is a doorframe I want to go through / As long as it leads me back to you” showcase the songwriting skills of the Jonas Brothers. However, the instrumental parts of the song seem to dominate, leaving listeners wanting more of the vocals and lyrics. If only the balance between the instrumental and non-instrumental parts of “Walls” were more even, it could have easily claimed the top spot on the album.
5. Sail Away
“Sail Away” is a radio-ready track that’s elevated by its clever interweaving melodies. While the lyrics may not be particularly memorable, aside from the titular phrase “sail away,” it’s still a feel-good song that listeners are sure to enjoy and crank up when it comes on the radio. The song’s strength lies in its catchy composition, which makes it a standout track on the album.
4. Little Bird
Kevin has been embracing fatherhood since 2014, but both Joe and Nick became fathers of daughters since the release of their last album. “Little Bird” may rely on daddy-daughter clichés, such as little hands wrapped around fingers and envisioning the future wedding of a baby girl, but these clichés are there for a reason: they are absolutely heartwarming.
On the musical side, “Little Bird” provides a refreshing change from the album’s heavy electro-pop direction. The band members take turns singing personal lyrics that blend beautifully with acoustic guitar, with fans heard cheering them on in the background. It’s possible that the cheering was recorded live, perhaps from their Broadway mini-residency, or it was made to sound that way by incorporating samples of their well-deserved applause.
3. Montana Sky
The Jonas Brothers showcase their signature style in this track, with catchy melodies and well-crafted lyrics that build up to a memorable chorus. The smooth harmonies and tasteful use of Auto-Tune add to the overall polished sound of the song. Compared to “Americana,” “Montana Sky” effortlessly achieves the grounded vibe that the former falls short of.
2. Summer Baby
“Summer Baby” manages to capture that elusive quality required for a genuine summer hit, something that the other tracks on the album, “Summer in the Hamptons” and “Vacation Eyes,” missed. It’s cheerful, infectious, and playful, and could effortlessly serve as the soundtrack for countless summer-themed TikTok videos. Of all the songs on The Album, “Summer Baby” has the potential to approach the colossal triumph of the Jonas Brothers’ Hot 100-topping hit, “Sucker.”
1. Wings
“Wings” was released almost three months before The Album and is undeniably a standout single. It has a perfect blend of relaxed and infectious dance beats, complemented by a retro-inspired sound featuring a funky slap bass that transitions into a delightful half-tempo section. It’s an all-around great song and arguably one of the best in the Jonas Brothers’ career.
