Album Review: Pop Psychology by Neon Trees

Neon Trees first came on to the music scene in 2008 with their mega-hit "Animal." Then the hits just kept pouring in. After that came "Everybody Talks" and "Lessons In Love." They are very slowly becoming very popular. The Quartet from Murrieta, CA (20 minutes from where I live) now has come out with another huge single "Sleeping With A Friend." That is off their 3rd studio album "Pop Psychology," which just released on April 22nd. They seem to keep a sound that you don't hear with any other band. They are almost a cross between The Killers and Katy Perry. I love the sound and if you like pop/rock music, I guarantee you will love this album.

The album starts out with the fun song "Love In The 21st Century." Like most of their songs, it is about a relationship. The song talks about how relationships these days have a lot of consequences. It hurts when you go through a break up and that is basically what the song is about. The second song on the album "Text Me In The Morning" is about any college party you will go to. You get drunk, meet someone and you can't remember any of it. (FYI, I have never done this.) That's why the song says "text me in the morning and tell me you still love me" because sadly, a lot of people have one night stands at these parties.

The third song is the album's lead single, "Sleeping With A Friend." I actually like this song because, although it is supposed to be a "sex song," it doesn't really get too sexual with the lyrics. It is basically a song about how you are and aren't in love with someone at the same time. The next song, "Teenager In Love," describes how every teenager's first relationship is, awkward. Once again another fun song and one of my faves.

I love "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)." The title basically describes what the song is about. Its about a relationship that your significant other's friends don't approve of but you still love each other despite judgements. "Unavoidable" is my favorite is my favorite on the album and if you know me, you will know why. I am a sucker for a good ballad and the guys (and girl) of NT are really good at writing them.

"Voices In the Halls" is another one of my favorites. Its a song about a break up. Everyone goes through a hard break up and you try to remember them in anyway possible. In this particular situation, they are trying to hear the lover's voice in the hallway. I feel like "Foolish Behavior" could be played at the end of a romantic movie. Its about a couple who start out strangers but then they fall in love.

"Living In Another World" almost has a punk-pop feel to it. The lead singer of NT, Tyler Glenn, recently came out of the closet and this is what this song is about. He always denied because he was afraid that "the world wasn't ready for an actual gay pop star instead of straight people being gay spokespeople" (Quote from Rolling Stone Interview with Tyler Glenn). The closing track on the album, "First Things First," (ironic name for a closing track, eh?) is about the band's journey. Every band starts out playing small coffee shops and only like 25% make it. They started out small and look at them now. One of the world's biggest bands.

Overall, the album is a good Wake-Me-Up album. You could probably even listen to is when you are at the gym or having a run. I suggest this for fans of pop or rock or even a little funk.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes (has a bonus track), Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "I Love You (But I Hate Your Friends)," "Living In Another World," "Unavoidable"

For Fans Of: The Killers, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson