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Wednesday, Dec. 18
The Indiana Daily Student

arts music

COLUMN: Boy band Why Don’t We’s new single is heartbreaking, catchy

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American boy band Why Don’t We released its latest single, “Love Back,” on Oct. 6. Following the earlier release of its EP “The Bad Ones” in April, its playful teasers from August for this new single kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Since the band’s debut in 2016, Why Don’t We brings a refreshing take on pop music, with upbeat melodies and catchy lyrics that reflect the ups and downs of young love. The band belts out its heightened emotion during the aftermath of heartbreak but with a tune that makes you want to dance.

The band takes the listener on a journey through the downsides of falling out of love, starting the song with joyful descriptions of being in love, comparing its loved one to an angel. However, the remembrance turns bittersweet as the lyrics become regretful, and the beat heightens along with its feelings of moving on.

The chorus is about begging for its love to return so it can love someone else. It is interesting to note the singer refers to his past loved one with terms of endearment like “baby” and “honey” despite his desire to move on.

Though the lyrics do not explicitly mention a toxic romantic relationship, the band expresses its feelings of emptiness and abandonment. Even after months of ending this apparent love affair, the main character in the song is still hung up on what he used to treasure but is determined to find love again.

Contrary to the deep, grieving meaning behind the lyrics, the overall melody is lively, even hitting a crescendo during the chorus with the band echoing “Love Back” as the bass drops. This sonic energy seems to reveal the band’s hope in a bright future filled with new admiration for their youthful days ahead.

“Love Back” is definitely one to add to everyone’s break-up playlist, reminding us to look past the heartbreak.

Although there are no updates regarding the release of an album, Why Don’t We certainly has the skillset to create a youthful, energetic atmosphere through its music. If “Love Back” is any proof, we can hope to expect an upcoming album that will have us both sobbing and dancing.

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