Happy Sunday, everyone! Today we are going to spotlight the pop-punk and metalcore band, A Day to Remember…and more specifically, deep-dive into their gem of a new album, Big Ole Album Vol. 1, which dropped February 18th, 2025.
Highights of Big Ole Album, Vol. 1
What can I say, I LOVE this album. As of March 8th, it hit Billboard’s Top 10 Album Sales Chart. From the cool power riffs to the vivid imagery in its lyrics to its overarching themes of healing from toxic relationships and strengthening the bonds with those that matter to us most, what an exciting and overall uplifting record to listen to!
Here are some thoughts about my favorite songs on the album:
“Make it Make Sense”
WHAT AN OPENER. That riff in the first verse of the song is so powerful! The song is an encouraging reminder to stop putting up with those people who pretend to love us yet, as the lyrics say, “rain on our parade” and are too prideful when we ourselves may take the high road. The heaviness of the song hits just right and the chorus is a BANGER!
“Flowers”
This one is a fun and easy listener, and is a meaningful track about how putting in that extra effort to “pick up the phone and say I love you” can be enough to “throw someone a lifeline” to save the relationship before “the good ole days are dust in the wind.” What a heartwarming song with beautiful imagery about sending flowers to the doorstep of your loved one just to show you care!
“Same Team”
This track has some of the most brilliant lyrics on the album;
You always take take, take what you want from me. We ain’t on the same team, same team. Accountability is not convenient. You made your choice, face the consequences. Where’s your L-O-Y-A-L-T-Y? Loyalty!
What an excellent anthem about empowering yourself to stand up against users and grifters.
“Miracle”
My favorite single from the album, this one’s got the classic ADTR sound and is one of the most popular songs on the record so far. It’s got something for everyone to enjoy and is an energetic track encouraging people to take a leap of faith.
“Die for Me”
Featuring writing from Bring Me The Horizon’s Oli Sykes, this track is for anyone dealing with the breakup of a friend who was once their former ride-or-die…I’ve been there. It’s a great song with a beautiful melody in the chorus. I could play this one over and over!
“All My Friends”
I’m not kidding, I’ve played this track on repeat SO many times since this album’s release I’m embarrassed to talk about it. It’s another absolute feel good pop-punk banger about making memories during those nights out with your closest friends! This song is perfect for those evenings when you want to race down the highway with the windows down and the stereo all the way up!
“Closer Than You Think”
Here is another empowering track about the classic pop-punk and emo theme of trying to make it through life when “your world’s just spinning’ like a timebomb tickin’ away,” reminding us “there’s a light up ahead, a little closer than (we) think.”
Honestly, this song could not be more relevant right now…it breaks my heart to see so many people losing their jobs who would do anything to support their families during this difficult period of widespread layoffs. As an HR professional, here is a list of tips I find helpful to make you stand out in this highly competitive job market right now. Play “Closer Than You Think”if you need a little encouragement right now and always feel free to reach out to me if you need a friend or help with your job search! A true pop-punker at heart, I always have your back!
The Verdict
I give this album a solid 8/10. It delivers on ADTR’s signature style of bridging metal and pop-punk in a catchy way, while also using beautiful, vivid metaphors in its lyrics to provide commentary on relationships, whether broken, healthy, or in repair. There’s a track on this album for whatever kind of mood you’re in and you could play it several times over without feeling fatigued of it. This record will leave you appreciating those In our lives that lift us up while also giving us the nudge we need to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, as any true pop-punk album does. What are your thoughts on the album? Leave a comment and let’s talk about it!
Till next time!
XOXO,
Meagan