Getting In Real Time with The Maine
Written by Mickayla Whitt
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
Following the success of their previous album, You are OK, and creating Sad Summer Festival, The Maine are back and better than ever with the release of their eighth studio album, XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time.
With upbeat singles such as “Sticky” and “Lips,” this album opens by capturing the band's energy. The first two tracks simply make you want to dance, and the bouncy beats and groovy guitars are perfect for a carefree summer day.
The track “Love In Real Time” slows down the pace, allowing for a short break in the album. This track gives fans time to reflect on the range of The Maine. With loving lyrics and a softer beat, the track reminds us to slow down and take things as they come to us.
“High Forever” is gritty and raw, and with its thumping bass and punchy guitar, the track feels powerful. The track mixes The Maine’s old sound with a newer pop influence.
“April 7th” follows, a romantic ballad full of lead singer John O’Callaghan’s soft voice and groovy synths. It’s the type of song you’d sing your heart out to at 2 am in your bedroom.
“If Your Light Goes Out” lyrically reflects on anxiety but adds a glimmer with lines like “I know after all this time, I’m gonna make it” and “If your light goes out for a little while/And if you cannot carry the world/You can rest it on me now.” A bit more slowed down, this song is sure to bring out the emotions.
In “Pretender,” The Maine reflects on being someone you’re not while still bringing the upbeat sound that you’d clutch on to your friend when hearing it live.
Possibly one of the most daring and punchy tracks, “Dirty, Pretty, Beautiful” takes some alt-pop influence with an edge. The track seems to be gaining momentum as a fan favorite, possibly due to its versatility and genre influence.
Doubling from “Love In Real Time,” the track “Anxiety In Real Time” is a bit more lowkey than some of the previous tracks, lyrically reflecting on the difficulties of love and the anxieties that may come with it. With a little bit of punch from the drums to keep up the edge, the track is sure to get stuck in your head.
The Maine are known for having incredible final tracks, and “Face Towards The Sun” is no exception. Full of lyrics dealing with acceptance and beginning to look forward to better days like “Everything is exactly how it should be,” this track mixes emotion and vulnerability with powerful reminders and upbeat instrumentals to blast in the summer.
XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time is vulnerable, powerful, and a bit of an emotional experience. In just slightly over half an hour, The Maine gives listeners time to reflect while still delivering the carefree summer tunes we all needed this year.