Calum Hood Delivers Hard-Hitting Debut Album "ORDER chaos ORDER"
Written by Mary Perez
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
After nearly fifteen years in the spotlight as part of pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, Calum Hood is stepping out on his own with the release of his debut album, ORDER chaos ORDER. The 5 Seconds of Summer bassist is the last of his band to unveil a solo project, and the long-awaited release was accompanied by a string of appearances, including a series of album signings in Paris and the UK, as well as performances in Sydney and Los Angeles. Fans may recognize Hood’s voice from standout performances in 5 Seconds of Summer songs like “Babylon” and “Wildflower,” but this album gives the Sydney-born star a chance to truly shine as an individual artist, citing Phoenix, Elliott Smith, and M83 as some key influences.
A daunting endeavor, Hood worked alongside Jackson Phillips, best known as Day Wave, as his primary collaborator in developing the record. Along with Phillips, key contributors include David Burris (Mothica, Lauren Spencer Smith), TMS (Kylie Minogue, Lewis Capaldi), and Jack LaFrantz (Benson Boone, Bishop Briggs). Hood finally unveiled the album’s artwork and title on April 10, sharing the following message: “Diving into this project has been a liberating, healing, painful, enlightening experience. It’s been a journey into parts of myself I didn’t even know I hadn’t explored until they became this music, and I’m excited to open up this part of me to you. Welcome to my world, I hope you stay a little while. There’s a lot more to come these next months.”
In an interview with Clash Magazine, he admitted that this album is the most genuine version of him as an artist, “I feel like this is probably the most untainted version of myself — taking both the bad and the good, and celebrating them. It feels good to have equal respect for the role that they play in my life.” Hood acknowledged that he did not intend to make a solo album, but the early stages of its formation began during the pandemic. Although many of his earlier songs didn’t make their way onto the album, “All My Affection” had been in the works since 2022, whereas many of the final songs were created in the last two years or so.
Within the past five years, 5 Seconds of Summer have released two albums (CALM and 5SOS5), while Hood’s bandmates have released several projects of their own, including an album and EP from frontman Luke Hemmings and two albums from drummer Ashton Irwin. However, the band’s bonds are stronger than ever, as the bassist shared with MILKY that he received advice from his longtime friends about his concerns in releasing solo music, “I definitely had questions for the other boys kind of around that subject… I’m always kind of writing all the time, and there's plenty of songs that will forever stay in my phone; that will never be released. I think the hardest part, or learning curve, was actually committing to it and releasing them.”
The first introduction of his debut album, Hood opens with his debut single, “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” established by heavy synths and pleading lyrics to a former lover. His signature low vocals shine through the singer’s defeated reflections, admitting, “And I know that it's hard to see/Every version of me/But it's not the same as everything you ever thought/I ever could but never would be.” Additionally, the single was accompanied by a music video, which was directed by Andy DeLuca and produced by Sarah Eiseman. Moody and chaotic, it perfectly encapsulates the album’s vibes.
“Call Me When You Know Better” follows, a poppier track that studies a spiraling mindset as Hood explores his shortfalls in various relationships. He notes, “‘Call Me When You Know Better’ is a love letter in the form of an apology. For maybe not being the best lover or friend to the people who mean the most to me. Thoughts contradicting one another, talking over each other and stretching reality. It’s a reflection on mistakes made, perpetual regret and self pity.” The perfect tune for an evening drive with the windows down, its danceable melody is juxtaposed by the brutally honest chorus, as Hood sings, “I never should've hurt you/I talk a lot to drown my tears…Why don't you call me when you know better?”
“Sweetdreams” explores self-growth amidst people struggling with addictions, as he reflects, ‘It's like when you hold me/I found a home where I am whole again.’ Some of the rawest emotions come courtesy of “I Wanted To Stay,” the musician’s tribute to his late dog, Duke. His longtime companion, Hood confesses that he feels distant but is compelled to stay, despite the heartache and sadness he feels. It’s hauntingly beautiful, as his echoes fade out, “I love my baby, but I'm fadin' away (I want you to stay)/I wanted to stay, I wanted to stay.” Upcoming single “Sunsetter” tackles acceptance, first of another person and then of oneself. A more laidback feel than the rest of the singles, the guitar wails in the chorus as Hood poses various questions regarding the relationship. I love the dreaminess of this track, and I think it adds some complexity to the album’s sonic influences.
The second half of the album features a more stripped-back feel, as “All My Affection” finds Hood with an acoustic guitar for most of the song, singing in nearly hushed tones. Hood’s vocal abilities shine on this track, as he sings about surrendering his love to another. “Endless Ways” is an upbeat look at his interpersonal relationships and the positive influences they can have on one’s life, “Sometimes it takes somebody else to get to know yourself…Sometimes it takes somebody endless ways to know yourself.” He drives home the point with the outro, explaining, “Where you find yourself in someone/You were there all along.” Following that, it’s fitting that “Streetwise” draws inspiration from the documentary of the same name because it feels rather cinematic, like a song you’d hear behind a montage in a film. “Dark Circles” follows an alternate reality where the band was never formed, exploring the impact it would have on the childhood friends.
Prior to the album announcement, many fans speculated that Hood was using his free time to explore new interests, including tarot. Memes calling the singer “unemployed” circulated around the internet before getting quashed by a playful marketing campaign online, as he created a LinkedIn profile and announced his “reemployment” at EMI Music Australia. Among his several roles listed on the profile was Content Creator with “TikTok Tarot Card Reader” in the description. His newfound love of tarot was highlighted with the album’s release, as the album merchandise rollout included a Tarot Card pack with several cards inspired by his solo songs. Determining an ending note for an album can be difficult, but Hood absolutely nails it with “Three of Swords.” Featuring a spoken word component and achingly tenderness in his tone, he reflects on life experiences with poetic contemplation, prying open his past with cutting truthfulness.
As a 5 Seconds of Summer fan for over a decade, I always look forward to the band’s individual endeavors, and Calum’s debut exceeded my expectations. One constant throughout the album is Hood’s phenomenal basslines, guiding listeners through the star’s highs and lows. Through late-night ruminations and a willingness to accept whatever comes his way, his brilliant songwriting abilities come to life in the ten tracks, specifically in “Three of Swords” and “Endless Ways.” Within the chaos of love and loss, he finds the order in his music, driven by his sheer passion for storytelling. Now nearing 30, he is far from the young songwriter who emerged from the suburbs of Sydney, posting covers alongside his friends on YouTube. The record showcases Hood in an intimate light, as he pens about his life experiences with the earnestness and wisdom he has gained over the years. With rich vocals and lush melodies, Hood presents a stellar debut album, enriched by his introspective lyricism and raw honesty.