The Neighbourhood — Wiped Out! Album Review
“Sweater Weather” catapulted The Neighbourhood to success in 2013 as the song quickly dominated radio waves and Instagram captions. They followed up with a mediocre debut, but are back two years later with Wiped Out! which surpasses their first album in every way imaginable. While they unsuccessfully tried too hard on 2013’s I Love You., reusing the same samples and rhythms paired with cringe-worthy lyrics (anyone remember “Wha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-at do you want from me?”), their new songs are surprisingly more experimental and do not follow the path that every moody indie artist feels they need to take. “Wiped Out!” and “Baby Came Home 2 / Valentines” both surpass the 6-minute mark, and the acoustic “Single” takes a sharp turn into electronic territory towards the end of the song.
Don’t be fooled by all the experimenting, however; The Neighbourhood has not lost their knack for making catchy pop songs. “Prey” and “Cry Baby” are just as polished as “Sweater Weather,” and despite the seeming contrast between songs like “Prey” and “Baby Came Home,” Wiped Out! actually makes for a pretty cohesive record. But like most albums, it is not without its flaws; the last two minutes of “Baby Came Home” are just sounds, and songs like “Daddy Issues” and “Ferrari” simply do not stand out from the pack.
Centered around the theme of growing up, Wiped Out! is, in all aspects, an album of evolution. The Neighbourhood left their rocky debut behind and honed in on an atmospheric, moody style which effectively blends experimental rock with radio-friendly pop. Lead single and album closer “R.I.P 2 My Youth” is perhaps the best song on the album because it encompasses all of the band’s positive traits; the song blends pop, hip-hop, and experimental sampling while conquering themes of getting older and leaving youth behind. The song’s finale closes Wiped Out! with an important message- that The Neighbourhood is growing up.
Grade: A-
Best Songs: Prey, Wiped Out!, R.I.P. 2 My Youth
