Music Review: The All-American Rejects – Kids in the Street

Four years after the release of When the World Comes Down, The All-American Rejects have returned with their fourth studio album, Kids in the Street.

Produced by Greg Wells (Adele, Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic), this new record takes the band’s energetic rock ‘n’ roll sound to new heights. The addition of synth-laden melodies makes for what lead singer Tyson Ritter described to American Songwriter as “Rock ‘n’ roll that makes you smile.”

From “Swing, Swing” to “Move Along” to the wildly successful “Gives You Hell,” the Rejects have always made a point to make sure their sound is always moving forward.

“We’ve never tried to redo anything that’s given us success in the past,” lead guitarist Nick Wheeler told the Daily O’Collegian. “On the other hand, we just do whatever we feel and kind of push ourselves to keep us interested and excited about the music.”

Kids in the Street was definitely worth the wait. From the initial buildup at the beginning of the opening track, “Someday’s Gone,” it’s apparent that the band is letting their fans know that they are back and ready to prove their staying power.

Being branded as the Rejects’ most personal album to date, the lead single, “Beekeeper’s Daughter,” draws on Ritter’s past social experiences while living in L.A.

“It’s a harsh reality to learn that not everybody is here to be your friend,” he recently explained to the Examiner.

The band’s musical versatility shines through on Kids in the Street as they are able to go from the deeply personal and ballad-esque “Heartbeat Slowing Down,” to the rip-roaring  guitar on the straight up rock ‘n’ roll “Walk Over Me,” to pulling on relatable heartstrings on the well-crafted title track. The Rejects show credible growth on their new record, as well a desire to keep rock ‘n’ roll fun yet honest at the same time.

Between Ritter’s ability to be lyrically vulnerable and the band’s conscious decision to be open to new musical ideas, The All-American Rejects produced one of the best rock records of 2012.

The latest record from The All-American Rejects, Kids in the Street, is available now. For more information on the band, check out their official website.