“Music is poetry with personality.” –Ross Lynch
It’s no secret that mainstream music has become monotonous. In a world filled with boy bands and pop princesses, it becomes difficult to ignore the evidence. Instead of demanding originality, we continue to feed this clichéd frenzy with every music purchase or download. All the while, we place our bets on how long the newest boy band will stay together and when the next pop princess’s glory days will fade. Don’t get me wrong. I love a good One Direction jam session just as much as the next girl, but sometimes I find myself craving something different.
On the days when mainstream just doesn’t satisfy, I turn to a band whom I know will provide me with the diversity I desperately desire. This band is different in its own right. They defy the odds, break musical barriers, and speak to my soul in a whole new way. This band is the completely underrated yet oh so amazing R5.
For those who haven’t heard of them, R5 is a pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band members include the Lynch siblings — Riker, Rydel, Rocky, and Ross Lynch — and their best friend Ellington Ratliff. Many will remember Riker from Glee or from his second place performance on season 20 of Dancing with the Stars. Some might also recognize Ross from his lead roles in Disney’s TV series Austin and Ally and Disney’s original movies Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach Movie 2. Together, these talented individuals encompass the unique sound and energetic persona that is R5.
The band’s second album, Sometime Last Night, perfectly exemplifies their unique style when it comes to music. Over the past few years, R5 has become more and more mature in their sound. While previous albums stuck to the overall theme of carefree, cheerful songs, Sometime Last Night digs deep into the soul and tugs at the emotional heartstrings. The album still possesses the electric beats of the past; however, the lyrics have become more honest, relatable, and utterly thought-provoking. Every song is intentionally different in sound and theme. This creates a roller coaster of emotions that ranges from cruising with the top down to contemplating the uncertainties of life.
The differentiation amongst the songs allows fans to connect with the band in a whole new way. Through this connection we discover who the band members are as people and who they want to be as songwriters. The family aspect of the band also creates a unique flare that many are drawn to. The unbreakable bond they possess allows the audience to see the importance of family values — like love, selflessness, and humility. These attributes expose the raw framework and vulnerabilities of the band, which ultimately causes the fans to love them even more. Actions speak louder than words, and the members of R5 are never hesitant to show their true colors. In every interview and at every concert, fans will find 5 young adults with endless energy, humble hearts, and undying passion. They live every moment to the fullest, which is exactly the way it should be.
Over the summer, I attended an R5 concert on their Sometime Last Night Tour. The concert was everything I had hoped for and so much more. As I examined my surroundings and the general atmosphere, I began to notice the age range of the crowd, which appeared to be anywhere from 6 to 16 with parents scattered here and there. This came as a shock to me since the sound of R5 does not seem very appealing to such a young age. After pointing this out to a friend, she informed me that R5 was considered a “Disney Channel Band” — so very few young adults listen to their music.
When I heard this, I was in utter shock. R5 is falsely labelled due to the connections the members possess with the Disney station. This does not make R5 a “Disney Channel Band.” Could it be associated with Disney? Yes. Disney Channel definitely recognizes their talent and will probably continue to support them due to certain connections; however, these connections do not put an age restriction on the band itself. Also, we cannot write off R5 as a lost cause when we have observed tremendous talent sprout from Disney. Does anyone remember Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, or even the Jonas Brothers? Last time I checked, these people were pretty successful. Involvement with Disney should not determine a band’s success.
R5 does a fantastic job of upholding a mature style and reputation despite the factors working against them. They will always continue to exceed any limit or expectation set in front of them. Though they go unrecognized by most, their handwork will be cherished and never forgotten by all of their adoring fans. Boy bands may receive the glory, but R5 is the real MVP.