The Chainsmokers’ first full-length debut album, “Memories…Do Not Open,” teased listeners with the singles, “Paris” and “Something Just Like This,” but its notes fell flat upon the Friday release.
The duo, made up of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart, achieved tremendous success with their 2016 single, “Closer,” featuring the sultry vocal stylings of Halsey. Fans anxiously awaited the release of “Memories…Do Not Open,” but it did not deliver any of the anticipated feelings it promised.
For an album titled “Memories,” the songs are faded and forgettable. They work better as background music during a shower or a cab ride home than a summer dancefloor jam. Both the lyrics and overall sound of each song are repetitive and tasteless.
“Break Up Every Night,” the second song on the album, had the potential to be the album’s crown jewel but killed itself with an overly repetitive chorus. It’s the most upbeat, fun song in the lineup, even if the subject matter is about heartbreak and uncertainty. The concept isn’t convoluted or deep, making the song a mediocre anthem at best but gives crowds something to dance to.
“My Type,” the album’s sixth track, is an interesting but unappealing addition to the album, featuring the band’s collaborator and songwriter Emily Warren on lead vocals. Warren sings about an infectious relationship falling apart and her undeniable attraction toward her partner. “You’re not the one, but you’re all I want,” she sings. The song describes the fatal love she feels toward a person she admits is wrong for her.
Some artists focus on the fairytale of falling in love, such as Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” while others choose to write about what happens after the love is gone, like Katy Perry’s hit, “The One That Got Away.” The Chainsmokers took an interesting and uncommon approach: writing about love in all of its broken and honest exposed light. They set themselves apart from the crowd by writing about love as it happens, but they didn’t do this complex emotion any justice — an admirable attempt and surely devastating blow to fans.
The one redeeming quality of the album is The Chainsmokers’ attempt to venture outside the expectations of their fans. The band is known for their electronic dance music hits, not for deep lyrics or sentimental introspection. Audiences should give them credit for trying on this one.
There’s comfort in putting The Chainsmokers’ music on in the background. Their sound is familiar, calming, and has a light, summer breeze feel. Their sound is predictable like most bubblegum-pop, and they made a failed attempt at deep writing and wannabe indie stardom. “Memories” makes for satisfying white noise.
