Starting off August with a bang, the three adored New Jersey brothers, Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas — also known as the Jonas Brothers — released their seventh studio album titled “Greetings From Your Hometown.” With hits such as “Love Me to Heaven” and “No Time to Talk,” the Jonas Brothers produced a masterpiece that all fans could relate to and, ultimately, find stuck in their heads for days on end.
“Knowing it’s [the album] based on their hometown makes the whole album feel more personal and special. You can tell the lyrics are inspired by real memories and experiences, which makes listening to it feel like you’re getting to know them on a deeper level. I enjoy listening to them because it feels like a mix of nostalgia and fresh new sounds at the same time,” senior Lisa Scranton said.
With a 14-song tracklist featuring three guest collaborators — including artists Dean Lewis, Switchfoot and Marshmello — the Jonas Brothers brought tears and joy to their listeners. After teasing certain unreleased songs on their Instagram, fans eagerly waited for tunes such as “Loved You Better” that encompassed a strong yearning for an ex-relationship.
“Loved You Better,” sung by lead vocalist Joe, builds tension as the melody unfolds, revealing a heartfelt letter-like song to a potential ex-partner. Similarly, “Backwards” details the experience of an ex-lover still holding a piece of one’s heart. With a contrasting high-pitched and guitar-strummed beat to start the song, “Backwards” aims to reach those who cannot forget about the simple memories that built their relationship with their ex. As “Loved You Better” and “Backwards” provide listeners with sappy tunes to listen to during a break-up, these songs stand as the only tracks with a somber mood.
To relate to listeners who constantly feel rushed and miss their morning alarms, “I Can’t Lose” enhances the album’s mood by showcasing a hopeful and uplifting piece. Beginning with lyrics describing an individual’s rough morning, the song eventually shifts tones when the brothers describe what it feels like to see one’s lover after a terrible day. Structuring the song with a sharp drum beat and switching back and forth between Joe and Nick’s vocals, “I Can’t Lose” helps listeners understand the positivity a partner can create in one’s life.
Advancing down the track list, songs such as “Waste No Time” and “Slow Motion” express opposing viewpoints to add variety to the album. For example, “Waste No Time” illustrates a relationship advancing quickly due to the idea that love uses every moment. In comparison, “Slow Motion” captures the point that a crush should slowly evolve into a cherished relationship through thoughtful time spent together.
Lyrics from tunes including “When You Know,” “Heat Of The Moment,” “Lucky” and “Tables” portray a hometown vibe along with beautiful relationships between individuals, from friendships to romantic relationships. “Lucky,” which specifically stands out to listeners, delivers a sweet message about feeling fortunate for all that one adores. This folky and relaxed tune leaves fans feeling grateful for all they hold dear to their heart.
“My favorite song has to be ‘Mirror to the Sky.’ It’s super catchy, but also emotional at the same time. I love how it tells a story and shows a more vulnerable side of the Jonas Brothers — it feels real. Their harmonies are perfect, and they just have this energy that makes you want to sing along, especially at a Jonas Brothers concert,” Scranton said.
Lastly, to accurately reflect Kevin, Nick and Joe’s hometown, the brothers wrote a high-energy and mind-capturing tune which they titled “Greeting From Your Hometown” — mirroring the name of the album. The electric beat throughout the song illuminates the devotion the Jonas Brothers hold toward their New Jersey roots, while the increasing speed of the drums adds delicate tension to the overall vibe.
With nearly 22 million monthly listeners, the Jonas Brothers never fail to impress their fans with a new hit album. After countless years of hard work and determination, the trio can now celebrate their 20th anniversary tour, which started in their hometown at MetLife Stadium August 10. As fans support the Jonas Brothers by listening to their musical masterpieces and attending their concerts, “Greetings From Your Hometown” will endlessly hold a gratifying place in the hearts of Kevin, Nick and Joe.
The Chant rating: A+
