With bands like All Time Low, you more or less know what to expect: Fun and catchy pop-rock songs. The band’s major-label debut, “Dirty Work,” is no different, and it could be the reason it debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Lead track “Do You Want Me (Dead)?” contains the softest part of the album — the first 25 seconds of the song — before frontman Alex Gaskarth starts belting out the lyrics, setting the mood of the album with an “I don’t care” attitude. The next song, “I Feel Like Dancin’” could be the party anthem of the summer — it’s already made Top 40 playlists and can keep a listener’s attention easily. The album does not have any ballads and keeps going with fast and free-spirited tunes. All Time Low does a good job of making sure the songs don’t sound the same — something that was a downfall on previous albums. It covers all the usual topics that will make it popular for teens and kids in their early twenties: Relationships, flings, parties and easy living. The standout tracks on “Dirty Work” are “That Girl,” and “Heroes,” which reflect the band’s old punk style of songwriting with the new pop feel it’s added. You get a bit of profanity that you can expect with most rock songs, but at the same time, you get a fun story line and guitar riffs that can make your heart race. Drummer Rian Dawson shines the most on the album; his work gives the recent release a “dancier” and hip-hop feel while still being able to capture the fast-paced drum fills ATL fans might be used to. The sound on “Dirty Work” is definitely different and is very comparable to Fall Out Boy’s later albums. And with appearances from members of Simple Plan, Weezer and Panic! At the Disco, it makes for a great listen all the way through and will lighten your mood with ease. Rating: W W W W
