Tours Through Discographies: AJR

  Several years ago, I heard a song called "Weak" by AJR on the radio. I thought it sounded like a band I could like, so I gave them a shot - and surely enough, I really, really liked them. As I listened, I realized I had heard their song "Let the Games Begin" in some baby commercial even before I had ever heard "Weak". 

  They kinda shot up the rankings of my favorite bands, until they reached #2, the Vice President of my favorite bands, an office they still hold today. My sister and I saw them in concert for the second time last month, and right now as I type this I can see an autographed poster my sister bought that is now hanging in our living room. And, it turns out, the first time we saw them was their first headlining show in Denver.

1. Living Room (2013)

    Ah yes, Living Room. They were still basically kids at this point, and I hate to say it, but it shows. There are bits of gold here, but this is honestly pretty objectively their worst album. It feels a lot like a group of kids who found out their computer can make wacky sounds and a little too much fun with it. But, as I said, there is still some great stuff here, just not as much of it as there is on the subsequent albums. Even "Thirsty", which I maintain is still the worst AJR song ever, isn't all *that* horrible of a song.

Favorite tracks: "Growing Old on Bleecker Street", "Pitchfork Kids", "Infinity"

2. The Click (2017)

   The boys are back and they're four years older now, so they've obviously matured and crafted their skills a little more. It still feels a little like "computer make fun noises heehee" sometimes, but it's still a massive step up from Living Room. This was the new one when I got into them, so it has a special place in my heart. This is the album that really started the band with having the reputation of singing about growing up/just trying to figure out who you are.

Favorite tracks: "Come Hang Out", "Netflix Trip", "Turning Out"

3. Neotheater (2019)

    Since The Click was the newest when I got into them, Neotheater was the first release cycle of a new album that I got to experience. When my sister and I saw them the first time, they played "Don't Throw Out My Legos", which at the time was an unreleased song that ended up being on this album. If The Click started the whole themes of growing up thing, this took it to the next level. This album feels very much like "we know you're at an awkward part of your life, but so are we, so we're here for you". The sound is different enough that it feels like something new to the table and not just another Click.

Favorite tracks: "Karma", "Finale (Can't Wait to See What You Do Next)", "Birthday Party"

4. OK Orchestra (2021)

    This is my third favorite album of all time, so I don't need to tell you how much I love it. This feels like AJR at the peak of their talent, really giving it their all as musicians. This is the phase we're the saying "we're adults now, and unfortunately we're gonna have to accept that". The sound is so polished and professional while also still keeping the fun energy. But they also dive into a lot of deep topics such as divorce, not being able to let go of the past, therapy, trying to get people to like you, and the hypocrisies and weirdness of society.

Favorite tracks: "Humpty Dumpty", "My Play", "Bummerland"

5. The Maybe Man (2023)

    This album gave me one of the best concerts I've ever been to. The Maybe Man tour is so cinematic and emotional. In some ways, I have to admit, this album even outdoes OK Orchestra. They feel a lot more serious here, kind of a lot more fed up and tired, but they channel that into some real artistic goodness. It almost feels like a concept album of trying to hold onto your sanity and happiness no matter what's happening around you. I wasn't really a fan of the super long cycle to release this album, but that's partly understandable because of what happened to their dad (may he rest in peace). Their dad was a huge mentor to them and the effect of his illness and passing are really evident here, especially since one of the tracks, which is one of the saddest songs ever, is directly about him.

Favorite tracks: "The DJ is Crying for Help", "Steve's Going to London", "The Dumb Song"