Album Review: State Champs’ Around the World and Back

“Around The World and Back makes me remember why pop punk is my favorite genre.” That is the consistent thought I had while listening to every song on State Champs’ newest album. My head was banging starting with the intro to the first track, “Eyes Closed.”

There were quite a few tracks that were stand-outs for me. “Secrets,” the second song in, transported me back to barricade when I saw the band in May, on All Time Low’s Future Hearts Tour. This song makes me want to jump around in a crowd. “All You Are Is History,” a single released last month, is a classic pop punk jam. The bass line throughout the verses keeps you wanting more and the chorus is way too catchy. The guitar in “All or Nothing” is what makes this track. The instrumentation is spot on! The title track, “Around the World and Back,” is the necessary, emotional acoustic duet, featuring Ansley Newman. This is my favorite type of track on any album. It’s the one that I hunt for and my heart becomes extremely happy when I hear the acoustic guitar. State Champs did not disappoint with this song. The guitar, the lyrics, the vocals all make this song so beautiful.

I definitely recommend giving Around the World and Back a listen. Your ears will thank you for it!

Currently, State Champs is on tour with The Wonder Years and Motion City Soundtrack and will be heading on a world tour with Neck Deep after that! Check if they’ll be hitting your city on the world tour here! 

The album is available for stream on Spotify and is available for purchase on iTunes (featured on the home page!).