5 Seconds of Summer – “NOT OK” Review

Written by: Keyali Mikaela

5 Seconds of Summer are back, and “NOT OK” proves that this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reinvention. From the first beat, it’s clear that 5SOS 2.0 has arrived. The track blends the band’s signature pop-rock energy with bold electronic flourishes that nod to the likes of Gorillaz and The Prodigy, creating a sound that’s equal parts nostalgic and entirely new.

Luke Hemmings’ vocals hit that perfect balance of raw emotion and polished pop-star energy, while Calum, Michael, and Ashton layer in instrumentation that’s both punchy and unpredictable. Lyrically, the song explores embracing your darker side, but it’s never heavy-handed—there’s a cheeky sense of fun woven throughout, a reminder that even grown-up 5SOS knows how to party.

What really stands out is how versatile the track feels. “NOT OK” could just as easily tear up a festival field as it could animate an underground rave, with distorted beats and hypnotic hooks that demand movement. It’s chaotic, it’s catchy, and it’s unapologetically the band showing off everything they’ve learned in 15 years without losing their teenage spark.

If this is the first glimpse of Everyone’s A Star!, the album promises to be one wild, exhilarating ride. “NOT OK” doesn’t just announce 5SOS’s return—it declares that they’re here to evolve, experiment, and dominate in a way only they can.