Remember those quirky, adorable little teenagers that pretended like they were a middle-aged rock-band? Remember those little chipmunks writing deep and emotional songs, almost as if they had actually experienced true love? Remember those high school students that lived like millionaires?

   Yes? Well, they are back. And my, have they grown.

   As of early this year, it was confirmed that the fan-beloved Jonas Brothers were finally going to reunite, having been broken up for six years. After die-hard fans went crazy and the world spread the news, the heat eventually simmered down. That is, until the trio released a new album, which brought a wave of flames to the forefront of modern music.

   The Jonas Brothers’ new album, “Happiness Begins,” is everything the prepubescent rock band was missing; it has style, class, and a creative spin on trending beats and rhythms, all while establishing a unique vibe that really seemed to bring it to the top. The Jonas Brothers have finally managed to grow into their own genre and category; no longer are they dabbling in areas they don’t understand. They have found their niche, and it is something special.

   Here are some of the highlights of the album- and why you will be better for listening to them.

1. “Sucker”- This song is perhaps the most overplayed on the radio, its quick tempo making it a fun song to tap your toe to. In addition, the lyrics flow quickly yet smoothly together, giving your voice a subtle workout when singing along. Recently, “Sucker” won the VMA (Video Music Award) for best pop video, showcasing the brothers and their wives. But do not get held up by the constant loop it seems to be making on KISS 107. If this one is not for you, please keep reading.
2. “Cool”- What a funky tune! This song culminates a bit of old school pep with modern culture, integrating confidence with swag. It actually does accomplish its goal in that it makes the listener feel cool and vibrant. Though the lyrics may portray it as just a silly man expressing how highly he thinks of himself, I believe it is an important message that teens should be receiving; it is okay to be confident, and, within reason, project your confidence. The alternatives are much worse, and in a day and age in which teenagers are becoming less and less positive, the sheer arrogance of this song pulls through.
3. “Only Human”- This is a song about letting loose and living in the moment. It has a classy steel drum intro, transporting listeners to a place far away from worries. The peppy rhythm also compels me to cast my cell phone aside and get up and move, though I may just be following instructions when the brothers instruct the listeners to “stop pretending to try, just come on and dance.” It is “Only Human” after all. 
4. “I Believe”- Perhaps one of my favorites, “I believe” is an amazing song to just listen to. Sit in one spot and let your mind wander, while the pulse keeps you tethered to Earth. This is where I feel like the Jonas Brothers showcase their newfound genre. Unlike regular pop, it is not generic (not an obnoxious compilation of beats and first-grade level lyrics) but giving off a calming, sway-your-arms-like mood, compelling the listener to heave a sigh. It is relaxing and pleasing. Easily one of the gems of the album, shining brighter each time I give it a listen.
5. “Used to Be”- Rap enthusiasts would probably enjoy this song, as it showcases Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas’ lower range. Though not intended to be a rap song, what with its lack of tongue-twisting lyrics played on 2.5 speed and curse words, it does give off a very different vibe as the artists stay in a primarily monotone voice, which is interesting considering the leads’ affinity for the higher octaves. But that is what makes this song so unique- we have never seen this aspect of the brothers before, and with this song, they are nodding to pop culture while also inserting their own twist and style. 

   “We were conscious that there would always be a new wave of entertainers you can feel you’re in competition with but rather than be frustrated with how quickly things change, we’ve chosen to lean into it,” Nick Jonas said to The Guardian. His words really represent what this song does. 

   Also, though not a fan of this particular style myself, Used to Be is still one of the best songs in the collection, purely because of its dramatic bass drops. Play it in the car with the volume on high. You will not regret it.

1. “Don’t throw it Away”- I am not sure if it is intended for this purpose, but this song conveys the most relatable message of the album, and really strikes a chord for me. This song handles the easily-messed-up topic of mental illness with ease, instructing listeners to take their time, think, and not “throw [life] away.” This is a fragile topic, and the fact that they are able to portray it is a feat in itself. The jumbling words of the chorus are so powerful in that it represents how ideas are constantly ping-ponging around in the minds of those with anxiety, and lyrics like “I know you think you’re better off without now, but we can work this out” make the mental-health-awareness-activist part of me smile.
2. “Hesitate”- You know the slow part of every song, where the beat is drawn out and the singer showcases their melodic voice? This song is that, but for the album. A love ballad written from Joe Jonas to his wife (Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner), this is possibly the closest I have ever come to tears when listening to music. It is so vulnerable, raw, and utterly open, and removes all of the walls that modern singers stubbornly hide behind. It is effortless; he is not singing to the world, but to his soul mate, and the world is fortunate enough to listen in. Joe Jonas is unafraid to demonstrate the true depth of his feelings, and imagining him serenading Turner makes this song even more powerful. I am not crying, you are. 
3. “Rollercoaster”- The Jonas Brothers decide to tell their own story in this song- from small town boys to instant hits, from a broken family to a reunited force. Their lives truly are rollercoaster rides, and with the soft, acapella beginning, swelling crescendos in the chorus, heavy drops in the instrumentals, and a subtle, quiet ending, they are able to easily demonstrate this to any listener. It is even more profound in that the listener can realize just how much the trio has surmounted to get to this point, and the admiration I have for them intensifies every time I hear the last lyric: “Lights, flying down the ten, nearly two a.m., happiness begins.”
4. “Comeback”- the unsung hero of the Jonas Brothers, oldest sibling Kevin Jonas reveals his beautiful take on the reunion with this heartfelt song. It is also the last song in the album, which is symbolic in itself- it represents the beginning of a new era for them, which began with the reunion. Though he does not sing, he has indicated that he participated in the writing process, stating that this song was inspired by his pull towards his family, and the longing he feels for them while away. Once again, Kevin Jonas reveals why he is the true star of the trio, though he never shows off his pipes.

   Senior Audrey Simmons is a recent Jonas Brothers fan, having really connected with this album.

   “It’s just such an encompassing album… there are so many different moods that any song can just throw you into, and it has an amazing vibe that sometimes just reminds me of summer days, when I didn’t have a care in the world” Simmons said. 

   I could not agree more. Whether you are looking to laugh, cry, dance, or just listen, this complex and deep album can provide any listener with the experience he or she needs. 

   So as a fellow human who has known life before and after this album, I advise you to just listen. And watch as your own happiness begins. 

Sources:

• https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/03/we-needed-to-speak-our-truth-and-forgive-jonas-brothers-on-music-marriage-and-making-up