Yellowcard return with their eleventh full-length album, Better Days, after a five-year hiatus as a band.
The record is ambitious, delivering tracks that pull at the heartstrings while returning to the band’s pop-punk roots. Millennials who grew up with Yellowcard will delight in this ten-track release, which bursts with catchy anthems steeped in teen angst and emotional reflection.
Listening to the title track, “Better Days,” sets the tone for the album with its exciting riffs and melodic rock energy. The gorgeous violin notes shine through, and Ryan Key’s vocals are as passionate as ever when he sings, “You don’t want to run from better days.”
“Take What You Want” features strong drums and a catchy chorus built around a rhythmic, driving beat.
“You Broke Me Too,” a beautiful ballad featuring Avril Lavigne, is one of the album’s standout moments. The track captures the great chemistry between Avril and Ryan, blending emotive vocals with amplified guitar riffs and Sean Mackin’s signature violin flourishes.
The pounding drums in “Bedroom Posters” pair perfectly with electric riffs and a memorable chorus. It’s a passionate song that radiates nostalgia, evoking the band’s early days.
Overall, Better Days is an emotive and nostalgic album that marks a strong return for Yellowcard.
Filled with heartfelt pop-punk tracks, it reflects the band’s growth while recapturing the energy that defined them. For those who grew up as emo kids, this album will feel like a warm, melodic trip back to their teenage years.
Rating: ★★★★
Wholesome Tapes 