XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time is the eighth studio album by American rock band The Maine and was released on July 9, 2021, through 8123 and Photo Finish Records.[1]
| XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | July 9, 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2020 | |||
| Studio | 8123 Studios | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 32:25 | |||
| Label |
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| Producer |
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| The Maine chronology | ||||
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| Singles from XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time | ||||
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Background
editIn June 2020, lead vocalist John O'Callaghan confirmed that the group began recording their eighth studio album and that ten tracks had already been written for the album.[3] The album was recorded in Arizona.[4] Guitarist Jared Monaco described the album as "a love letter to uncertain moments in life, and also to happy, joyous moments as well."[1] The group had thought of the title of the album early on during the recording session, which the band would usually have done before hand.[5] O'Callaghan said that the title of the album captured the mood swings of the record.[6]
Composition and recording
editThe album was produced by the band, Andrew Goldstein,[1] Matt Keller and Colby Wedgeworth.[7] While recording the record during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, the band lived in a house together and recorded the album for a week.[5] The album's lead single, "Sticky", was the last song written for the album,[6] but was the first song recorded on the album.[8] The album's sound is described as indie pop and pop rock,[1] while experimenting with heavier synths and electronic elements.[5] While recording the instrumental parts of the songs, the group recorded what O'Callaghan and bassist Garrett Nickelsen called, "'bonehead version' of the guitar parts, and bass parts." Describing the recording of these parts, Nickelsen stated, "we're all working on it as a group, and figuring out what's the best version of this and what does every part need to be? So, it's a group thing."[5] During the writing of "Lips", another track, "Love In Real Time" was originally written to be a part of that song, which O'Callaghan called, "an extension" of the track. However, O'Callaghan decided that the song would've been more impactful on its own.[9]
Release
editOn March 15, 2021, the band announced the album along with news that the lead single, "Sticky", would be released on March 19, 2021.[10] The song peaked at number 16 on the US Alternative Airplay chart,[11] and became one of the group's highest-charting singles.[12] On April 7, the band released the album's second single, "April 7th".[13] "Lips" was released on May 28, as the third single from the album.[14] The fourth and final single, "Pretender" was released on June 25.[15] To celebrate the album's release, the band set up The XOXO Experience,[16] a theater showcase which set the album's tracks to visuals in Tempe and premiered the song "High Forever" on Alt Nation on July 7.[17] On July 10, the group orchestrated an XOXO pop-up shop in Los Angeles,[18] and held a livestream event known as Face Towards the Sun on July 11, also in Los Angeles.[19] To support the album, the band went on tour that fall in support of All Time Low.[20] The group also embarked on a headlining tour in the US called the XOXO Tour in March 2022.[21]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Alternative Press | Favorable[22] |
| idobi | 10/10[23] |
| Sputnikmusic | 3/5[2] |
The album received positive critical reception with Augusta Battoclette of Alternative Press stating that "...the group only further prove that they hardly ever miss when it comes to their music."[22] idobi's Sam Devotta claimed that the band had "once again delivered an album that perfectly sums up what it means to be human." Her review regards the album as a "product of huge changes in their personal lives (weddings, babies, moving out of state)" as well as a record that allowed them "to explore, to bring in new inspirations and try something different, while still delivering the pop rock-infused anthems they're known for."[23] Jesper of Sputnikmusic praised the album's "clean production." He also stated, "While XOXO is a successful reminder that The Maine are still able to create some of the best pop punk in the current scene, it also showcases that they're struggling to assemble consistently excellent albums."[2]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Garrett Nickelsen, Jared Monaco, John O'Callaghan, Kennedy Brock, and Pat Kirch except where noted.[24]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Sticky" |
| 2:58 |
| 2. | "Lips" | 2:38 | |
| 3. | "Love In Real Time" | 1:50 | |
| 4. | "High Forever" |
| 3:00 |
| 5. | "April 7th" |
| 3:16 |
| 6. | "If Your Light Goes Out" |
| 2:57 |
| 7. | "Pretender" | 3:05 | |
| 8. | "Dirty, Pretty, Beautiful" |
| 3:52 |
| 9. | "Anxiety In Real Time" |
| 4:12 |
| 10. | "Face Towards The Sun" | 4:34 | |
| Total length: | 32:25 | ||
Personnel
editPer the XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time liner notes.[25]
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The Maine
Production
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Artwork
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Charts
edit| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Album Downloads (OCC)[26] | 42 |
| US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[27] | 22 |
| US Top Current Albums Sales (Billboard)[28] | 7 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard)[29] | 32 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[30] | 38 |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Press, Jack (July 8, 2021). "The Maine: "It's a really important time for people to be vocal"". Upset. Archived from the original on July 8, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ a b c Jesper (July 14, 2021). "The Maine - XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ Rachael Dowd (June 18, 2020). "The Maine have already begun working on their next album". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ Maria Serra (August 3, 2021). "The Maine discuss the making of XOXO: From Love & Anxiety In Real Time". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Adam Grundy (July 26, 2021). "Interview: Garrett Nickelsen and Pat Kirch of The Maine". Chorus.fm. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ a b Ed Masley (March 19, 2021). "The Maine's John O'Callaghan on ushering in the 'XOXO' era with a very 'Sticky' video". AZ Central. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ "The Maine - XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ Rachael Dowd (March 19, 2021). "The Maine kick off their new era with colorful video for "Sticky" — watch". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
- ^ Logan White (July 8, 2021). "Interview: The Maine Talk Partnering With Photo Finish And All Things 'XOXO'". Substream Magazine. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ @themaine (March 15, 2021). "New single Friday. New album this summer. XOXO, The Maine" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "The Maine Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Alternative Press. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
- ^ Gil Kaufman (July 9, 2021). "The Maine on Reaching Career High With 'Sticky' Hit: 'Did We Accidentally Do Something Really Cool?'". Billboard. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
- ^ Jade Boren (April 12, 2021). "The Maine's John O'Callaghan Reveals Sweet Story Behind 'April 7th'". Hollywood Life. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ Zach Redrup (2021-05-29). "NEWS: The Maine share new single, 'Lips'!". DEAD PRESS!. Archived from the original on May 29, 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ "The Maine Share New Single "Pretender"". Listen Here Reviews. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ^ @themaine (June 30, 2021). "We are excited to announce 'The XOXO experience' at Harkins theater in Tempe, Arizona on Wednesday July 7th!! Be the first to hear our new album before it's [sic] release set to visuals on the big screen!!!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @themaineband (July 7, 2021). "NEW SONG DEBUT TOMORROW! @thefifthjohn will be guest hosting on @altnation tomorrow (Thursday) at 6PM pacific and eastern debuting our new song "High Forever" and playing some of our favorite songs right now!! Listen on @siriusxm" – via Instagram.
- ^ @themaine (June 24, 2021). "XOXO: LOS ANGELES POP UP SHOP EXPERIENCE. Text 'popup' to 480-418-4603 for updated info and exclusive deals. See you there!?" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Taylor Fields (July 6, 2021). "The Maine Reveals How Their Rooftop Concert Set List Will Sync With Sunset". iHeart. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ Wilson-Taylor, James (2021-06-28). "All Time Low To Be Joined By The Maine & Meet Me". Rock Sound Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-11.
- ^ Logan White (October 18, 2021). "The Maine Announce 2022 'XOXO' Headlining Tour". Substream. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ a b Augusta Battoclette (July 9, 2021). "The Maine deliver sonic warmth on their summery eighth record". Alternative Press.
- ^ a b Sam Devotta (July 9, 2021). "XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time - The Maine". idobi.
- ^ "XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time - Album by The Maine". Spotify. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time (booklet). 8123 Records. 2021.
- ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
- ^ "The Maine Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "The Maine Chart History (Top Current Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ "The Maine Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "The Maine Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard.