WALK THE MOON: Heights

Let’s get this right out of the way: The title is slightly misleading. Walk the Moon's fourth studio album Heights starts off strong, but is ultimately not as consistent as their earlier records, and certainly loses some of its momentum in the second half. The Cincinati indie rockers- they’re now a trio, after losing Kevin Ray- deliver some catchy hooks and memorable choruses, as usual, but ultimately fall prey to some generic songwriting that keeps the album from reaching its full potential.

The album’s second track and first single "Can You Handle My Love??" immediately grabs the listener's attention with its catchy hooks and bouncy rhythms. The single "Glants" is another standout, with its anthemic chorus and optimistic lyrics that urge listeners to embrace their individuality and live life to the fullest.

As the album progresses, however, the songs start to blend together, with some of the tracks feeling like they could have been written by any generic pop band. Tracks like "Someone Else’s Game" lack the spark and creativity of the album's early tracks, leaving the listener wanting more.

That being said, the album is not without its bright spots. "I'm Good" is a standout track that combines electronic beats with Walk the Moon's signature pop rock sound to create a unique and infectious track that will have listeners dancing along. The album's closing track, "Population of Two," is an interesting sign-off, with lyrics that are just cute enough to be memorable, and a hook that’s just catchy enough to hold up.

Overall, "Heights" is a mostly positive release that showcases Walk the Moon's ability to craft catchy and uplifting pop rock anthems. While the album does suffer from some generic songwriting and a lack of variety in the later tracks, the band's infectious energy and enthusiasm keep the album afloat. Fans of the band will undoubtedly enjoy the album, and newcomers to their music will find plenty to like as well.

Nothing here matches the urgency or the memorability of “Shut Up And Dance,” but a few tracks come close. Maybe they should have called this one High Enough. It’s not the pinnacle of a decent, decade-long career, but its still worth a few spins. B-