Hellogoodbye: S’Only Natural Album Review

By Kaleb Helms
Music Journalist

Hellogoodbye is a band name that brings thoughts of a highschool girlfriend, who in the car would play their “Here (in your arms)” from their album Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! And More! Releasing their fourth studio album, S’Only Natural on Oct. 5, 2018, the band consists of Forrest Kline, Augustine Rampolla, Andrew Richards and Michael Garzon.

The album shows the versatility of their sound transitioning from their older work that reflected a more high strung indie band to a now relaxed and serene listening experience. S’Only Natural was produced by Forrest Kline, Eric Hehr and Brendan Mccusker. With Forrest acting as both a producer and artist the music has no set boundries on how creative the band can get. This album discusses topics such as ambition, love, lust and a message to live life to the fullest. S’Only Natural from Hellogoodbye, for me, was an interesting throwback to a band I was surprised to hear about again– although their sound has changed. Their sound is honestly fantastic and I think they did a great job writing and arranging the songs on the album.

This album is an experience that begins with uptempo songs about moving to the city and then falling in love, the tone then transitions to an intimate discussion of loves many struggles. “Honeymoon Overture” is the first track and is a strings piece by Nancy Kuo, this song is short and lacks lyrics but is still a beautiful instrumental. The first track is not in the same form as the other songs on S’Only Natural because it does not include lyrics which is a calm introduction to an emotional experience.

The second song “S’Only Natural” is not only the title of the album but also an amazing track full of funky bass lines and engaging lyrics about wanting to move to the city. The song is full of lyrics like, “It’s only natural you wanna live downtown where you can be a little louder ‘Cause you’re still getting drowned out It’s only natural” this song is a nice and empowering start to the album and leaves the listener feeling refreshed.

The transition in S’Only Natural begins with the fifth song “Close” which discusses lust for someone but also the confusion of a new relationship. The album then takes an acoustic turn with the tenth track on the album “Mysterious You” that has a beautiful melody accompanied with clean vocals. “Mysterious You” is an expression of the complications of love and the mystery involved with a new love interest. S’Only Natural takes the listener through a new love’s exposition and with the final two songs discuss the “honeymoon” phase of the relationship.

These tracks are beautiful selections with a strings arrangement and a flugelhorn (similar to a trumpet) that create a sonic environment that makes the listener feel comforted. The album S’Only Natural by Hellogoodbye is a overall great listening experience with lyrics that go beyond surface level and discuss real situations in new relationships.