On July 7th, 2009, Baltimore-based quartet All Time Low released their career-altering album, Nothing Personal. There is no denying that 2009 brought us some of pop-punk’s most iconic albums, and even less denying that Nothing Personal was one of those. Regardless of how much you like or dislike All Time Low, you more than likely know at least one song from this album. Nothing Personal has always been one of my favorite releases from All Time Low. It’s very representative of where the genre was in 2009, while still maintaining the unique flair that All Time Low brings to every release.
On November 8th, 2019, they released a live remake of the pivotal album to honor its tenth birthday. It’s Still Nothing Personal: A Ten Year Tribute is a good indicator of how much each member has grown musically. Alex Gaskarth’s vocals boast the most impressive growth out of everything presented in the anniversary tribute. It’s an incredible reminder that ten years have passed since Nothing Personal‘s debut.
Track 1: “Weightless”
Chances are that “Weightless” is the song from Nothing Personal that you’ve heard no matter how you feel about the band. This song helped catapult All Time Low to a whole different level in their career. They seemed to manifest their success with the starting line of the energetic chorus, “Maybe it’s not my weekend / but it’s gonna be my year.” The live remake presents us with a different, albeit familiar, intro to the classic song. They opted to go with the alternative intro they’ve been using in live sets for years. It’s much slower and provides more anticipation to the drop of the first chorus. That chorus, as always, hits with a burst of energy that is maintained throughout the song. “Weightless” remains as fit of an album opener as ever with this remake.
Track 2: “Break Your Little Heart”
“Break Your Little Heart” starts with the same crunchy guitar we’re used to. It stayed more or less the same, aside from a few subtle changes in the melody of the vocals. The biggest difference it brings to the table is the lyrical change of, “sew yourself together,” instead of, “sew yourself shut,” in the final chorus.
Track 3: “Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t)”
“Damned If I Do Ya” is one of the songs that feels the most similar to the original. It’s a great re-recording, but other than a few vocal changes, it’s on the less impressive side of It’s Still Nothing Personal.
Track 4: “Lost in Stereo”
Chances are if you’ve seen All Time Low between 2009 and now, you’ve heard this song live; it became a staple on their setlists after it’s release. So, hearing this remake of “Lost in Stereo” doesn’t bring much new to the table. There are parts where the synth is brighter and more forward than the original version or even previous live recordings. The prime difference I notice, other than the clear advancement of all of their skills, is the “lost in stereo,” vocal which starts the song off and is heard throughout it, is less of a harmonic sound, and more a rough vocal.
Track 5: “Stella”
“Stella” is a good example of Gaskarth adjusting a song to suit how his vocals have changed over the years, while still keeping the essence of the original. He comfortably maneuvers through melodies, maintaining an impressive, even tone. The gang vocals after the bridge will be sure to spark your nostalgia, as they sound the same as the original version.
Track 6: “Sick Little Games”
“Sick Little Games” is one of my personal favorite All Time Low songs. It seems unrealistic that this band could make this already incredible song sound even better, but they truly hit the ball out of the park with their remake. There’s no way to describe it, aside from exceptionally beautiful.
Track 7: “Hello, Brooklyn”
Gaskarth’s diction while singing has improved since the initial recording of Nothing Personal, and “Hello, Brooklyn” is the best example of that from the remake. The original version was one of those songs you only knew the words to because you looked them up. Every word is clear and concise in the remake, making this version far stronger than the original.
Track 8: “Walls”
“Walls” is the track that I was most excited about hearing. It translated wonderfully into a live recording and absolutely lived up to the very high expectations I had for the It’s Still Nothing Personal remake.
Track 9: “Too Much”
The original version of “Too Much” is an interesting song — very layered, very synth-heavy, very repetitive; it’s easily the weakest song on the album. This song wouldn’t strike you ask something that would translate well into a live song, but “Too Much” seems to feel like a completely different song with performed lived. The vocals are stronger, and the instrumentals have a better feel. Those two bits together helped the live version of “Too Much” become one of the more solid songs on the remake.
Track 10: “Keep the Change, You Filthy Animal”
The original version of “Keep the Change” has never been at the top of my favorite All Time Low songs. The It’s Still Nothing Personal remake didn’t change that. The remake comes across slightly more subdued than the original but picks up when needed. The bridge of the new version is pretty, and easily the best part of the song. Overall, the remake of “Keep the Change” was the least impressive of the remakes.
Track 11: “A Party Song (The Walk of Shame)”
“A Party Song” has always been… well, a party song. It’s a fun pop-punk song about sex and drinking, something most people listening to Nothing Personal couldn’t really relate to, as most of us weren’t even old enough to drive without a parent. That never stopped any of us from singing along to it like we lived that life every day. The remake kept the same Nothing Personal energy, really driving home the nostalgia that It’s Still Nothing Personal was made for.
Track 12: “Therapy”
If you think the Nothing Personal version of “Therapy” tugs at your heartstrings, you’re in for it with the It’s Still Nothing Personal rendition. Gaskarth’s matured vocals sound positively angelic. “Therapy” remains a wonderful, emotional note to close an album on.
You can stream It’s Still Nothing Personal below.
