Trench: The Least-Best to the Mega Incredible

I feel like everything I've written lately has been about twenty one pilots. I'm gonna apologise to my lecturers now, as one of my assessed blog posts was analysing their main promotional photo, and I'm pitching a feature idea right now about pop punk/emo in 2018. Also, s/o to all my friends that have had to put up with me slipping their new album into every single conversation, you guys are troopers. But why stop now? Their new album, Trench, was finally released last Friday, and I just can't get enough of it. It's easily my favourite album of the year - not that I expected anything less from a band I've been head over heels for for years. But today, ladies and gentlemen, I'll be ranking all 14 songs from the album, starting with the least best to the gosh darn amazing. So let's get started: 

14. SMITHEREENS 

I want to start by saying that there isn't a song on Trench I don't really, really like. But if we're ranking them, I'd definitely say Smithereens is the song I really, really like the least. While so much of the album's themes centre around anxieties, insecurities and depression, it's refreshing to hear something Tyler (he's the lead singer fyi) is sure about: his love for his wife. Smithereens discusses everything he'd do for Jenna Joseph, and how he'd always fight for her. Bloody adorable. But while the lyrics are super duper lovely, they don't compare to the more mature lyrics elsewhere on the album. I think the tune itself is frankly quite forgettable and a bit basic, but makes for a nice, light addition to an album both lyrically and instrumentally heavy in parts. 

13. CUT MY LIP 

I think Smithereens was clearly my least favourite, and it's from here that I started to struggle with ordering my faves. Cut My Lip is an instrumentally interesting song, with a smooth, reggae beat mixed with hip-hop sensibilities - something twenty one pilots have already proved they're great at. There isn't another track on the album that emulates that style as intensely. It's a courageous track deliberating escape, with catchy lyrics. It's just quite repetitive, with only one real verse, and - again - nothing particularly special or memorable. 

12. THE HYPE 

Aside from the promotional singles, The Hype was the first song I heard from Trench, and I knew as soon as I heard it I was in for a treat. I've surprised myself with how low it is on this list, but that's just a testament to how fantastic the album is, because this is a very good song. It's biggest plus point is the anthemic chorus, which I can't wait to yell when I see them live next year. The lyrics are brilliant too; written for a younger Tyler, they encourage him to never give up faith. It's also definitely the catchiest tune of the three so far, which is always a winning formula. 

11. BANDITO 

I was very torn about this one; upon first listen, this was up there with my favourites. I love the sentiment of it, and how it links to the whole Dema backstory (if you have no clue what I'm on about, check out this vid). The song is Clancy - or Tyler's - recognition that he is part of the rebel movement, he's a 'bandito' and getting ready to conquer everything that comes with his new role. Any song - or album, for that matter - with an engaging story line like this is instantly going to grab my attention. However, as much as I appreciate a softer number to break up the track list, it's a shame it's not as instrumentally bold as lyrically. Having said that, it does reflect a sort of certain acceptance of Clancy's new role soooooo idk. 

10. NICO AND THE NINERS 

Out of all the promotional singles, Nico and the Niners was always the one I loved the least. But there's no denying it's amazingly catchy, and, once again, ties wonderfully into the Dema backstory. Instrumentally this song is fantastic; from the reversed vocals at the start - which I loved on Heathens as well - to the rap verse that pops up towards the end, there's a great range of impressive techniques and sounds here. It's really hard to criticise it, even though it does only reach number 11, but it just isn't a standout. 

9. LEAVE THE CITY 

Something twenty one pilots have always done, which I love, is end their album on a poignant note, and Trench is no exception. Leave The City is a beautifully atmospheric track, describing when Clancy escapes Dema. In a way, even though it ends the album, it initiates the start of something bigger, and I'm a sucker for that kind of symbolism. I adore the ethereal sense of the song, paralleling the dream-like sensation Clancy must be feeling for escaping Dema. In reality, it reflects Tyler acknowledging the road to happiness will be a rocky one. Similar to Goner from Blurryface and Truce from Vessel, it is a subtle but hard-hitting conclusion to the album. 

8. LEGEND 

If I was ranking these songs on subject matter alone, Legend would be number 1. Legend is Tyler's ode to his grandad, Robert Joseph, after he passed away. I think it's such a lovely sentiment - one that I don't really hear all that much in mainstream music - with incredibly touching lyrics. Robert was also pictured on the album cover for Vessel, which I think makes this song all the more moving. Even with the sad topic, the song remains up-beat and celebratory, with a bouncing beat and popping chorus. Legend is a masterpiece. 

7. MY BLOOD 

Tyler's sense of family seems to be stronger than ever in Trench - we've had songs about Jenna, about his grandad, and now we have one about his brother. My Blood is thematically similar to Smithereens in that Tyler announces how he'd always be by his brother, Zack's, side, but is set to a much more addictive beat. I think My Blood is one of the more radio-ready songs on the album, with an infectious bass and catchy chorus. It's also one of the more pop-ier records on the album, but super fun and creative too. 

6. CHLORINE 

Chlorine is an instrumental winner. Firstly, it's a great, punchy song; the bass hits immediately, and Tyler's vocals are really nice from start to finish. I very much appreciate the change in direction that comes towards the end - like Tyler's drunk the chlorine and he's gone into some sort of airy, drug-induced state. The lyrics are a highlight too; I think I interpret the song to be about the song-writing process and how it is difficult at times, but is a form of escapism too, and a way of releasing his feelings. I know some people think it's also about suicide, or purifying himself from dark thoughts. Tyler's metaphorical way of writing is a curse and a blessing.

5. LEVITATE 

Levitate is such a wonderfully complex song - and not just in terms of trying to rap along to it (although I think I'm getting there guys). I think Anthony Fantano from theneedledrop describes it's theme so much better than I ever could in his overall review of Trench. Instrumentally, however, it has one of the best beats on the album, and also is the best display of Tyler's rapping. I know his rapping isn't to everyone's taste, but you gotta admit - it's talent. Plus, I love how it flows perfectly on from Jumpsuit. I think the gloriously unique Levitate it's such an asset to the album; my only criticism is that I wish it was longer, but then I think all the air would've left my lungs if I tried to learn a song much longer.

4. PET CHEETAH

I almost feel a bit guilty for having Pet Cheetah so high on my list, because lyrically I think it's so much less significant than many others I've put lower down. But the instrumentalism and the beat on this one is truly explosive; there's no getting away from the fact it's the most abrasive and exciting tracks instrumentally. It also comes at a perfect time on the track list, picking up steam after the instrumental lull of Bandito, and making the light pop of Legend very welcome. Though I love the fact Tyler would call his pet cheetah Jason Statham, I don't take this song particularly seriously when it comes to the lyrics, but I find Pet Cheetah impossible not to love. 

3. NEON GRAVESTONES 

Pet Cheetah might not hold as much lyrical significance, but that all changes with Neon Gravestones. It's probably the lyrically meaningful number, discussing the glorification of suicide. It's not an easy song to listen to at times but also one that needs to be heard. Instrumentally it isn't groundbreaking but more interesting that the other slower tracks (Leave The City, Bandito), but I think having the focus on the lyrics here is very important. If you're here for twenty one pilots' famous emotional songs, this is the one for you. 

2. JUMPSUIT 

From the moment I heard Jumpsuit sat in the office at work on my lunch break, I was obsessed with it. I think part of the reason it's made my top two is the nostalgia I now associate with it - I always think of how excited I was for it's release, and it also soundtracked a lot of my summer adventures this year - but I love the different instrumental tones the song explores, from the vicious bass line to the velvety bridge. It's nice to hear Tyler screaming at the end of Jumpsuit too - I wish there was more of that on this album. The song also has grounding in the Dema backstory, which I was always gonna love. It's a truly fantastic album opener, and the finest choice for their lead single.

1. MORPH 

After a long, hard debate, I came to the conclusion that Morph is my favourite track from Trench. It combines a brilliant vocal performance from Tyler - with the clever rap verses and smooth choruses drawing parallels with My Blood pitch wise - with lyrical ideas of having to adapt to new situations and trying to better both his mind state and himself as a person. It also tackles the idea of what might happen after death, and since Tyler seems to be going through a crisis in faith in God, it makes for an interesting topic. The lyrics themselves are really smart, with the repeated line of "we're surrounded, and we're hounded, there's above, or under or around it" making it - for me at least - the catchiest title on the track list. If you dig symbolic lyrics, an addictive beat and captivating vocals, Morph is your new best friend. (This song is such a fascinating one to dive into, if you want more I'd recommend this video from The Pop Song Professor)

So that is my whole run-down of what is the best album I've heard in such a long time. Claps to you if you made it all the way through. Is Trench as fantastic as Blurryface though? I'm yet to decide. 

Hope you're having a great week!

From, 

Eleanor