Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer has returned with “NOT OK,” their first new single since 2022.
The track serves as the lead single from their upcoming sixth studio album, Everyone’s A Star!, which is set for release on November 14, 2025. This marks the band’s first release under their new record deal with Republic Records.
The new song represents a notable shift in the band’s sound. While their previous work leaned heavily on guitar-driven pop-rock, “NOT OK” incorporates electronic elements and industrial textures reminiscent of acts like The Prodigy and N.E.R.D.
The result is a harder-edged track that maintains the band’s signature melodic sensibilities while exploring darker sonic territory.
Frontman Luke Hemmings explains the song’s direction: “It has the older 5 Seconds of Summer energy, but it’s different, which is the whole approach of this chapter.
Lyrically, it’s about letting out the darker side of yourself and embracing it.” This theme is evident in the chorus, where Hemmings sings, “Hey, I’m not okay / I like the darker side of me,” followed by the repeated hook “bite the apple, baby.”
The band recorded Everyone’s A Star! across sessions in Los Angeles and Nashville during 2024 and 2025.
They worked with producer Jason Evigan, known for his collaborations with Maroon 5 and Rüfüs Du Sol, as well as the songwriting team of Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, who have worked with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and previously with One Direction.
The album’s tracklist includes songs with intriguing titles such as “Telephone Busy,” “Boyband,” “No. 1 Obsession,” and “Evolve.”
According to Hemmings, the record captures both the band’s early free-spirited nature and the wisdom that comes with their 15 years of experience in the music industry.
5 Seconds of Summer formed in Sydney in 2011 and quickly rose to global prominence. They have sold over 18 million albums worldwide, moved six million concert tickets, and accumulated more than 10 billion streams.
The band holds the distinction of being the only Australian act to debut three albums at number one on the US Billboard 200.
Their previous album, 5SOS5, reached number two on the Billboard 200 and produced the US Top 40 hit “Complete Mess.” The band has also earned ARIA Awards, MTV EMAs, and VMAs throughout their career.
The release of “NOT OK” has generated mixed reactions among fans. Some appreciate the heavier electronic influence and see it as a natural evolution of the band’s sound.
Others have expressed preference for their more guitar-focused earlier work. This division reflects the band’s conscious effort to push their sound into new territory while maintaining their core identity.
The band describes this new phase as “5SOS 2.0 – Evolved,” promising their most ambitious era yet. With their new label backing and a willingness to experiment sonically, 5 Seconds of Summer appears ready to challenge both themselves and their audience’s expectations.
