The lead single is from their eagerly awaited sixth studio album ‘Everyone’s A Star!’, and is their debut release under Republic Records following the band’s departure from Interscope in 2021.
The video expresses both chaos and reflection, underlined by the gritty, punk-infused energy. Combining the visual style of late 90s and early 00s punk with a modern twist, the imagery begins with a pink limousine, cutting between burning cars, warehouse settings, and underground shows.
Visually and lyrically, themes of identity and rebellion are explored. When Luke Hemmings sings, “Where did the good boy go? / Killed the desire”, the frame shifts to red lighting and black-and-white shots of a crowd, symbolising the rejection of the former, polished “pop” persona. Later, during the line “I like the darker side of me”, bassist Calum Hood bites into an ‘apple’, a subtle metaphor for temptation and self-acceptance. Michael Clifford and Ashton Irwin further heighten the track’s intensity with a soaring guitar solo and thunderous drums.
Additionally, the video features moments of sharp satire, an example being nuns and a person dressed as Jesus holding a sign that reads, “Everyone’s a star! Boyband auditions tonight”. The image ties into the album’s title and central themes: imperfection, authenticity, and creative freedom.
Hemmings describes the song itself as a return to the band’s roots, stating that “It has the older 5 Seconds of Summer energy, but it’s different - which is the whole M.O. of this chapter. Lyrically, it’s about letting out the darker side of yourself and embracing it. The song is also a nod to the band itself. We pull those sides out of each other.”
The video reflects 5 Seconds of Summer’s artistic rebirth and evolution, and fans are beginning to see the band reclaim their identity. The single boldly sets the tone for what’s to come - an indication of the tracks on ‘Everyone’s A Star!’ being daring, unapologetic, and unmistakably their own.
Don’t miss the full album, which arrives November 14, 2025.
Lily Howard
Image: 5 Seconds of Summer ‘NOT OK’ Official Music Video Cover [YouTube]