With the original album consisting of ten songs, it opens with ‘A Moment of Silence’, and we are given exactly what is said. It seems intentionally placed to give listeners a thirty-second period to take the time to think on their own thoughts and challenges, some of which the album itself may express within its lyrics and instrumentals. Undoubtedly, it’s there to prepare the audience for what's ahead.
Then come tracks like ‘Prey’, ‘Daddy Issues’, and ‘R.I.P. 2 My Youth’, arguably some of the most defining songs that the group have released to date. The project follows the conventional and noticeable vibe of The Neighbourhood, merging a range of genres with emotion in a way that forces personal reflection.
The album overall holds that sense of validation, where listeners can connect with the themes illustrated, giving them a sense of familiarity and making them feel seen and heard.
So, what does the 10th anniversary edition give us that we didn’t have access to before?
Literally speaking, eleven more tracks have been added, but metaphorically, it expands on the messages that the band effortlessly put across ten years ago. Packed with remixes, demos, and some additional tracks, this edition somehow redefines an album that already felt complete.
The bonus material kicks off with ‘Leather Weather’, which is a circle back around from their most listened to song ‘Sweater Weather’ - a reminder as to why fans love the band. This unreleased track from the original era is created from a blend of chaotic production and the signature sadness The Neighbourhood encapsulates in their discography. ‘Maniac’ follows - a haunting tone paired with unguarded lyrics presented by Jesse Rutherford’s aching vocals.
‘Cinnamon’ could easily slot into the original record, featuring a warmth that seems to soften the album’s, and lyrically its own, darker edges. The instrumental ‘Pressure’ mirrors aspects from the album cover - a beach and a palm tree near the sea. A seagull can be heard, as well as distant waves, making it a cinematic break that poses like the score in a movie, filled with tension and beauty.
The rework of ‘Daddy Issues’ is a standout. Syd’s added vocals bring a new depth, merging effortlessly with the voice of Jesse. In a way, it converts confession into a conversation, seeing two sides of the same story.
It then drifts through the demos of a handful of the tracks. ‘The Beach (Demo)’ is lo-fi, stripped of the polish it ended up being framed by. ‘Greetings from Califournia (Demo)’ is rougher around the edges, and ‘R.I.P. 2 My Youth (Demo)’ comes with cracked emotion and a certain rawness.
Being the third rendition of ‘Daddy Issues’ on the tracklist, the memo showcases an iPhone-note-style artefact. It is imperfect and beautiful, presenting the building stage of such an impactful song. ‘Cry Baby’ also has a memo, just voice, melody, and a snippet of what it was like to be in the studio when it was being created - giving fans a way to feel even closer to the band. Lastly, the title song’s memo, ‘Wiped Out?! (Memo)’ is unguarded, closing the anniversary edition with the band’s behind-the-scenes laid bare.
Together, the additional tracks expose the album’s true fragility and deeply personal core. They peel back the layers of a project that was already raw and introspective, redefining an era that is clearly a fan-favourite.
Lily Howard
Image: ‘Wiped Out! (10th Anniversary Edition)’ Official Album Cover