Calum Hood’s debut solo album, ORDER chaos ORDER, marks a compelling departure from his work with 5 Seconds of Summer, carving out a distinctly personal space that balances vulnerability with polished, genre-blurring production. Following in the footsteps of his bandmates Ashton Irwin, Luke Hemmings, and the soon-to-be-released Michael Clifford solo projects, Hood proves that stepping out from the collective spotlight can yield deeply rewarding results.
At just 10 tracks, the album is concise but never feels truncated — each song landing with precision, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience that shifts deftly between synth-driven pop and emotionally charged balladry. It’s a record that feels fresh next to 5SOS’s catalogue, yet retains the emotional core that fans have come to love in Calum’s songwriting.
The opening single, “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” sets the tone with a shimmering synth-pop breakup anthem that balances upbeat instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics, immediately drawing listeners in. Following it, “Call Me When You Know Better” embraces a glitchy, energetic vibe that sounds like a perfect soundtrack for late-night runs or restless reflection. While both singles stand strong, it’s the opener that lingers longest, its bittersweet optimism resonating long after the song ends.
Where ORDER chaos ORDER truly shines is in its quieter, more introspective moments. “Sunsetter,” a track teased early on social media, emerges as an instant standout — a tender ode wrapped in melancholic beauty, exploring longing and the fragile hope of reciprocated love. Its delicate instrumentation and raw lyricism mark it as a highlight not just of the album, but of Hood’s evolving artistry.
Similarly, “All My Affection,” a relic from the lockdown era, offers an intimate glimpse into unconditional love’s complexities. It’s a sombre, haunting ballad that contrasts beautifully with the more buoyant moments, demonstrating Calum’s impressive range as both a vocalist and songwriter.
Adding a deeply personal layer to the record is “I Wanted to Stay,” a heartrending tribute to Hood’s late dog Duke. The track channels grief into a tender conversation with loss, grounding the album’s emotional weight in genuine experience.
Closing the album is “Three of Swords,” a fitting finale inspired by Hood’s fascination with tarot. This contemplative track weaves together the album’s themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, providing a thoughtful counterpoint to the energetic opener and leaving listeners with a sense of resolution.
ORDER chaos ORDER is a triumph of vulnerability and artistry — a succinct yet expansive album where Calum Hood embraces his solo voice with confidence and grace. It’s a record that not only expands the 5 Seconds of Summer narrative but invites listeners into a deeply personal, beautifully crafted world. For fans and newcomers alike, this album is a rewarding journey through the highs and lows of love, loss, and self-reckoning.
