**Flipside (album)**
**Definition:**
*Flipside* is the third studio album by American rock band The Click Five, released in 2008. The album marked a stylistic shift for the band, incorporating more mature themes and diverse musical influences compared to their earlier power pop sound.
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# Flipside (album)
*Flipside* is the third studio album by American rock band The Click Five, released on November 18, 2008. Known for their catchy power pop style and polished production, The Click Five took a new artistic direction with *Flipside*, exploring more varied musical arrangements and lyrical themes. The album was produced by Mike Denneen and marked the band’s final release before their disbandment in 2013.
## Background
The Click Five formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2004 and quickly gained popularity with their debut album *Greetings from Imrie House* (2005), which featured a blend of power pop and new wave influences. Their sophomore album, *Modern Minds and Pastimes* (2007), continued in a similar vein but with a more polished and radio-friendly sound.
By the time the band began work on *Flipside*, they had undergone several lineup changes, most notably the departure of original lead vocalist Eric Dill in 2007. Kyle Patrick replaced Dill as the new frontman, bringing a different vocal style and creative energy to the group. This personnel change influenced the band’s musical direction on *Flipside*, as they sought to evolve beyond their earlier teen pop image.
## Recording and Production
Recording sessions for *Flipside* took place primarily in 2008, with producer Mike Denneen overseeing the project. Denneen, known for his work with alternative and indie rock acts, helped the band craft a sound that was more organic and less reliant on studio polish than their previous albums.
The band experimented with a wider range of instruments and arrangements, incorporating elements of rock, pop, and even hints of folk and soul. The production emphasized live instrumentation and vocal harmonies, aiming to showcase the band’s growth as musicians and songwriters.
## Musical Style and Themes
*Flipside* represents a departure from The Click Five’s earlier power pop and new wave influences, embracing a more mature and diverse sound. The album blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, reflecting themes of personal growth, relationships, and self-discovery.
Musically, the album features a mix of upbeat rock tracks, mid-tempo ballads, and more experimental compositions. The band’s use of layered guitars, piano, and vocal harmonies creates a textured soundscape that balances accessibility with artistic ambition.
Lyrically, *Flipside* explores the complexities of young adulthood, including the challenges of change, the search for identity, and the ups and downs of romantic relationships. The album’s title itself suggests a new perspective or a different side of the band’s artistic persona.
## Track Listing
The standard edition of *Flipside* includes the following tracks:
1. „Happy Birthday”
2. „Don’t Let Me Go”
3. „Empty”
4. „Flipside”
5. „I Quit! I Quit! I Quit!”
6. „Love at First Sight”
7. „The Way It Goes”
8. „Come Back to Me”
9. „I Still Wonder”
10. „The Last One”
11. „I Can Do Better”
12. „I Know You Hate Me”
Several editions of the album, including international releases, featured bonus tracks and acoustic versions of select songs.
## Singles and Promotion
The lead single from *Flipside* was „Happy Birthday,” which received moderate radio airplay and was accompanied by a music video. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus exemplified the band’s attempt to maintain their pop appeal while showcasing their evolving sound.
Other singles included „Don’t Let Me Go” and „Empty,” both of which highlighted the band’s more introspective and mature songwriting. The Click Five promoted the album through a series of live performances and tours, including appearances at music festivals and television programs.
Despite positive critical reception for their artistic growth, *Flipside* did not achieve the commercial success of the band’s earlier releases. However, it helped solidify The Click Five’s reputation as a band willing to take creative risks.
## Critical Reception
Critics generally praised *Flipside* for its more sophisticated songwriting and diverse musical approach. Reviews highlighted the band’s improved lyrical depth and the stronger vocal performances of Kyle Patrick.
Some reviewers noted that while the album lacked the immediate hooks of the band’s debut, it demonstrated a commendable effort to evolve artistically. The production quality and musicianship were also frequently cited as strengths.
However, a few critics felt that the album’s stylistic shift might alienate some longtime fans who preferred the band’s earlier, more straightforward pop sound.
## Commercial Performance
*Flipside* experienced moderate commercial success, charting in several Asian markets where The Click Five had developed a strong fan base. The album’s performance in the United States was more subdued, reflecting the band’s waning mainstream popularity at the time.
The singles received airplay primarily on adult contemporary and pop rock radio stations, but none reached significant positions on major charts. Despite this, the album helped maintain the band’s presence in the international music scene.
## Legacy and Impact
Although *Flipside* did not achieve major commercial success, it is regarded by fans and some critics as an important milestone in The Click Five’s career. The album showcased the band’s willingness to mature and experiment beyond their initial teen pop image.
The artistic growth displayed on *Flipside* influenced the band’s subsequent work and contributed to their lasting appeal in certain markets, particularly in Asia. The album remains a notable example of a pop rock band attempting to balance commercial appeal with creative evolution.
Following *Flipside*, The Click Five continued to perform and release music sporadically before officially disbanding in 2013. The album is often cited as a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s versatility.
## Personnel
– Kyle Patrick – lead vocals, guitar
– Joe Guese – lead guitar, backing vocals
– Ben Romans – keyboards, backing vocals
– Ethan Mentzer – bass guitar, backing vocals
– Joey Zehr – drums, backing vocals
Additional musicians and production staff contributed to the album’s recording, including producer Mike Denneen, engineers, and session musicians.
## Conclusion
*Flipside* represents a significant chapter in The Click Five’s discography, illustrating their transition from a polished power pop act to a more mature and musically diverse band. While it did not replicate the commercial success of their earlier albums, *Flipside* remains an important work that highlights the band’s artistic ambitions and growth.
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**Meta Description:**
*Flipside* is the third studio album by The Click Five, released in 2008, showcasing the band’s shift toward a more mature and diverse musical style. The album features introspective lyrics and a blend of rock and pop influences.