The Click

Released in 2017, The Click served as the definitive breakthrough for AJR, solidifying their signature 'spokestep' production style. The album is characterized by its Overture, a tradition the band adopted to showcase their DIY production prowess by sampling every subsequent track on the record into a cohesive opening statement. Lyrically, the album explores themes of delayed adulthood, the superficiality of social media ('Drama'), and the search for authentic connection ('Sober Up'). The inclusion of Rivers Cuomo on 'Sober Up' bridged the gap between 90s alternative sensibilities and modern indie pop. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the band's polarizing but undeniably unique approach to genre-blending, often comparing their theatricality to a modern-day pop version of a musical. The album's success was fueled by its relatability to a younger audience navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood in a digital-first world.