We Can Take Care of Ourselves

Inspired by the S.E. Hinton novel The Outsiders, We Can Take Care of Ourselves is not exactly a concept album. It captures the feel of the novel, but is not a retelling of it. And you don’t need to be familiar with the book to appreciate this album. The references are subtle (though fun to spot for fans of Hinton’s work) and the songs emphasize the universal themes of the book more than the actual plotline. The lyrics examine the themes of identity (“Outside,” “Double Feature”), friendship and coming-of-age (“Glory,” “Hank Williams”), and the development of one’s value system (“Waiting,” “Love Me More”) with the amplified intensity that comes with youth, all supported by a dynamic and hook-filled soundtrack that includes rock anthems and well-crafted pop alike. The keyboard and synthesizer on “Hospital” create a moody and tense atmosphere, and the wiry and swaggering “Tuff Hair” sounds like a fight about to break out. The outstanding “Teenagers Are Tired” and “We Occupy Each Other” serve as the heart of the album by confronting the inevitability of change and growth.