American Candy

The Maine were teasing a new album in summer 2014, and then proceeded to announce that they would be writing new material in Heber, Arizona. Recording took place at Joshua Tree in California with Colby Wedgeworth acting as the producer. He also engineered and mixed the sessions. Recording place between November 12 and December 12. Ross Garfield was the drum technician at Drum Doctors. Tom Coyne mastered the recordings at Sterling Sound.

The album's sound has been described as alternative rock, indie rock, new wave, pop, pop rock and rock. "American Candy" was originally written for Forever Halloween. Drummer Pat Kirch explained that the song "didn't really fit" Forever Halloween, but the band revived it for American Candy "and made it fit."

On January 6, 2015, the group revealed that their new album was titled American Candy, and would be released in the spring.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_to_release_their_new_new_album_american_candy_this_spring|title=The Maine to release their new new album, 'American Candy,' this spring|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=January 6, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423164456/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_to_release_their_new_new_album_american_candy_this_spring|archivedate=April 23, 2016}} "English Girls" was made available for streaming on February 9,{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_release_new_single_english_girls|title=The Maine release new single, "English Girls"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=February 9, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315153949/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_release_new_single_english_girls|archivedate=March 15, 2015}} and was released as a single on February 10.{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/english-girls-mr0004381716|title=English Girls – The Maine {{!}} Release Info|work=AllMusic|accessdate=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222174638/http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/english-girls-mr0004381716|archivedate=December 22, 2015}} The song garnered more than 92,000 streams in less than 4 days on Soundcloud.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/The-Maine-Announces-New-LP-American-Candy-Due-331-Headlining-Tour-to-Follow-20150214|title=The Maine Announces New LP 'American Candy' Due 3/31; Headlining Tour to Follow|website=broadwayworld.com|author=Sally Henry Fuller|date=February 14, 2015|access-date=May 30, 2022}} On the same day, American Candy was announced for release, and the track listing and artwork was revealed.{{cite web|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/the-maines-new-song-english-girls-is-the-pop-rock-gem-your-tuesday-needs|title=The Maine's New Song 'English Girls' Is The Pop-Rock Gem Your Tuesday Needs|work=Rock Sound|author=Biddulph, Andy|date=February 10, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222145252/http://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/the-maines-new-song-english-girls-is-the-pop-rock-gem-your-tuesday-needs|archivedate=December 22, 2015}} "Miles Away" was made available for streaming on March 10.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/hear_the_maines_new_single_miles_away|title=Hear the Maine's new single, "Miles Away"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Crane, Matt|date=March 10, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312171335/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/hear_the_maines_new_single_miles_away|archivedate=March 12, 2015}} The song debuted at number 16 on the iTunes Alternative Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.poconorecord.com/story/entertainment/2016/03/11/the-maine-frontman-offers-one/32410225007/|title=The Maine frontman offers one universal truth|author=Dustin Schoof|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2022}} "Same Suit, Different Tie" was made available for streaming on March 30.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_stream_new_song_same_suit_different_tie|title=The Maine stream new song, "Same Suit, Different Tie"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Crane, Matt|date=March 30, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402041838/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_stream_new_song_same_suit_different_tie|archivedate=April 2, 2015}} American Candy was released through 8123 Records on March 31. To help promote the release, the band released an acoustic version of "Miles Away" and did a 24-hour live stream.{{cite web|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/grab-a-free-acoustic-track-from-the-maine-with-rock-sound|title=Grab A FREE Acoustic Track From The Maine With Rock Sound|work=Rock Sound|author=Biddulph, Andy|date=March 31, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222111035/http://www.rocksound.tv/features/read/grab-a-free-acoustic-track-from-the-maine-with-rock-sound|archivedate=December 22, 2015}} In April and May, the group went on a headlining North American tour with support from Real Friends, Knuckle Puck and the Technicolors.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_real_friends_knuckle_puck_announce_tour|title=Real Friends, Knuckle Puck to open the Maine's spring tour|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=January 6, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315015329/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_real_friends_knuckle_puck_announce_tour|archivedate=March 15, 2017}} On June 1, a music video for "English Girls" was premiered via MTV{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_have_an_interesting_night_out_in_new_english_girls_music_video|title=The Maine have an interesting night out in new "English Girls" music video|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=June 1, 2015|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231201351/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_have_an_interesting_night_out_in_new_english_girls_music_video|archivedate=December 31, 2017}} which was directed by Daniel Gomes.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtXF1_CY6_c|title=The Maine – English Girls|date=June 1, 2015|work=YouTube|author=TheMaineOfficialVEVO|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126153337/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtXF1_CY6_c|archivedate=November 26, 2015}} Tyler Sharp of Alternative Press said the video features the band members "enduring an interesting night out, which is concluded with an unforeseen twist."

From late August to early October, the band went on The Free For All Tour; every show of the tour was free-of-charge.{{cite web|url=http://national.suntimes.com/national-entertainment/7/72/1473543/band-the-maine-announces-free-tour|title=The Maine announces that the concerts in their fall tour will be free|work=Suntimes|author=Miller, Kaitlin|date=July 15, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222093543/http://national.suntimes.com/national-entertainment/7/72/1473543/band-the-maine-announces-free-tour|archivedate=December 22, 2015|df=mdy-all}} The shows took place at out-of-the-ordinary areas such as radio stations, parks and malls. Kirch explained the band wanted the tour to be "a big party and an opportunity" for fans "who can't afford to buy a ticket to come". In between the dates for the tour, the band performed intimate shows where they played American Candy in full. Kirch revealed the band "felt like it was important to do and our fans wanted to hear it".{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3734404|title=The Maine – 9/30/15 – Interview|work=AbsolutePunk.net|author=Acosta, Anna |date=September 30, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015}} The band supported Mayday Parade in the UK and Europe in January and February 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/34592/mayday-parade-announce-black-lines-2016-headline-tour/|title=Mayday Parade Announce Black Lines 2016 Headline Tour|work=Kerrang!|author=Emily|date=August 11, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221194225/http://www.kerrang.com/34592/mayday-parade-announce-black-lines-2016-headline-tour/|archivedate=December 21, 2015}} In March and April, the band went on a co-headlining US tour with Mayday Parade with support from Better Off.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/mayday_parade_the_maine_announce_co_headlining_tour|title=Mayday Parade, the Maine announce co-headlining tour|work=Alternative Press|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=December 16, 2015|accessdate=December 17, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218023641/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/mayday_parade_the_maine_announce_co_headlining_tour|archivedate=December 18, 2015}} On March 28, a music video was released for "Am I Pretty?".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_say_were_all_pretty_in_new_music_videowatch|title=The Maine say we're all pretty in new music video—watch|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Ralph, Caitlyn|date=March 28, 2016|accessdate=December 31, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203033537/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_maine_say_were_all_pretty_in_new_music_videowatch|archivedate=December 3, 2016}} The band went on the 2016 edition of Warped Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/first_10_bands_announced_for_warped_tour_2016|title=First 10 bands announced for Warped Tour 2016|work=Alternative Press|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=March 22, 2016|accessdate=March 22, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325005440/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/first_10_bands_announced_for_warped_tour_2016|archivedate=March 25, 2016}}

{{Album reviews

| rev1 = AbsolutePunk

| rev1Score = 7/10{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3729016|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20150812104659/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3729016|title=The Maine – American Candy – Album Review|work=AbsolutePunk|author=Sorendino, Anthony |archivedate=August 12, 2015|accessdate=October 19, 2015}}

| rev2 = AllMusic

| rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/american-candy-mw0002823238|title=American Candy – The Maine – Review|last=Deming|first=Mark|accessdate=April 18, 2015|work=AllMusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408014948/http://www.allmusic.com/album/american-candy-mw0002823238|archivedate=April 8, 2015}}

| rev3 = Alternative Addiction

| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/Review/468|title=Album Review of American Candy by The Maine|work=Alternative Addiction|accessdate=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712091034/http://alternativeaddiction.com/Review/468|archivedate=July 12, 2015}}

| rev4 = Alternative Press

| rev4Score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/the_maine_american_candy_review |title=American Candy – The Maine – Review |last=Zaleski |first=Annie |accessdate=April 14, 2015 |date=March 31, 2015 |magazine=Alternative Press |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401195214/http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/the_maine_american_candy_review |archivedate=April 1, 2015 }}

| rev5 = AXS

| rev5Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=http://www.axs.com/uk/the-maine-american-candy-review-47655|title=The Maine 'American Candy' Review|work=AXS|author=Warner, Jordan|date=April 5, 2015|accessdate=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012521/http://www.axs.com/uk/the-maine-american-candy-review-47655|archivedate=March 5, 2016}}

| rev6 = Idobi

| rev6Score = 10/10{{cite web|url=http://idobi.com/review/album-review-the-maine-american-candy/|title=Album Review: The Maine – American Candy|work=Idobi|author=Stokes, Alyson|date=March 30, 2015|accessdate=October 19, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506194303/http://idobi.com/review/album-review-the-maine-american-candy/|archivedate=May 6, 2015}}

| rev7 = The Peak

| rev7Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=http://www.the-peak.ca/2015/11/album-reviews-jon-and-roy-the-maine-and-halsey/|title=Album reviews: Jon and Roy, The Maine, and Halsey|work=The Peak|author=Miller, Courtney|date=November 2, 2015|accessdate=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325015530/http://www.the-peak.ca/2015/11/album-reviews-jon-and-roy-the-maine-and-halsey/|archivedate=March 25, 2016}}

| rev8 = Rock Sound

| rev8Score = 5/10Biddulph 2015, p. 86

| rev9 = The State Press

| rev9Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=http://www.statepress.com/article/2015/03/the-maine-american-candy-is-an-indie-rock-masterpieces|title=The Maine's "American Candy" is an indie rock masterpiece|work=The State Press|author=Zentner, Emily|date=March 31, 2015|accessdate=December 15, 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222155119/http://www.statepress.com/article/2015/03/the-maine-american-candy-is-an-indie-rock-masterpieces|archivedate=December 22, 2015}}

| rev10 = UWM Post

| rev10Score = Favorable{{cite web|url=http://uwmpost.com/fringe/album-review-the-maines-american-candy|title=Album Review: The Maine's "American Candy"|work=UWM Post|author=Bayerl, Bo|date=April 20, 2015|accessdate=March 17, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324212858/http://uwmpost.com/fringe/album-review-the-maines-american-candy|archivedate=March 24, 2016}}

}}

American Candy received mostly positive feedback from music critics. Mark Deming of AllMusic rated the album three and a half stars out of five, writing that it is "a polished contemporary pop sound that meshes with the band's strong but tuneful approach, and the lyrics are often thoughtful and frequently witty meditations on relationships, popular culture, and the world around us." Annie Zaleski of Alternative Press gave the album four out of five stars and writes: "American Candy is full of the classic-sounding pop-rock they do so well."

American Candy was nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2016 Alternative Press Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/aptv/video/and_the_nominees_for_the_2016_apmas_are|title=Here are the nominees for the 2016 AP Music Awards!|work=Alternative Press|author=Whitt, Cassie|date=March 18, 2016|accessdate=May 1, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423063602/http://www.altpress.com/aptv/video/and_the_nominees_for_the_2016_apmas_are|archivedate=April 23, 2016}}

{{Track listing

|all_writing = The Maine.

|title1 = Miles Away

|length1 = 3:38

|title2 = Same Suit, Different Tie

|length2 = 3:18

|title3 = My Hair

|length3 = 3:15

|title4 = English Girls

|length4 = 3:13

|title5 = 24 Floors

|length5 = 3:43

|title6 = Diet Soda Society

|length6 = 3:00

|title7 = Am I Pretty?

|length7 = 3:02

|title8 = (Un)Lost

|length8 = 3:45

|title9 = American Candy

|length9 = 3:48

|title10 = Another Night on Mars

|length10 = 4:26

|total_length = 35:05

}}

Personnel per booklet.{{cite AV media notes|title=American Candy|others=The Maine |year=2015|type=Booklet|publisher=8123|id=8123-012}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;The Maine

• John O'Callaghan – vocals, guitar, keys
• Jared Monaco – lead guitar
• Kennedy Brock – rhythm guitar
• Garrett Nickelsen – bass
• Pat Kirch – drums

{{col-2}}

;Production

• Colby Wedgeworth – producer, engineer, mixing
• Tom Coyne – mastering
• Ross Garfield – drum tech
• John O'Callaghan, Tim Kirch – art direction, design
• Dirk Mai – photography

{{col-end}}

; Citations

{{Reflist|2}}

;Sources

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite journal|editor1-last=Bird|editor1-first=Ryan|last1=Biddulph|first=Andy|title=Reviews|journal=Rock Sound|date=May 2015|issue=199|publisher=Freeway Press Inc.|location=London|issn=1465-0185}}

{{refend}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSe7stPNYZLe8srsKLIfnLYFm4HbKFQb3 American Candy] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)

{{The Maine}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:The Maine (band) albums

Category:2015 albums