Around the World and Back
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Around the World and Back
| type = studio
| artist = State Champs
| cover = Aroundtheworldandback_albumart.jpg
| alt =
| released = {{Start date|2015|10|16}}
| recorded = February 13 – March 27, 2015
| studio =
| genre = Pop punk
| length = 36:15
| label = Pure Noise
| producer = Kyle Black, Derek Discanio, Howard Benson
| prev_title = The Finer Things
| prev_year = 2013
| next_title = Living Proof
| next_year = 2018
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Around the World and Back
| type = studio
| single1 = Secrets
| single1date = July 16, 2015
| single2 = Losing Myself
| single2date = August 9, 2015
| single3 = All You Are Is History
| single3date = September 1, 2015
| single4 = Slow Burn
| single4date = March 30, 2017
}}
}}
Around the World and Back is the second studio album by American pop punk band State Champs.
Background
On February 13, the State Champs began recording their next album. Recording lasted for 38 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_enter_studio_to_record_new_album|title=State Champs enter studio to record new album|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=February 13, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217011102/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_enter_studio_to_record_new_album|archivedate=February 17, 2015}} On March 27, it was announced that the group had finished recording.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_finish_recording_new_album|title=State Champs finish recording new album|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=March 27, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331001148/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_finish_recording_new_album|archivedate=March 31, 2015}}
Release
In April and May 2015, the group supported All Time Low on their headlining US tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/issues_tonight_alive_state_champs_to_open_all_time_lows_spring_headlining_t|title=Issues, Tonight Alive, State Champs to open All Time Low's spring headlining tour|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=January 13, 2015|accessdate=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207213502/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/issues_tonight_alive_state_champs_to_open_all_time_lows_spring_headlining_t|archivedate=February 7, 2016}} They supported 5 Seconds of Summer on their headlining arena tour in Australia and New Zealand.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/5_seconds_of_summer_and_state_champs_are_touring_australia_this_summer|title=5 Seconds of Summer and State Champs are touring Australia this Summer|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Major, Nick|date=May 4, 2015|accessdate=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418082237/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/5_seconds_of_summer_and_state_champs_are_touring_australia_this_summer|archivedate=April 18, 2017}} On July 16, Around the World and Back was announced for release ion October., revealing its track listing and artwork. In addition, "Secrets" was made available for streaming.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_new_album_with_secrets_single|title=State Champs announce new album with "Secrets" single|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=July 16, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220725/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_new_album_with_secrets_single|archivedate=September 14, 2017}} In July and August, the group embarked on a headlining US tour, dubbed The Shot Boys of Summer Tour. They were supported by Hit the Lights, Tiny Moving Parts, Let It Happen and Northbound.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_headlining_tour_with_hit_the_lights_tiny_moving_parts|title=State Champs announce headlining tour with Hit The Lights, Tiny Moving Parts, more|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=May 20, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524041912/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_headlining_tour_with_hit_the_lights_tiny_moving_parts|archivedate=May 24, 2015}} On August 9, "Losing Myself" was made available for streaming.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_stream_new_single_losing_myself|title=State Champs stream new single, "Losing Myself"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=August 9, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813041602/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_stream_new_single_losing_myself|archivedate=August 13, 2015}} On September 1, a music video was released for "All You Are Is History".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_release_video_for_new_single_all_you_are_is_history|title=State Champs release video for new single, "All You Are Is History"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Leak, Brian|date=September 1, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708211939/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_release_video_for_new_single_all_you_are_is_history|archivedate=July 8, 2017}} On September 29, the title-track was made available for streaming.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_offer_an_acoustic_duet_with_around_the_world_and_backhistory|title=State Champs offer an acoustic duet with "Around The World And Back"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Leak, Brian|date=September 29, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219165141/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_offer_an_acoustic_duet_with_around_the_world_and_backhistory|archivedate=December 19, 2017}} Around the World and Back was made available for streaming on October 12,{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/entry/stream_state_champs_new_album_around_the_world_and_back_exclusive|title=Stream State Champs' new album, 'Around The World And Back' (exclusive)|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Crane, Matt|date=October 12, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113050456/http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/stream_state_champs_new_album_around_the_world_and_back_exclusive|archivedate=November 13, 2015}} before being released on October 16 through Pure Noise Records. In October and November, the group supported The Wonder Years on their headlining US tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_wonder_years_announce_tour_with_motion_city_soundtrack_state_champs|title=The Wonder Years announce tour with Motion City Soundtrack, State Champs, You Blew It!|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=August 10, 2015|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504054118/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_wonder_years_announce_tour_with_motion_city_soundtrack_state_champs|archivedate=May 4, 2017}}
In May 2016, the group supported A Day to Remember on their Just Some Shows tour in the US.{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/40167/a-day-to-remember-announce-u-s-shows-with-parkway-drive-and-state-champs/|title=A Day To Remember Announce U.S. Shows With Parkway Drive And State Champs|work=Kerrang!|author=Emily|date=February 3, 2016|accessdate=August 29, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205102509/http://www.kerrang.com/40167/a-day-to-remember-announce-u-s-shows-with-parkway-drive-and-state-champs/|archivedate=February 5, 2016}} In November and December, the group supported Sleeping with Sirens on their headlining US tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/sleeping_with_sirens_announce_tour_with_state_champs_tonight_alive_waterpar|title=Sleeping With Sirens announce tour with State Champs, Tonight Alive, Waterparks|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Sharp, Tyler|date=August 15, 2016|accessdate=December 17, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504060550/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/sleeping_with_sirens_announce_tour_with_state_champs_tonight_alive_waterpar|archivedate=May 4, 2017}} On March 31, 2017, "Slow Burn" was made available for streaming. On April 19, the group released an acoustic version of "Secrets".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/listen_to_state_champs_summer_ready_acoustic_version_of_secrets|title=Listen to State Champs' summer-ready, acoustic version of "Secrets"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=April 19, 2017|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622043927/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/listen_to_state_champs_summer_ready_acoustic_version_of_secrets|archivedate=June 22, 2017}} In April and May, the group went on a headlining US tour with support from Against the Current, With Confidence and Don Broco.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_tour_with_against_the_current_with_confidence_and_don|title=State Champs announce tour with Against The Current, With Confidence and Don Broco|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=December 14, 2016|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729230602/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_announce_tour_with_against_the_current_with_confidence_and_don|archivedate=July 29, 2017}} On May 5, the group released a deluxe edition of the album. It featured two acoustic versions of album tracks, two new songs, two live recordings and a DVD. It was promoted with "Slow Burn",{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/listen_to_state_champs_addictive_new_song_slow_burn|title=Listen to State Champs' addictive new song, "Slow Burn"|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=March 31, 2017|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614082629/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/listen_to_state_champs_addictive_new_song_slow_burn|archivedate=June 14, 2017}} an acoustic version of "Secrets"{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/listen_to_state_champs_summer_ready_acoustic_version_of_secrets/|title=Listen to State Champs’ summer-ready, acoustic version of 'Secrets'|work=Alternative Press|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=April 19, 2017|accessdate=October 25, 2023}} and "Hurry Up and Wait".{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/state_champs_release_new_song_off_deluxe_release_hurry_up_and_waitlisten/|title=State Champs release new song off deluxe release, 'Hurry Up And Wait'—listen|work=Alternative Press|date=May 5, 2017|accessdate=October 25, 2023}} The DVD was made available for streaming on November 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_around_the_world_and_back_movie_stream|title=Watch State Champs' 'Around The World And Back' DVD online right now|work=Alternative Press|publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=November 2, 2017|accessdate=December 19, 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219165141/https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/state_champs_around_the_world_and_back_movie_stream|archivedate=December 19, 2017}}
Reception
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = AbsolutePunk
| rev1score = 85/100
| rev2 = Alternative Press
| rev3 = Exclaim!
| rev4 = Sputnikmusic
| rev5 = Substream Magazine
}}
The album has received generally positive reviews from critics. Most critics cite Derek Discanio's vocals, and the album's overall sound. The band's inclusion of orchestration on tracks, the album's title track which features Ansley Newman of Jule Vera, and the production are noted as highlights. The record has drawn multiple comparisons to the work of genre albums like New Found Glory, A Day to Remember, and All Time Low.
Writing for Alternative Press, Evan Lucy praised the growth the band has shown since their debut. Lucy went on to say, "a new level of nuance and polish (is shown) here thanks to songwriting skills that are certainly a few notches more developed than many bands (in) their senior."
Davery Boy of Sputnikmusic, also wrote a positive review. He commended the band's ability to write catchy hooks and gave particular praise to "All or Nothing" and its fusion of the band's pop punk and alternative rock. Boy went on to write, "The quintet still perform pop punk better than many of their contemporaries...this LP sounds significantly more effective when played out loud, rather than through head or earphones....But it's difficult to ignore the feeling that they are capable of more."
Upon its release, the album peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard 200, and #3 on both the US Alternative and Top Rock Charts. Around the World and Back was nominated for Album Of The Year and "Secrets" was nominated for Song 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}} The video for "Losing Myself" won the Music Video of the Year award at the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/state_champs_losing_myself_best_music_video_2017_apmas/|title=State Champs’ 'Losing Myself' wins Music Video Of The Year at the 2017 APMAs|work=Alternative Press|author=Dickman, Maggie|date=July 18, 2017|accessdate=October 25, 2023}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| title1 = Eyes Closed
| length1 = 3:09
| title2 = Secrets
| length2 = 3:44
| title3 = Losing Myself
| length3 = 3:17
| title4 = All You Are Is History
| length4 = 3:02
| title5 = Perfect Score
| length5 = 3:18
| title6 = All or Nothing
| length6 = 3:39
| title7 = Shape Up
| length7 = 2:44
| title8 = Back and Forth
| length8 = 2:53
| title9 = Around the World and Back
| length9 = 3:50
| title10 = Breaking Ground
| length10 = 3:42
| title11 = Tooth and Nail
| length11 = 2:57
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Deluxe edition bonus tracks
| title12 = Elevated
| note12 = live
| length12 = 3:30
| title13 = All You Are Is History
| note13 = live
| length13 = 2:58
| title14 = Losing Myself
| note14 = acoustic
| length14 = 3:11
| title15 = Secrets
| note15 = acoustic
| length15 = 3:54
| title16 = Hurry Up and Wait
| length16 = 2:29
| title17 = Slow Burn
| length17 = 3:08
}}
Personnel
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
State Champs
- Derek DiScanio – lead vocals
- Tyler Szalkowski – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Ryan Scott Graham – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Tony "Rival" Diaz – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Evan Ambrosio – drums, percussion
{{col-2}}
Production
- Kyle Black – production, engineering, mixing
- Colin Schwanke – additional production, engineering
- Devon Corey – engineering
- Courtney Ballard – drum engineering
- Ted Jensen – mastering
{{col-end}}
Charts
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| Chart (2015)
!Peak |
|---|
| {{album chart|Australia|31|artist=State Champs|album=Around the World and Back}} |
| {{album chart|Scotland|79|artist=State Champs}} |
| {{album chart|UK|78|artist=State Champs}} |
| {{album chart|Billboard200|30|artist=State Champs|accessdate=October 11, 2019}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardIndependent|5|artist=State Champs|accessdate=October 11, 2019}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardAlternative|3|artist=State Champs|accessdate=October 11, 2019}} |
| {{album chart|BillboardRock|3|artist=State Champs|accessdate=October 11, 2019}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_k7ucCSuczk0EB52qsZKIQS8IEojE22yGA Around the World and Back] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
{{Authority control}}