Memories...Do Not Open

Audio Mixer: Jordan "DJ Swivel" Young.
Recording information: Delta Lab Studios, Copenhagen; Jungle City Studios, New York, NY; London Palladium, London, UK; Orange Factory Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Paramount Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Prestige Studios, London; Studios 301, Sydney, NSW, Australia; United Recording, Los Angeles, CA; WEstlake Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Woodshed Recording, Malibu, CA; YOur Moms House, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: James Zwadlo.
Memories: Do Not Open, the debut full-length from EDM-lite duo the Chainsmokers, is a hit of millennial escapism that follows EPs Bouquet and Collage (home to their number one single "Closer" and Grammy-winning "Don't Let Me Down"). With the help of producer DJ Swivel and guests like Emily Warren, Phoebe Ryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Imagine Dragons' Dan Reynolds, Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall shill a live-fast-die-young attitude that offers pure feelings of bliss. The Chainsmokers' typical chords and drops are all present, carrying waves of youthful lyrics that aim for profundity. Singles like "Paris" and the Coldplay duet "Something Just Like This" are undeniably catchy, especially the latter, which is a double-whammy of Coldplay's pure ineffable joy-rock and the Chainsmokers' patented drops. Two other standouts benefit from guest vocalists. On the Sam Martin co-write "It Won't Kill Ya," French singer Louane delivers a soulful and dramatic sequel to Daya's turn on "Don't Let Me Down," while R&B singer Jhené Aiko elevates "Wake Up Alone." Memories has its moments of merit that hit the proper spots and deliver the intended dose of dopamine. ~ Neil Z. Yeung