Hedley may be Canada’s best kept music secret. Well, the secret is out with its fifth studio album “Wild Life”. It is different from its previous efforts with more electronic beats and pops, but instead of overstaying its welcome or becoming stale, it’s a catchy album that will have you popping it in for a nice drive.
Most people in America may not know a lot about the Canadian pop scene.
It is a pretty big scene and Hedley has been on the top of that scene for quite some time. They have been known for changing up their style of music up for each album they’ve done, improving as artists as time went on.  This fifth album shows a lot of what the band has learned over the years.
Starting off with “Anything” was a great choice, as it really teases what to expect from the rest of the album with its electronic style. Do not be surprised if you catch yourself singing the chorus, as it is easy to start sounding off with it. From there the album just rises.
The second and third song “Crazy for You” and “Headphones” are instanly reminiscent of Maroon 5. They are easy songs to shake your head around to. The fourth song, “I’ll be with You” was the weakest of the album, mostly due to the lyrics that throws you off the beat it has. But it’s redeemed with the follow up “Pocket Full of Dreams,” which slows down to a steady beat. It’s enjoyable and the lyrics are romantic without being  cliché.
“Mexico” came  completely out of left field, with its opening that’s closer to a Middle Eastern beat but then adds in more guitars, which gives the rest of the song more of a kick. “Heaven in our Headlights” and “Dreaming’s for Sleeping” bring back the synthetic pop that the album started with, and then you get to the album title, “Wild Life”.
“Wild Life” is the album’s strongest track. It is the lyrics that brings this track above the rest, with the medley in the background left subtle so the lyrics have more of an impact. If you skip the rest of this soundtrack, at least give this this one a shot.
The albums wraps up with “All the Way,” which goes out on a nice slow song, bringing it to a close on a high point.
Hedley may not be huge in the States, but giving this album a listen will make you wonder why; obviously not for people who despise the genre, but those who do enjoy it will find Hedley their next favorite band.