Exactly 10 years ago, Welsh band Neck Deep dropped their debut studio album, “Wishful Thinking.” After two EPs (“Rain in July” and “A History of Bad Decisions”) that showcased their potential, they landed this first major release with Hopeless Records. Neck Deep initially made waves in the UK music scene as one of the country’s few pop punk bands. But they really caught the international audience’s attention at a time when pop punk was kinda losing its edge.
What hits you right off the bat with this album is the energy it packs. The guitar riffs are both melodic and hard-hitting, backed by a lively rhythm section. Tracks like “Losing Teeth” and “Crushing Grief (No Remedy)” perfectly embody this vibe.
The band’s authenticity and the heartfelt lyrics really connected them with fans. Neck Deep quickly became a staple on the pop punk scene, a status they maintain to this day. The album was a massive success for the then-newcomers. Every song has now hit over 3 million streams on Spotify, with two tracks even breaking the 10 million mark.
So, 10 years on, “Wishful Thinking” remains a landmark album that introduced Neck Deep to the world. This 10th anniversary is the perfect time to revisit this iconic album and celebrate its lasting impact on the music scene, especially as we wait for the band’s 5th album set to drop this year.
To check it out or take a trip down memory lane, head over here: