They state “We’re just kids, setting stuff on fire” as a declaration of their youth and lack of responsibilities. “Just Kids” is a youth anthem that deals with being young and enjoying one’s self. Additionally, the song includes synths to make it sound more fun. “Here We Go” is also a very poppy track that includes a choir of individuals singing along with the duo to add to the fun sound. While the lyrics aren’t necessarily the happiest, the track in itself does not even put a damper on your emotions. The music video for this track has puppets, so if that doesn’t scream happy and playful, I don’t know what does.
“Scarecrow”, the record’s first single, is a feel good song that makes you want to get up and dance. On the other hand, there are also happy, poppy songs in the record. It’s a really beautiful song that contains a lot of instrumentation including guitars and a piano to add to the darkened ambience.
“Broken Frame” is a far more somber song that discusses the struggles and hardships faced in a relationship (“The greatest pretenders forget to remember the lies/We’re falling forever, we’re far from together tonight”). It certainly shows the playful side of their romantic relationship. They jest about who they would cheat on each other with if there were no repercussions and question one another about it (“Do you ever think about a one night stand?/Leaving the club at 3AM, with a male model or a guy from a friend”). It’s not a dark song in any way, however. “Cheating” shows the quirkier side of the relationship as they delve into the topic of fantasies they’ve experienced about cheating on one another. While it deals with a darker topic, the song is the sweetest and most genuine on the album as no relationship is entirely happy. The song ends with a promise made by Alex to make things better,”I love you like you’ve never felt the pain, I’ll wait/I promise you don’t have to be afraid, I’ll wait/The love is here and here to stay so lay your head on me”. “Little Do You Know” speaks of an instance in which Alex harmed Sierra and it caused them both to feel some doubt and pain, ” Underneath it all I’m held captive by the hole inside/I’ve been holding back for the fear that you might change your mind/I’m ready to forgive you but forgetting is a harder fight/Little do you know/I need a little more time”.
Songs like “Little Do You Know”, “Cheating”, and “Broken Frame” seem to be the most genuine as they deal with real emotions felt in a relationship. While at times the record focuses on some fictitious aspects of a relationship in general, there are many instances in which the record hones in on the true nature of the relationship between Alex and Sierra. It certainly comes as no surprise that the album is entitled It’s About Us as the album is comprised of lyricism about their relationship. Shortly after their win, the group came together and worked on their debut album It’s About Us, which they claimed would be done “quickly” and “right”. However, it became apparent pretty early on that the group had a lot of potential, clearly the American public seemed to believe this as well as they wound up winning season 3 of the competition, the first group to ever do so. I say that I was biased because Alex Kinsey and Sierra Deaton, the people behind the beloved pop duo, were students of the University of Central Florida, the university I currently attend. I’ll admit that when I first heard of the duo on the singing competition show X Factor I was a little biased, but power couple Alex & Sierra soon won my hearts.