Kodaline’s final album is strangely comforting, despite knowing this is the last time we will hear new music from the band. From beginning to end, We Were Only Young takes you on a journey that feels tied up in a neat bow by the time you reach the final track.
Irish rock band Kodaline have confirmed that this will be their final album, accompanied by a final tour. Listening to the record, there is perhaps no better farewell than this combination of sublime ballads, pop-rock and acoustic songs.
The album title, alongside the tracklist, is a stark reminder that we have to grow up and that life doesn’t remain stagnant. Since June, fans have been teased with singles from the album, including the title track, ‘We Were Only Young’, which captures soulful sentiments about memories, love and accepting change.
As you would expect, the songwriting feels deeply personal to frontman Steve Garrigan. It is a collection of reassuring lyrics, melodies that put the hairs up on the back of your neck and an appreciation of the journey of life. ‘Without You’, written for Garrigan’s wife to perform at their wedding, is perhaps the clearest example of his heartfelt approach to songwriting.
Fans will also find some comfort in the fact that Kodaline haven’t opted for any unexpected stylistic reinvention on their fifth and final album. Strings, guitars and flawless vocals remain at the heart of their sound.
Listening to the album in full, there is no escaping the exquisite storytelling.
The album opens with ‘Who Will Save You Now’. It starts slowly before building into a passionate repetition of the chorus, with Garrigan’s incredible vocals eventually joined by drums. The result feels almost cinematic, bookended by soothing birdsong. There is certainly no holding back on this album.
‘Vultures’ is an infectious track that many listeners will already have on repeat. Its upbeat energy almost makes you feel happy that Kodaline are going out on a high.
‘Last Forever’ feels like a more mature love song compared with some of the band’s earlier material. Its acknowledgement of reality — “when the cracks show… a love like this will last forever” — offers a more grounded perspective on lasting relationships.
One of the album’s more upbeat moments, you can already imagine crowds on the final tour with their hands in the air, waving along together. It is a dynamic song that demands a little gentle head-bopping.
‘Learn To Lose’ is deeply emotional and relies heavily on connection. Lyrics such as “the world keeps turning” and “learning real love is cruel” provide a reminder of loss, while also recognising that love itself should be celebrated.
For fans, the track may inevitably feel like part of the goodbye to a band they have loved for so many years.
The final three tracks – ‘Hindsight’, ‘It’s Not Over’ and ‘This One For Me’ – consolidate the album’s sense of farewell. By the time you reach the end, the message is clear: growth, connection and love are universal themes that have remained central to Kodaline’s music throughout their career.
The 12-track album is no exception. Fans can rely on the beautiful songwriting, heartfelt performances and emotional storytelling that have become synonymous with Kodaline.
There is undoubtedly sadness in seeing the band’s story come to an end, but We Were Only Young feels like the right way to say goodbye.
Rather than simply mourning what has been lost, Kodaline have created an album about appreciating what came before, accepting change and celebrating the connections that remain.
A fitting final chapter for a band whose music has always been about making people feel something.
Based in Norwich, Sally Reeder is passionate about all things music and is an aspiring music journalist. You will likely find her at a gig or festival in her free time. Inadvertently, she has the perfect name for the indie, rock and brit-pop scene with countless songs being named after her!
Sally is a graduate from UEA with English Literature BA Hons and Business Marketing and Management MSc. Currently Sally works as a secondary English teacher and her love of words, lyrics and poetry she passes on with enthusiasm to the students she teaches.
