Though far from their only hit, Sechs Kies’ 1998 single Couple has become their most enduring classic. It’s the kind of light, melodic boy band fare that would often be played on adult contemporary stations here in the States. These kind of songs tend to have lasting appeal because they aren’t edgy or divisive enough to polarize opinion. It’s pop song comfort food, and there’s no shame in that.

I mention this because new single All For You chases the same template. It’s as easy-listening as the guys have sounded in a while, and it works. For some listeners, I’m sure that All For You’s retro sound will feel reductive or boring. But, as soon as I heard the track’s drum machine, shimmering synths and touches of guitar, I felt right at home. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and Sechs Kies have expertly harnessed a specific brand of late-80’s nostalgia here.

Your mileage with All For You will vary greatly depending on your musical touchstones. Objectively, nothing about the track is all that noteworthy. The melody is pleasant but not spectacular, and despite a late-song key change, it doesn’t really go anywhere. Yet, there’s an ease to the arrangement that both calms and bounces. I love the accents of warm brass that join the chorus, adding a jolt of interest to the otherwise simple hook. And then of course there’s that throwback drum loop, which anchors the track right from the beginning.

All For You is not the kind of thing I’ll likely seek out too often, but you better believe that whenever it comes on I’m busting out the old man snapping and shoulder grooving. And, I won’t even feel that guilty about it.

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