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“I guess I don’t see whatever she sees in me/confidence doesn’t come so easily/When you’re the guy who caught fire with the colored hair/From the band with the song about underwear,” Clifford sings on the bridge of the pop-punk record, which he co-produced with Andrew Goldstein and JT Daly. For what it’s worth, 5SOS have released four full-length studio albums since sharing “She Looks So Perfect” on their self-titled debut. Their most recent, the pristine pop record 5SOS5, saw Clifford step up as a primary producer for the first time. He also leads the bonus cut “Emotions,” which aligns musically and thematically with the direction of his solo efforts.

Last year, Clifford told Rolling Stone: “I’m a serial over-thinker when it comes to anything in terms of my own production. Sometimes it’s crippling, and I’ll just be completely frozen to the point where I’m like, well, I don’t know if this is good, and I don’t know if changing it is good … I’m realizing that there are other incredibly talented people who, if they think something is great, then I’m just sort of being crazy and overthinking the tiny little things. It got to the place that it got to for a reason and maybe you don’t need to dissect things into oblivion in order for it to be any better.”

“Cool” marks Clifford’s first release under his recording deal with Hopeless Records. The label is home to Neck Deep, Pvris, Stand Atlantic, and more with an alumni roster that includes All Time Low, Yellowcard, Waterparks, and Sum 41. 5SOS’ earliest influences existed at similar intersections, but took on less distinct fingerprints as the band sharpened their approach to pop music. But being on his own allows Clifford to lean back into the sound and structure of pop punk as a storytelling device. “It’s kinda hard trying to fit into a new scene/When your clothes only fit in 2015,” he sings over hurried guitars. “You’re the only one I really wanna impress/Try hard and I wish that I could care less.”

Clifford is the third member of 5SOS to launch a solo project. Frontman Luke Hemmings released his debut solo album When Facing the Things We Turn Away From in 2021 before returning with the similarly nostalgia-drenched project Boy in 2024. Drummer Ashton Irwin also has two solo projects under his belt, 2020’s Superbloom and 2024’s Blood on the Drums. The band’s bassist, Calum Hood, is credited as a co-writer on “Cool,” but otherwise has been spending a lot of time on TikTok recently.

You were in Luke’s driveway. Which wouldn’t be a problem, normal even, if you hadn’t broken up with him 2 months ago.

It wasn’t that you didn’t love him, that was the whole reason you did it. Luke was so busy with the new album and you had just gotten promoted at work. It wasn't fair to either of you but there was just no time for a relationship.

But you were sad, you missed him, and you knew it was such a stupid reason to leave him. Plus it really seemed like a good idea for a whole 2 seconds… So there you are, in Luke’s driveway.

“What was I thinking? Oh god, I didn’t even call.” You cried at your words. There was low, but this felt beneath that.

Before, you would’ve shown up at Luke’s whenever. Even sleeping in his bed when he wasn’t there because he wanted you to feel comfortable in his home.

But now, you were broken up and the last time you’d been here was painful as you told him this relationship wouldn’t work.

You pulled out your phone, clicking on Luke’s name that was still pinned at the top of your messages.

To Luke: hey… can we talk?

You breathe shakily as you hit send. If he said no that would be awkward, at best. But if he said yes? What would you even say? Why did you even show-?

A familiar ping came from your phone, cutting off your thoughts.

From Luke: are you okay?

You read the message at least 20 times before typing out the only response you can think of.

To Luke: I’m in the driveway.

You watched as your message was marked read and 3 dots appeared on your screen. But almost as soon as they’re on your screen, they’re gone.

You should’ve expected it really. It was 11 pm on a Friday, you hadn’t spoken since the breakup. So why on earth, would you show up at his house?

You go to start your car before you hear a familiar voice.

“Y/N?” Luke calls out to you as he runs to your car.

“I’m sorry, I know I should’ve called. I can go-.” Before you can finish speaking Luke opens your car door and cups your face with his hand.

“Hey, hey, look at me. You’re okay, let’s get you inside.” Luke spoke softly, but firm enough to keep your focus on his voice.

You nod, wiping your still-falling tears while getting out of your car. Luke places a hand on the small of your back, the way he used to while you were still together.

The action is enough to let another sob rack your body. Luke just guides you inside, getting you settled on the couch.

“Breathe for me. It’s okay, take your time. I’m right here, shh I’m not going anywhere.”

You felt terrible, not from the crying. Luke was here comforting you when you had been the one to leave him. You caused this situation and any happiness you could have felt from being with him in this moment was replaced with guilt.

You wanted him to move on, be happy. But he couldn’t do that if you crying hysterically on his couch. You need to get it together, you have to leave him alone, for real this time.

Before you can open your mouth Luke cuts you off.

“Can I hug you?” His voice is so quiet as if he were afraid to ask.

You throw your arms around him in response. This was the exact opposite of what you should be doing but you couldn’t let go. Especially not when he was holding on to you this tight.

“Luke I-“ You could barely get the words out before he cut you off, again.

“It’s okay, just breathe for me. I’m not letting you go, I’m right here.” He pulled you even closer, gently rubbing your back.

Against your better judgement, you let him comfort you. Being in his arms for the first time in months was somehow the most comforting thing you’d ever experienced and you weren’t ready to let go.

The two of you stayed like that until you calmed down and he pulled away to look at you.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” He wiped some stray tears away from your face as he asked you softly.

“I just… I miss you.” You admitted quietly.

“I miss you so much, honey. Every day, I’ve just wanted you to come back home to me.” He wrapped his arms around you and this time you didn’t second guess it.

“Luke… what does this mean for us?” You heart fell the moment the words left your mouth. Anything short of being together again wouldn’t be enough for you.

“Tonight’s been an emotional night so I don’t think we should make any decisions right now. But, I know I want you so if you feel the same… I’ll doing everything to make this work.” He responded, voice thick with emotion.

“I want this too… But you’re right, it’s been a night so I should probably go.” You moved to stand up but Luke tightened his grip on you.

“Stay with me tonight? I can sleep on the couch if that’d make you more comfortable but I’m not ready to let you walk out that door again.” You nod at his words.

“I don’t wanna sleep without you Lu.”

“You don’t have to honey, let’s get you in bed yeah?”

The night is finally catching up with you and you’re not really sure how you got to Luke’s bed or how you’re wearing one of his t-shirts. It’s still the most perfect night you’ve had since the breakup so you don’t give it much more thought.

“Tomorrow I’m gonna make us breakfast and we’ll talk about everything, okay?” He asks softly as you curl up close to him.

“Okay… ‘night Lu.” You murmured softly, head nestled into the crook of his neck.