Move Along
"Move Along is the second studio album by the American rock band The All-American Rejects, released on July 12, 2005, by Interscope Records.[1] Produced by Howard Benson, the album features a mix of pop-punk and alternative rock tracks, marking a shift toward more polished production compared to the band's self-titled debut.[2] It debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 90,000 copies in its first week and remaining on the chart for 84 weeks.[3] The album has sold over 3 million copies in the United States, certified triple platinum by the RIAA in 2024. The album spawned three successful singles: 'Dirty Little Secret,' which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100; the title track 'Move Along,' reaching number 15; and 'It Ends Tonight,' which hit number eight.[4] These singles propelled the album's commercial success and helped establish The All-American Rejects as a prominent act in the mid-2000s pop-punk scene.[5] In the United Kingdom, Move Along peaked at number 45 on the UK Albums Chart.[6]"Background
Band lineup changes
The All-American Rejects were founded in 1999 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, by high school friends Tyson Ritter (lead vocals and bass) and Nick Wheeler (guitar), who initially operated as a duo and handled multiple instruments during early recordings.[7] In their formative years, the band briefly included guitarist Jesse Tabish, who contributed from 1999 until departing in 2001 to pursue other projects, including forming the band Other Lives.[8] By 2001, drummer Tim Campbell had joined to support live performances and early material, but he was replaced shortly before the release of the band's self-titled debut album on October 15, 2002.[9] That debut was recorded primarily as a two-piece effort, with Ritter and Wheeler managing vocals, bass, guitar, and drums.[10] The most significant lineup expansion occurred in 2002, after the debut's completion but prior to widespread touring. Guitarist Mike Kennerty, a native of nearby Edmond, Oklahoma, joined to fill the guitar role vacated by Tabish, while Chris Gaylor, also from the Oklahoma City area, took over on drums, replacing Campbell.[11][12] This transition marked the establishment of the band's core four-piece configuration: Ritter on vocals and bass, Wheeler on lead guitar and backing vocals, Kennerty on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Gaylor on drums.[13] This stable lineup debuted on record with Move Along, the band's second studio album released on July 12, 2005, and no further changes occurred during its production or immediate promotion.[10] The addition of Kennerty and Gaylor brought a fuller sound to the band's pop-punk style, enabling more dynamic live shows and contributing to the album's commercial breakthrough.[11]Early songwriting
Following the success of their 2002 self-titled debut album, The All-American Rejects began the songwriting process for their sophomore effort in early 2004, with frontman Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler leading the initial efforts in their hometown of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Seeking a change of environment to spark creativity and define the band's identity, the duo relocated to a small town in Florida for several months before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where they rented a modest $30-per-night hotel in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. There, over the course of two months, they composed 20 to 25 songs, drawing from personal observations and the isolation of neutral locations to avoid distractions and foster focused writing.[14] The early sessions faced significant hurdles, as their first batch of approximately 10 songs was rejected by Interscope Records for being too dark and lacking cohesion, prompting a complete restart that intensified the pressure to elevate their material. Ritter and Wheeler worked in seclusion, eschewing external music influences, while emphasizing themes drawn from their touring experiences and personal growth since the debut. Once momentum built, the process accelerated; notable tracks like the title song "Move Along" emerged spontaneously in Atlanta's rehearsal space, initially inspired by the 2004 U.S. presidential race between George W. Bush and John Kerry but reworked into a broader anthem of self-empowerment and perseverance.[15][16][17] Later in the Atlanta phase, the full band—including drummer Chris Gaylor and rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty—joined for a six-week collaborative stint, refining the subsequent 15 songs into what Wheeler described as their strongest work to date. This period produced hits like "It Ends Tonight," composed on the spot with Wheeler on drums and Ritter at piano, highlighting the organic flow that contrasted the debut's quicker, 11-song genesis under managerial urging to expand their catalog. The iterative approach, blending isolation with band input, ultimately shaped a more mature, unified sound reflective of the group's evolution.[15][16]Production
Recording process
The recording of Move Along took place primarily in 2004, following songwriting sessions that began in the fall of 2003. The All-American Rejects, now a full quartet with the addition of guitarist Mike Kennerty and drummer Chris Gaylor, worked under the guidance of producer Howard Benson, who helped refine their pop-punk sound into a more polished, radio-ready style. The first track completed during these sessions was "Dance Inside," marking an early breakthrough in the band's evolving songwriting approach.[10] Pre-production involved intensive writing periods in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a small town in Florida, where the band isolated themselves to focus creatively, producing around 20-25 songs over nine months. They then relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, for further rehearsals in a modest hotel in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, where challenges like living conditions (including an infamous bedbug incident for vocalist/bassist Tyson Ritter) tested their resolve. Key tracks such as "Move Along" and "It Ends Tonight" were demoed in this rehearsal space before heading to professional studios. Guitarist Nick Wheeler later reflected on this phase as a time of defining the band's identity beyond its original two-piece setup.[14] Principal recording occurred at Bay 7 Studios in Valley Village, California, and Sparky Dark Studio in Calabasas, California, with strings tracked at Sunset Sound in Hollywood. Recording engineer Mike Plotnikoff captured the sessions, emphasizing live band performances to maintain an organic energy while incorporating layered production elements like keyboards and programming contributed by Benson, Wheeler, and others. The band utilized gear such as Gibson, Fender, and Epiphone guitars, Line 6 pedals, Tama drums, and Sennheiser microphones to achieve their signature blend of driving rhythms and melodic hooks.[18] Benson's production philosophy centered on emotional resonance, particularly evident in the title track "Move Along," co-written by Wheeler and Ritter. During its recording, Benson paused the session, deeply affected by Ritter's lyrics on perseverance, and predicted the song's hit potential due to its relatable message of incremental progress amid adversity. This focus on "selling feelings" guided the overall process, balancing the band's raw energy with meticulous overdubs and edits to ensure broad appeal. Mixing was handled by Chris Lord-Alge at Resonate Music in Burbank, California, culminating in a cohesive album ready for its July 2005 release.[19][18]Post-production
Following the recording sessions at Bay 7 Studios in Valley Village, California, and Sparky Dark Studio in Calabasas, California, the tracks for Move Along underwent mixing in March 2005 at Resonate Music in Burbank, California.[18] The mixing was handled by renowned engineer Chris Lord-Alge, known for his work on high-energy rock albums, which contributed to the polished, radio-ready sound of the record, emphasizing dynamic guitar riffs and layered vocals.[18][20] String arrangements, conducted by Deborah Lurie, were recorded separately at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, by Casey Stone, adding orchestral depth to several tracks such as "It Ends Tonight."[18] This overdubbing phase enhanced the album's emotional range without altering the core band performances. Percussion overdubs by session musician Lenny Castro were also integrated during post-production to bolster rhythmic elements.[18] Mastering occurred at Sterling Sound in New York City, executed by Ted Jensen, who balanced the album's loudness and clarity for commercial release.[21][18] Jensen's work ensured the tracks translated effectively across formats, from CD to vinyl reissues, maintaining the production's vibrant pop-punk energy while avoiding distortion.[21] The entire post-production process, overseen by producer Howard Benson, wrapped up in early 2005, allowing for the album's July release.[22]Music and lyrics
Musical style
The album Move Along is primarily classified within the pop rock and pop punk genres, blending energetic rock structures with accessible, melody-driven songwriting characteristic of mid-2000s alternative rock. It builds on the band's debut by emphasizing tight, radio-friendly compositions that prioritize catchy choruses and rhythmic drive, often incorporating punk-infused urgency tempered by polished pop sensibilities.[13][23] Musically, the record features a refined production that shifts from the debut's rawer, drum-machine elements to organic acoustic kits, thick drum layers, and extensive guitar overdubs, creating a full, layered sound that feels both immediate and meticulously crafted. Tyson Ritter's vocals exhibit enhanced clarity and melodic range, supported by rich harmonies that amplify the album's anthemic quality, while occasional eclectic touches—such as flamenco-inspired guitar on "Top of the World" or orchestral swells in ballads like "It Ends Tonight"—add textural variety without disrupting the core pop rock framework. This approach results in a cohesive aesthetic that masterfully deploys hooks to engage listeners, marking a maturation in the band's style toward more sophisticated yet commercially viable rock.[24][23] Tracks like the title song exemplify the album's hi-hat-driven propulsion and choir-backed builds, blending upbeat punk energy with introspective lyrics, while up-tempo numbers such as "Dirty Little Secret" showcase pizzicato strings and bridge layers for dynamic tension. Overall, Move Along represents a pivotal evolution in the All-American Rejects' sound, favoring direct rock 'n' roll accessibility over experimentation, which contributed to its widespread appeal in the pop punk landscape.[24][13]Lyrical themes
The lyrics on Move Along, primarily written by lead vocalist Tyson Ritter, explore themes of personal perseverance, romantic relationships, heartbreak, and emotional resilience, often pairing introspective and vulnerable content with the album's energetic instrumentation. The title track "Move Along" serves as an anthem of encouragement, urging listeners to persist through adversity and maintain self-belief, which Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler have described as an anti-suicide message emphasizing hope amid despair.[24][25] Other singles delve into relational dynamics: "Dirty Little Secret" addresses hidden confessions and the thrill of secrecy in partnerships, while "It Ends Tonight" reflects on the painful process of ending a troubled romance and seeking closure. Tracks like "Stab My Back" tackle betrayal and friendship's fragility, contributing to a more mature lyrical scope compared to the band's debut, with Ritter's snarky yet poignant style blending humor, sarcasm, and sincerity to resonate with themes of growth and moving forward.[25][26]Release and promotion
Album rollout
The rollout for Move Along began in early 2005 with a headlining U.S. tour spanning March to May, which served as a platform to build anticipation for the band's sophomore album following their 2002 self-titled debut. Supported by acts such as Number One Fan and Action Action for the initial leg, the tour allowed the All-American Rejects to perform new material and connect with fans amid growing expectations from Interscope Records. This pre-release touring strategy helped maintain momentum from their rising popularity, with the band leveraging live performances to showcase evolving pop-punk energy.[1] In June 2005, Interscope formally announced the album's release date as July 12, coinciding with the launch of the lead single "Dirty Little Secret," which was sent to radio on June 6 and made available digitally on June 13. The single's rollout included a music video directed by Marc Webb, filmed that same week and premiered on July 11, just one day before the album's street date, emphasizing themes of confession and secrecy to hook audiences visually. Additional promotional efforts featured a live appearance on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL) on July 11, where the band performed and discussed the upcoming project, capitalizing on the show's influence in youth pop culture. These coordinated media pushes positioned "Dirty Little Secret" as a breakout track, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.[1] The album's launch was further amplified by the band's participation in the 2005 Vans Warped Tour, a major summer punk festival circuit that ran from June to August, providing high-visibility slots across multiple dates to promote Move Along to a dedicated alternative rock audience. The album was released internationally in July 2005, peaking at number 45 on the UK Albums Chart. This touring integration, combined with radio airplay and digital availability, drove immediate commercial interest, resulting in the album debuting at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 with 90,000 units sold in its first week.[27] The strategic blend of live exposure, single-driven marketing, and festival alignment established Move Along as a cornerstone of mid-2000s pop-punk, certified 3× platinum by the RIAA as of December 2024.[28][7]Singles and marketing
The lead single from Move Along, "Dirty Little Secret", was released to radio on June 6, 2005, ahead of the album's launch, and became the band's first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 9 in January 2006. The track's upbeat pop-punk energy and confessional lyrics contributed to its crossover appeal, with the accompanying music video featuring fans submitting their own "secrets" via a dedicated website, enhancing fan engagement. It has since been certified 6× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting over 6 million units sold or streamed in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the single reached number 18 on the Official Singles Chart, spending 17 weeks in the top 100. The title track, "Move Along", served as the second single, released on February 27, 2006, and climbed to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 while topping the Pop 100 chart. Its motivational message resonated during the band's live performances, and the music video, directed by Marc Webb, depicted the band in a surreal, time-loop scenario that aired frequently on MTV and VH1. The song's success helped sustain album momentum into 2006, though it did not receive a separate RIAA certification beyond the album's overall 3× Platinum status. "It Ends Tonight" was issued as the third and final single in September 2006, achieving the highest chart position of the trio at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Pop 100. Featuring orchestral elements and a ballad-like structure, the track's video premiered at number 10 on VH1's Top 20 countdown, emphasizing emotional closure in relationships. Like its predecessors, it bolstered radio play across rock and pop formats, contributing to the album's enduring radio presence. Marketing efforts for Move Along centered on building anticipation through digital and experiential incentives, with Interscope Records offering pre-order bundles via the band's website that included a limited-edition t-shirt and entries into a sweepstakes for an autographed guitar plus tickets to an exclusive private performance. The campaign emphasized the album's pop-rock hooks to appeal to a broad teen and young adult audience, aligning with the era's shift toward interactive promotion. The band supported the release with high-profile touring, including a main stage slot on the 2005 Vans Warped Tour, which exposed them to festival crowds and amplified single buzz. Over a nearly two-year promotional cycle, the strategy focused on sequential single releases to maintain chart visibility, music video rotations on MTV and VH1, and radio airplay, driving the album to 3× Platinum certification by the RIAA through sustained commercial traction.Reception
Critical reviews
Upon its release, Move Along garnered generally positive reviews from music critics, who frequently commended its infectious hooks, polished production, and evolution from the band's self-titled debut toward a more radio-ready pop-rock sound. While some praised the album's consistency and hit potential, others noted its formulaic elements within the pop-punk landscape, suggesting it prioritized commercial appeal over innovation.[24] antiMusic's Morley Seaver awarded the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, hailing it as an "amazingly good" sophomore effort with no filler tracks and exceptional songcraft throughout. Seaver particularly lauded lead singer Tyson Ritter's "heaven-sent" vocals, the dynamic structure of "Move Along" with its choppy guitars and verse shifts, and the building balladry of "It Ends Tonight," describing the overall mix of rockers and slower moments as perfectly balanced power-pop.[29] IGN's Will Fry scored it 6.8 out of 10, characterizing the record as mass-appeal pop-rock tailored for radio rotation, replete with themes of isolation, breakups, and personal struggle. Fry appreciated the album's energetic singles like "Dirty Little Secret" but critiqued its uniformity, suggesting it leaned heavily on familiar emo-pop tropes without much deviation.[30] In a review originally from AbsolutePunk (now archived on chorus.fm), the staff viewed it as a solid follow-up that shifted to a more straightforward rock style but fell short of the debut's inventive instrumentation, such as drum machines. The review praised the hi-hat-driven title track as a well-crafted single with strong melodic hooks, alongside "Dirty Little Secret," while pointing to weaker moments like "It Ends Tonight" and "Can't Take It" as less memorable. It concluded that the production was remarkably layered yet organic, making it enjoyable for fans but unlikely to convert skeptics beyond the hits.[24] AllMusic assigned the album a 3 out of 5 star rating, recognizing its refined execution and Ritter's improved vocal presence as steps forward, though it positioned Move Along as competent rather than groundbreaking within the genre.[5]Commercial success
Move Along achieved significant commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release in July 2005, selling 90,000 copies in its first week. The album remained on the chart for 84 weeks, demonstrating sustained popularity driven by its hit singles. It was certified double platinum by the RIAA in 2005 for shipments of two million units and later triple platinum in 2024 for shipments of three million units, reflecting strong physical and digital sales during and beyond the mid-2000s pop-punk era.[7][31][32] Internationally, the album performed moderately well. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number 45 on the Official Albums Chart and spent six weeks in the top 100. In Canada, Move Along received a gold certification from Music Canada on May 2, 2006, for sales exceeding 40,000 units. While specific figures for other markets like Australia and New Zealand are limited, the album contributed to the band's global profile, with the group reporting over 10 million albums sold worldwide across their catalog by the mid-2010s. The success of lead singles such as "Dirty Little Secret," which reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, further boosted album sales and radio airplay.[6][33][34]Legacy
Awards and rankings
The music video for the title track "Move Along" earned the All-American Rejects the MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video in 2006. The video was also nominated for Best Editing in a Video at the same ceremony. These accolades highlighted the visual impact of the song's promotion, which featured lead singer Tyson Ritter navigating personal crises in a surreal, fast-paced narrative. In terms of critical and fan recognition, Move Along is widely regarded as the band's strongest work. Alternative Press ranked it as the top album in the All-American Rejects' discography in 2023, praising its blend of anthemic hooks and emotional depth from tracks like "Dirty Little Secret" and "It Ends Tonight." Similarly, Loudwire placed the album at No. 29 on its list of the 50 Greatest Pop-Punk Albums of All Time in 2023, noting its role in defining mid-2000s pop-punk accessibility and commercial breakthrough.Cultural influence and reissues
The album Move Along and its singles have left a lasting mark on 2000s pop-punk culture, embodying the era's blend of emotional introspection and radio-friendly hooks that resonated with teenage audiences navigating personal struggles. Tracks like "Move Along" and "Dirty Little Secret" became anthems for resilience and hidden vulnerabilities, frequently syncing into media that captured youthful angst and romance. For instance, "Move Along" featured in the soccer comedy She's the Man (2006), underscoring scenes of identity and triumph, as well as family adventure film Firehouse Dog (2007) and horror-thriller The Hitcher (2007).[35] Similarly, "Dirty Little Secret" appeared in teen films such as John Tucker Must Die (2006), where it scored a montage of deceptive relationships, and She's the Man (2006), amplifying a pivotal revelation during a climactic game; it also played in cheerleading sequel Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006) amid a betrayal confrontation.[36] These placements helped cement the band's role in the soundtrack of mid-2000s teen cinema, aligning with the genre's shift toward accessible pop-punk for mainstream appeal.[36] Beyond film, the album influenced television and gaming, broadening its reach in pop culture. "Move Along" was used in episodes of One Tree Hill, enhancing dramatic teen narratives, and integrated into the rhythm game Rock Band (2007 onward), where players could perform it, contributing to the track's enduring playability among gamers.[35][37] The song's uplifting message of perseverance also echoed in alternative youth subcultures, with band members noting its alignment with the emotional rawness of early-2000s rock radio staples.[38] Reissues have sustained the album's relevance for new generations. In 2020, to mark the 15th anniversary, the band released a digital EP featuring live and acoustic recordings of key tracks like "Move Along" and "Dirty Little Secret," capturing performances from their peak touring era.[39] The 20th anniversary edition arrived in 2025 as a translucent grape-colored vinyl LP and standard CD, featuring the original 13-track album with its platinum-certified hits intact, available through major retailers to evoke nostalgia amid vinyl's resurgence.[23] These efforts underscore the album's ongoing commercial and sentimental value, with the band actively promoting it via social media and tours.[40]Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Dirty Little Secret" | 3:13 |
| 2. | "Stab My Back" | 3:10 |
| 3. | "Move Along" | 4:00 |
| 4. | "It Ends Tonight" | 4:06 |
| 5. | "Change Your Mind" | 3:40 |
| 6. | "Night Drive" | 3:52 |
| 7. | "11:11 P.M." | 2:44 |
| 8. | "Dance Inside" | 4:20 |
| 9. | "Top of the World" | 3:50 |
| 10. | "Straightjacket Feeling" | 3:28 |
| 11. | "Can't Take It" | 2:28 |
| 12. | "Eyelids" | 4:05 |
Personnel
The All-American Rejects
- Tyson Ritter – lead vocals, bass, backing vocals, theremin (track 2)
- Nick Wheeler – lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, programming, banjo (track 6), electric sitar (track 6), classical guitar (track 9)
- Mike Kennerty – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Chris Gaylor – drums, additional percussion[13]
Additional musicians
- Howard Benson – keyboards, programming, claps (track 6), stomps (track 6)
- Paul Decarli – keyboards, programming
- Deborah Lurie – string arranger, conductor
- Lenny Castro – percussion
- Jamie Muhoberac – piano (tracks 3, 4, 10, 12)
- Bobbi Page – choir (track 3)
- Benjamin Byram – choir (track 3)
- Nicolas Harper – choir (track 3)
- Emily Logan – choir (track 3)
- Michael Mayo – choir (track 3)
- Zoe Merrill – choir (track 3)
- Haeley Moore – choir (track 3)
- Aaron Page – choir (track 3)
- The All-American Rejects – gang vocals (track 6), claps (track 6), stomps (track 6)
- Chris Allen – claps (track 6), stomps (track 6)
- Keith Nelson – claps (track 6), stomps (track 6)
- Dee Anderson – claps (track 6), stomps (track 6)[13]
Production
Charts
Weekly charts
Move Along debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200, selling 90,000 copies in its first week, and spent a total of 84 weeks on the chart.[41] The album also charted internationally, reaching number 19 in Canada, number 31 in New Zealand, and number 45 in the United Kingdom, where it spent six weeks on the chart.[6]| Chart (2005–2006) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Billboard)[42] | 19 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[43] | 31 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[44] | 45 |
| US Billboard 200[45] | 6 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[46] | 6 |
Year-end charts
Move Along achieved notable placements on year-end album charts in the United States. On the Billboard 200 year-end chart for 2005, the album ranked at number 144.[47] In 2006, bolstered by hit singles such as "Dirty Little Secret" and "Move Along," it climbed to number 53 on the same chart.[48]| Year-end chart (2005–2006) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 (2005) | 144 |
| US Billboard 200 (2006) | 53 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada) | Platinum | 100,000^ | May 2, 2006[49] |
| United States (RIAA) | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000^ | December 6, 2024[28] |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | July 12, 2005 | CD, Album | Interscope Records, Doghouse Records | B0005090-02 |
| United States | November 2006 | LP, Album, Limited Edition | Doghouse Records | DOG 120 |
| United States | 2008 | LP, Album | Doghouse Records | DOG 120 |
| Japan | 2009 | CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue | Interscope Records | UICS-1240 |
| United States | 2012 | CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered | Interscope Records, Doghouse Records | - |
| United States | April 16, 2016 | LP, Album, Record Store Day, Limited Edition | Doghouse Records | DOG 120 |
| United States | 2021 | LP, Album, Repress | Dark Operative | DO-120 |
| Japan | 2021 | CD, Album | Doghouse Records, Interscope Records | UICS-1240 |
| United States | 2022 | LP, Album, Repress | Dark Operative | DO-120 |
| United States | 2023 | LP, Album, Deluxe Edition | Dark Operative | DO-120 |
| United States | 2025 | LP, Reissue | Interscope Records, UMG Recordings, Inc. | - |