Album Review: Waterparks – Jinx (BMG)

Pop rock icons Waterparks are back with their much-anticipated brand-new album, ‘Jinx’. The band’s sixth full‑length album is out on July 24th, 2026, via BMG.

As I got myself ready to listen to this new Waterparks album, I started to wonder just what I wanted from it. Waterparks’ sixth album, where they have very little to prove, but have always excelled at showcasing evolution. Did I want more of the same? Or did I want something so drastically different that it would be unrecognisable? I really thought about this, and then it hit me like a bolt of lightning. What I wanted was whatever Waterparks gave me. Love it, loathe it, it would be Waterparks, that would be enough.

No pressure, eh?

So, what do we get? Waterparks, both evolved and devolved. A rawer record that is filled with personality and a refined record that showcases a band more comfortable in their skin than ever. This is a confident band, proving to be exceptionally creative, all while taking the kind of risks that few bands would dare too. I don’t even love this record, but damn it, I’m not sure I can fully express just how impressed I am with what Waterparks have crafted.

Simply put, it’s a wild ride that pushes the limits of what pop rock can be. Sounding as classic as it does contemporary, often challenging to define, and almost always interesting. An open mind is a must, but this goes for both old and new fans.

Honestly, this was a fascinating listen for me as rarely do I find myself divided in quite this way. Where in one instance I am compelled to dance and sing along, filled with joy, and left with a big grin on my face. Then in another, I can’t stop my face contorting into a sneer, and I’m left feeling slightly dirty. Music that I love, and music that I loathe.

I wish I could tell you that I thought it was wall to wall bangers, because I think it is so inventive, especially lyrically, but even the brilliance of Waterparks tests me a little too much here.

When it hits, I’m as happy as a sugar-fuelled kid at a water park, and tracks like Tell Me Why, Gwen Stefani, No No No No No, Playing Music, and Any Minute Now deliver solid gold. Whereas the likes of Red Guitar, Better Than Therapy, Tastes Like Tangerine, and Girls Need Guns are entertaining as heck. However, I struggle to find much positive to say about the likes If Lyrics Were Confidential, Prowler, Nobody but You, and Mirage.

I really do think opinions will vary, and this just happens to be my observations, right or wrong, but I think we can all agree that it’s probably Waterparks’ most perplexing and rebellious record to date. Yet, it’s so them and I can’t stress enough just how much admiration I have for this kind of defiance. Expect nothing, get everything, and be prepared to experience some very confusing feelings. There’s really nobody like Waterparks.

Waterparks – Jinx Track Listing:

1. Tell Me Why
2. Red Guitar
3. If Lyrics Were Confidential
4. Prowler
5. Better Than Therapy
6. Nobody But You
7. Gwen Stefani
8. No No No No No
9. Playing Music
10. Mirage
11. Tastes Like Tangerine
12. Any Minute Now
13. Girls Need Guns

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