Social Cemetery, Alexander's previous album, was the closing of a chapter in Alexander's life: teenhood. Growing Young is the opening of a new chapter: adulthood. What does this mean? Well, Alexander made this record during his first semester of college, and the music reflects the time very well: restless, yet refreshed. With the"high school hierarchy" now behind him, Alexander (in his musical consciousness) now views new challenges as opportunities rather than sources of dread and anger, resulting in an arguably upbeat, almost party-like record. While there is still plenty of angst to be found within Growing Young's 11 tracks, there is less focus on theatrics and more focus on pure songcraft. This is the most solid, accessible, and consistent record Alexander has ever made, and by far the most reliably catchy. However, that isn't to say there isn't emotion or epicness to be found, because it wouldn't be an Alexander Tso album without it! Sure, it may have a lighter and poppier approach, but it never suppresses emotion. (This album is dedicated to the memory of Kristin Greene.)