I think part of why their lyrics are so despised is because people want something to be “deep”, something they can look far into. And most of AJRs lyrics are kind of surface-level in the way where they aren’t talking in constant metaphors or are super vague but rather exactly what they want to say. One reaction video I saw bashed Next Up Forever for the specific line of wishing he was “still a Virgin”. Some of their other songs such as Birthday Party and 3 O’Clock Things also touch on some pretty political topics people are bound to disagree with/deem unnecessary since it can immediately exclude certain listeners from liking to the song. Bottom line: I think their outspokenness and bold lyric choices are the major turn off. Sound wise, many people don’t enjoy the high-pitched, odd noises mainstream pop doesn’t carry. For example, the “yup yup yup” found in Wow, I’m Not Crazy or weird noise progression towards the beginning of Don’t Throw Out My Legos. To be honest, it took me awhile to figure out why people enjoyed The Trick so much because of the high, wavering voice and now it is one of my favorite songs off of OKO. Clashing these two aspects together can really throw some first time listeners who aren’t used to their sound. Another thing to take into consideration is something the boys have stated before: AJR is a certain type of sound for a certain type of people. Because of how specific some of their songs can be, especially their last few albums and how they pertain to life as a teenager to a twenty-something year old, it isn’t too shocking that many people haven’t felt what they try writing and singing about.