When an artist releases their sophomore album, it’s more than just a milestone—it’s a statement. With Poster Child, Taylor Acorn makes that statement loud and clear. This is her moment, her proof of growth, and her arrival as one of the most relatable and emotionally honest voices in modern pop punk. The 12-track album captures everything that makes her stand out: catchy hooks, honest lyricism, and a vocal delivery that balances grit and vulnerability. Signing with Fearless Records seems to have given her the space and support to lean into her sound completely, and the result is her most confident and cohesive work yet.

The record opens with People Pleaser, a song that feels like a mission statement. It’s the kind of track that instantly hits home for anyone who’s ever tried too hard to make everyone happy at their own expense. It sets the tone perfectly—upbeat, polished, but lyrically raw in a way that feels lived in. That momentum carries straight into Crashing Out, where Taylor digs into the messy side of burnout and self-awareness. It’s fast, infectious, and unapologetically real, the kind of song that makes you want to scream along while still thinking about what it means.

Hangman keeps the energy going but adds a darker edge, pairing slick production with some of Taylor’s sharpest lyrical writing on the album. It’s got bite without losing melody, and her vocal control shines in the way she delivers tension and release through every chorus. The title track, Poster Child, feels like the emotional pivot point of the album. It’s personal and reflective, like a mirror held up to the idea of perfection we try to project. Taylor’s voice carries both strength and exhaustion here, and it’s one of those songs that sticks with you long after it ends.

Then comes Home Videos—the heart of the record. It’s nostalgic and gut-wrenching in the best way, blending grief and gratitude in a way few artists manage this gracefully. You can feel every line, every breath. When she sings about missing the simplicity of childhood and remembering her dad, it lands like a quiet punch to the chest. It’s easily one of the standout moments of Poster Child, a song that defines Taylor not just as a songwriter but as a storyteller.

Cheap Dopamine and Blood On Your Hands shift the tone, leaning into frustration and the kind of emotional honesty that gives this album its backbone. Both tracks tackle the highs and lows of self-worth and connection, proving Taylor can still hit hard even when she’s working through something deeply personal. Goodbye, Good Riddance feels like the anthem of the record—the kind of song you blast in your car with the windows down. It’s sharp, catchy, and overflowing with that classic pop punk confidence.

The back half of the record blends strength and introspection. Sucker Punch and Vertigo flirt with new textures without losing the DNA of what makes Taylor’s music work. They feel adventurous, a sign that she’s willing to stretch her sound while keeping it anchored in emotion. Theme Park brings in a reflective calm, leading into the closer, Masquerade, which strips everything back. It’s haunting and delicate, ending the record on a quiet note that still manages to feel triumphant.

Poster Child is more than just a follow-up—it’s a snapshot of an artist stepping fully into herself. The songwriting feels genuine, the production is sharp, and the emotion is undeniable. It’s nostalgic without feeling stuck in the past, modern without losing heart. For fans of Taylor’s earlier work, this album feels like the next chapter we’ve been waiting for, and for new listeners, it’s the perfect introduction to who she is and what she stands for.

Score: 9/10 — A powerful, heartfelt sophomore album that proves Taylor Acorn isn’t just carrying the torch for pop punk’s revival, she’s helping shape its future.