With “1997”, Kids Return channel youth, loss, and love into a standout debut. The opening track “First Choice” sets the tone.
With the release of their debut album 1997, French duo Kids Return have crafted a vivid, emotionally rich record that evokes the golden eras of Britpop and beachside romance while telling deeply personal stories. Recorded between the Pyrenees and Studios Saint Germain, 1997 is a coming-of-age album in every sense.
It begins with “First Choice,” a high-energy track with jangly guitars and soaring vocals. “It captures the impulsive, carefree nature of teenage love,” the band explains. That energy carries through the album’s more reflective moments, including the powerful tribute “My Hero,” whose stirring rhythm is matched by a visually compelling video featuring actress Céleste Brunnquell.
Each song brings its own wave of sentiment. “Time to Time” stands out for its emotional urgency—“a surge of life,” according to the band—while “Teenage Dreams” offers dual perspectives on fractured friendships and growing pains, ending in gospel-fueled catharsis. 
Later in the record, “Who Knows?” introduces darker, dance-driven energy, while “Welcome To My Life” and “Perfect Lover” lean into youthful rebellion and introspection. The final tracks, “So Good Alone” and “The Seattle Boat,” close the album on a poignant note.
“We love the idea of ending the album with a farewell, yet one that feels like the start of something new,” the band shares. With 1997, Kids Return proves that even in looking backward, they are undeniably a band of the now.
