There’s much to be made of the ’80s resurgence in the music world: funky beats and electronic bombast have definitely ruled the day and the airwaves recently. But trends are cyclical and we’re nostalgic by nature. In times like these where most of us might not have the energy to come up with something new or groundbreaking, it’s no wonder that we’re looking back only, say, 15 years for musical inspiration rather than 40.

This is particularly prevalent in the song I’m reviewing today, “Maybe It’s Time” by Sixx:A.M. Sixx:A.M. gets its name from Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, who started the spinoff project in 2007.

“Maybe It’s Time” has that hard-driving guitar and guttural growl that instantly brings to mind “Lips of an Angel”, Nickleback, or “Light On” by American Idol contestant David Cook. What was it about the aughts that made male singers so…raspy? Sixx:A.M. also shares lyrical themes with its congested brethren, such as an odd kind of self-awareness and a desire for a better life (maybe even a better relationship). After all, maybe it’s time to take another look at your life.

It’s almost the grownup version of hair metal: you’ve still got the big guitar lines but they’ve hardened, focused into something new. That’s what happens with trend nostalgia. The essence remains while the outside evolves.