Pop punk, grunge, and rock. Three genres that defined the 90s and early 2000s. “In Too Deep” performed by Sum 41, is a timeless classic that manages to encapsulate all these genres into one song. 

Released in 2001 as part of their first studio album All Killer, No Filler, their smash hit: “In Too Deep” makes anyone want to get out of their seat and dance along. For me, this song is great to work out to; it provides the energy needed to get through any exercise.

The instant the play button is pressed, the opening guitar riff grabs your attention, building tension until the distortion finally kicks in and the song really begins. It sets the stage for the energetic and rebellious vibe of the song. The song evokes a feeling of being stuck in some kind of love loop. It’s relatable to anyone who has ever been in a stressful on-and-off relationship. 

The chorus is an earworm—its catchy melody and simple lyrics let anyone sing along on the first play through. I personally found myself humming the song a few hours later. Lead vocalist Deryck Whibley repeats the lines "I'm in too deep, and I'm trying to keep up above in my head, instead of going under" throughout the song, not only adding to the catchy, upbeat, and rocking sound, but also adding to that feeling of being stuck in some kind of spiral with the repetition of these lines.

This song can not be discussed without mentioning its music video as well. It depicts the band playing music in a drained swimming pool while members of the band flip off diving boards for a rowdy, punk looking crowd. It's a very creative premise for a music video and adds to the hectic and fun feeling the song gives its listeners. The video is similar to the band's music video for the song that originally put them on the map, “Makes No Difference,” in which they go around stores messing around, rock out on a stage, and drive around spraying random people with squirt guns. It has that same rebellious teen feeling given by “In Too Deep.”

The sound of the band would be defined by this single, and it's clear where songs they sing today evolved from. Later albums such as Does This Look Infected? or Chuck were definitely made better from their inspiration from “In Too Deep.” 

If you have three and a half minutes, “In Too Deep” by Sum 41 is worth a listen. And check out some of their other songs. I recommend “Fat Lip” and “Still Waiting” to anyone new to the pop punk or grunge genre.