Lines, Vines and Trying Times

Lines, Vines and Trying Times is the fourth studio album by the Jonas Brothers and their third album released under Hollywood Records. It was released on June 16, 2009. According to Billboard, critics are estimating the album to sell 275,000 to 300,000 copies in its first week. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Nick Jonas explained the title, Lines, Vines and Trying Times as "a bit of poetry we came up with on the set for the TV show." On the meaning he stated, "Lines are something that someone feeds you, whether it's good or bad. Vines are the things that get in the way of the path that you're on, and trying times — well, obviously we're younger guys, but we're aware of what's going on in the world and we're trying to bring some light to it." ”This new album for us I wouldn’t say it’s a big jump, but it definitely is a progression in our music and a growth for us,” he (Nick Jonas) noted. “It has a lot more kinds of horns and a lot more strings. Also there’s more to the music rather than just a typical kind of relationship song; there are many harmonies that just wouldn't be there without the horn and string sections" added Joe Jonas.
In another interview, Nick Jonas explains that the album is "our journal in songs," mostly about "all things we've gone through, personal experiences we get inspiration from." He also added that "we've also been working on trying to use metaphors...to kind of mask a literal thing that happens to us." Kevin Jonas also added that "the overall message is its the same old Jonas Brothers, in a sense" and that they will be adding "different musical instruments that are going to add and build to the sound we already have." Musical influences for this album include Elvis Costello, The Zutons, Coldplay and Neil Diamond.
In a promotional interview with Nicole Anderson aired on Disney Channel, the Jonas Brothers described the meanings and inspiration for several songs. According to Kevin Jonas, "Poison Ivy" is the song the Brothers are most excited about. "It's about getting rid of something that you don't like and it just keeps bothering you, just like poison ivy". Nick Jonas wrote "World War III" about a personal experience in which "someone's fighting you, and [he or she is] the only one fighting. Like, I'm cool, I don't know what your deal is". Nick also stated that "Much Better" is a song the band wrote for their fans to thank them for their support.