YUNGBLUD | Idols Review

by Bea Willis

YUNGBLUD is not another privileged punk poseur; his personal battles of coming out, fighting anxiety, boxing through addiction, and reconnecting with his roots. That context frames the listening differently, and that leads to hearing differently. The man behind the persona is more layered than his aesthetic suggests, and Idols shows this. He’s not a brat-baiting controversy; he’s a young artist figuring out identity through music, grappling with self-worth, adulthood, and mortality.

There’s an undercurrent to Idols that builds on simple rock structures and stretches them into cultural critique, sonic exploration, and stark emotional confessions. YUNGBLUD doesn’t hide behind complexity; he expands it. For example, “Hello Heaven, Hello” juxtaposes innocence and existential dread in a way that echoes early art-rock pioneers. Its layered vocals and spoken-word passages feel immediate, raw, and slightly off-kilter, like a conversational monologue from a bygone era turned anthem.

“Zombie” has a full arrangement (with sounds from the London Philharmonic) and steady, dirge-like chords, channels gentle but insistent defiance. YUNGBLUD takes a simple melody and explores lyrics of decay—“feeling you’re ugly, and learning to battle that.” The thing to focus on in Idols is how emotionally colored  YUNGBLUD’s vocals sound. Vocally, he’s shed the histrionics of previous eras. On tracks like “Lovesick Lullaby” and “War,” his tone is measured, controlled, and expressive.

Contrast that with his earlier music, and the growth of musical clarity in Idols stands out. He’s using the tools of rock and introspection to carve out his own space of punk aesthetics. There are structural issues, and the album flow stumbles as the songs feel out of sequence.

If you judged YUNGBLUD on past flash and flash alone, this album should reset your assumptions. Idols is intelligent and musically storied. It channels emotional real-talk through grand sonic gestures, holds space for introspection, and nods quietly to musical visionaries of past eras without ever hiding behind homage.

Artist: YUNGBLUD
Album: Idols
Label: Locomotion Records

Release Date: June 20, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.