In case you haven’t seen all over TikTok, Instagram, or any other social media platforms, people have been raving about the rising music artist Sombr.
On Aug. 22, 2025, Sombr dropped his new album "I Barely Know Her," which has a total of 10 tracks. Since the release, the album has been in the top 15 on the Billboard 200! The rising star writes and produces his own music, which consists of dreamy indie background beats and the rawness of other bedroom pop artists.
Let’s begin with the first track “crushing.” The lyrics of the song are full of wistful longing and the spiraling ‘what if’ questions that go hand in hand with mental anguish. Filled with layered vocals, they harmonize and fuse together to create an upbeat tempo hiding away his pain.
Next is “12 to 12.” The vibe of the song is really cheerful and free. However, the lyrics are full of self-doubt and sadnessーlike he’s trapped in his emotions (the irony).
The third track is “i wish i knew how to quit you.” It gives listeners the feeling of how addicted the singer is to the person. The song was really well written, but personally, I believe the song needed more emotion to it. The bridge mellowed out the song, and there was a build up, but the song remained constant.
“back to friends” is the fourth track on the album. This specific song went viral all over media platforms in early 2025. The song starts off strong with a very distinct piano intro. As I listened, the chorus and background vocals all made me feel like I was floating. The fade out of the song feels like it almost tucks listeners into bed after a rough day. Many listeners can relate to the disbelief of someone close pulling away after sharing such an intimate moment.
Much different to the first four tracks, “canal street” introduces a bit of country mixed in with Sombr’s usual genre of pop. During the bridge, he finally lets go of his vocals and creates a cry of torment that sounds beautifully tragic in the listeners’ ears. The slow pace captures the tragic reminiscing of another's past.
The sixth track is “dime.” Something about this song just transfers all of the singer’s needs into the listener, almost as if they’re the one wanting and needing someone desperately.
Another very popular song is “undressed.” This is the seventh track in the album, it has a very catchy chorus that many listeners enjoy. The first part of the chorus is “I don't wanna get undressed / For a new person all over again.” The way I interpret the meaning of these lyrics is that it does not only mean the physical part of getting undressed, but rather having to be emotionally vulnerable and open to someone new.
Continuing on, “come closer” is the eighth track. The vocals are very airy, and this song really reminds me of “We Are The People” by Empire of the Sun.
Blurring the lines between a slight disco vibe and pop, “we never dated” is very upbeat and full of layered vocals.
The final track in the album is “under the mat.” Sombr hits much higher notes in this song, and the very end of the song sounds heavenly. It was a notable song to end the album with.
Overall, I’d give this album a solid 8/10. Each song was diverse and unique in their own way. Sombr explored various genres, and added some creative choices with the production style. If you haven’t already listened to “I Barely Know Her,” do it now! It might even make you reminisce on old times.
