British singer YUNGBLUD just dropped his brand-new, six-track EP, the underrated youth. It includes previously released singles “parents,” “hope for the underrated youth” and “original me,” which features Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons. The release comes two days after “11 Minutes,” YUNGBLUD’s collaboration with Halsey and Travis Barker, was certified Gold in the US. The EP includes a studio version of “casual sabotage,” a track which YUNGBLUD had not performed since January 2018.
In his lyrics, YUNGBLUD stands up for the younger generation, challenging the authority of parents in matters ranging from ADHD-curing drugs to conservative sexual beliefs. A prominent figure in the pop scene, he comments on his strong political inclinations while admitting to his weaknesses in “braindead!”:
If I can’t speak about the things
That make me sad, then I am weak
But I’m not strong either
I’m just a kid with a cold pretendin' it’s a fever
YUNGBLUD took to twitter on release day to comment on the EP’s message:
In terms of genres, YUNGBLUD leaves no territory uncharted. The EP opens with an indie-rock feel on “braindead!,” features emo screams on “original me,” and closes with an acoustic guitar on “waiting on the weekend.” “casual sabotage” lives up to being “a lullaby” as YUNGBLUD’s soothing voice intertwines with clean hi-hats.
The EP’s message on vulnerability may also relate to themes on Halsey’s upcoming album—the two have been dating since February.
