The globally recognised creative force, Yungblud, released his fourth studio album, and most ambitious body of work to date.
‘Idols’, the first installment of a double album project (with the release date of part two to be announced) marks a coming of age for the 27 year old artist, whose last two albums went to number one in the UK, and whose back catalogue has generated 6 billion global streams.
The 12-track offering was recorded in Leeds with a small team (Yungblud was joined by longtime songwriter and producer partner Matt Schwartz, as well as guitarist Adam Warrington and multi instrumentalist Bob Bradley ) a short distance from the musician’s home city of Doncaster, in an effort to shut out external influences and steer clear of the well-trodden, formulaic approach often found in mainstream studio songwriting and production.
The album’s first release ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ broke the mould of the traditional single, with the track’s full 9 minutes and six seconds being premiered as Jack Saunders’ Hottest Record on BBC Radio 1 in March.
The Independent called the single “A newfound maturity in songwriting and production [for Yungblud]”.
The raucous ‘Lovesick Lullaby’ followed thereafter, when the musician celebrated its release by turning up to the iconic London pub, the Hawley Arms, to pour drinks for fans from behind the bar. High praise for the single came from BBC News who described the track as, “Combining Liam Gallagher’s sneer with Beach Boys’ harmonies, it’s uniquely Yungblud.”
Recent single, ‘Zombie’, saw Yungblud’s creative collaboration with Academy Award-nominated Hollywood film star, Florence Pugh, in a heart-wrenching music video, an ode to British healthcare workers (see the music video for ‘Zombie’ HERE). ‘Zombie’, arguably his most profound single to date, showcased a new depth in the musician’s songwriting arsenal.
The album is accompanied by a stunning live performance visional of focus track ‘Ghosts’; a powerful piano ballad, featuring one of the strongest vocal performances of Yungblud’s career. Speaking about the track, Yungblud said, “It’s about comprehending mortality. I wrote it while walking down the banks of the River Thames, thinking how many people had walked the same path and what was going through their heads while they were doing it.”
He added, “We’re gone in the blink of an eye, and life is precious and fast. Don’t forget to live it. The Outro of Ghosts was one of my favourite pieces of music that we’ve written on this album. I just let my imagination run. It’s inspired by opera, specifically ‘The King and I’. Everyone thought I was crazy when I referenced that in a rock recording session. But f*ck it. That’s Idols!”
Tomorrow, Saturday June 21, Yungblud will return for the second year of his curated festival, Bludfest, at the Milton Keynes National Bowl. The eclectic lineup will include global artists Chase Atlantic,blackbear and Denzel Curry, as well as British rising stars, Rachel Chinouriri and Nieve Ella.
Visit Bludfest.com for more information.
‘Idols’, the album by Yungblud is out now via Locomotion/Island Records.
ALBUM FORMATS:
VINYL
* Each vinyl offer includes a 4-page lyric booklet and 1 of 6 collectible double-sided photo lithos – unique to each vinyl variant – designed to form a cross-shaped image when the set is completed.
● Black Vinyl (Standard)
● Yungblud Store Exclusive: Signed “Distant Smoke” Marble Vinyl
Includes signed album artwork print
● Indie Exclusive: Signed “Supermoon” Silver Vinyl
Features alternate cover and includes signed album artwork print
● Amazon Exclusive: “Wishing Well” Magenta Vinyl
● Spotify Exclusive: “Hell And Back” Two-Color Vinyl
CDs
● Standard CD
● Signed CD
Available via Yungblud Store and indie retailers
● Amazon Exclusive CD
Features alternate cover
‘Idols’ full tracklisting:
1) Hello Heaven, Hello
2) Idols Pt. I
3) Lovesick Lullaby
4) Zombie
5) The Greatest Parade
6) Change
7) Monday Murder
8) Ghosts
9) Fire
10) War
11) Idols Pt. II
12) Supermoon
Yungblud is fast becoming one of the key musical voices of his generation, blending influences from Rock, Punk and Pop to monumental effect. His arena-filling performances around the world have cemented his place as one Britain’s most electrifying musical exports. He has received several accolades, including the MTV EMA for Best Alternative (2021) and the O2 Silver Clef Award for Best Live Act (2022). Known for his electrifying stage presence and boundary-pushing lyrics, Yungblud continues to challenge conventions while inspiring fans worldwide with messages of authenticity and acceptance. This year, Yungblud debuted own curated festival Bludfest and released his first book, the instant No1 Sunday Times Best Seller, ‘You Need to Exist: A Book to Love and Destroy’ on Penguin Books.