I barely knew this album until today... (I Barely Know Her Album Review)

If I had to pick a Best New Artist for 2025 right now, sombr would be pretty high up on my list. Between back to friends, undressed, we never dated, and 12 to 12, he's had a great year. He just released his new album a few weeks ago, and I figured what better time to review it? Most of these songs I will be hearing for the first time, so they could definitely grow on me. Let's get into it, starting with...

#1: crushing (4/5)

This is our first song, and we're starting off pretty strong. I don't really like the vocal effects on sombr's voice on this one, mainly because it makes him sound like he's mumbling every sentence he sings. However, with a few more listens, I do think it'll grow on me. I really like the chorus here, and think the double meaning of "crushing" is very clever. The production is great, and I especially like how the last chorus basically pauses the song for a few seconds before getting back into it. This is a good start to a hopefully great album.

#2: 12 to 12 (5/5)

This was the final song released before the album's released, and I honestly think they saved the best for last. sombr sounds amazing here, and the production is just amazing. The bridge here is amazing, and I feel like it really helps the song, especially going into the last chorus. I also really love the string production in the last chorus. This is the most radio-friendly single, which makes me surprised it didn't get an immediate push, or a push with the album. 

#3: i wish i knew how to quit you (3/5)

This is the song currently on Hit-Bound, and I really have no idea why. sombr sounds as good as always here (I think he sounds really good in the bridge particularly), but the production is very slow and basic, which makes the song drag on for what feels like forever. The highlight of the production for me is the piano at the end. This is my least favorite so far.

#4: back to friends (5/5)

Now we've arrived at the first single, and also the biggest hit off this album. Funnily enough, I had this song added to BubbyFM for two weeks back in February, but it never really clicked until it started becoming popular. I really love the production here, and sombr sounds amazing here. The songwriting is great, and I think this might have one of the best bridges on the album. I love this song, and I think it deserved all the success it got.

#5: canal street (5/5)

We've reached the Track 5 of this album, and it's definitely the saddest song so far. sombr sounds great here, and I really love how the production builds throughout the song. This vibe of songs are some of my favorites right now (think All Too Well, The Subway, Vodka Cranberry, etc.), and this could definitely become one of mine too. The bridge here is killer, and this song is also five minutes long, which makes me love it even more.

#6: dime (4/5)

This one is yet another solid song, but it can't compare to most of the previous songs. sombr sounds alright here, and the production is great, but this just doesn't do much for me. I do think this is a good song, but it feels quite forgettable and doesn't stand out compared to the rest of the songs.

#7: undressed (5/5)

We've arrived at the current Weekend Countdown #1, and I would say it definitely deserves that title. This song is just so fun. sombr sounds great, and the production is great as well. The chorus here is super catchy, and I especially like the bridge. This song was amazing when it came out, and still hasn't faded on me.

#8: come closer (5/5)

This song is very different from anything else on this album, and I love it. The production here is amazing, and possibly even some of the best on the album. sombr sounds great, and the first verse and chorus stand out as possibly some of my favorite moments on the album. I love the concept of this song, and I think he executed it perfectly.

#9: we never dated (5/5)

This is the last song I knew before listening to this album, and it's a great song. I really love the production here, and I think sombr sounds great here as well. The bridge here is amazing, and I think it really completes the song. I wish this made some more noise than it did, as I think it deserved to be a single just as much as undressed and back to friends.

#10: under the mat (5/5)

We've reached the end of the album, and I think it's stronger than the start. I don't love the production in the beginning, but I love how it builds starting in the second verse. sombr sounds great as always here, and I love how most of the songs on this album have a completely different sound to them. I also love how the bridge pauses here, because it's just like how your mind pauses when you realize something important. I also love how the ending feels like an ending to the entire album, not just the song. It's also just a hilarious way to end this great album.

Overall Score: 46/50 (92%) - Great

Favorite Songs: 12 to 12, canal street, come closer

Least Favorite Songs: i wish i knew how to quit you, dime

This album surprised me. I thought the rest of the songs would be worse than the singles due to i wish i knew how to quit you, but I was pleasantly surprised.