Young artist Shane Boose, professionally known as sombr, released his newest album “I Barely Know Her” Aug. 22, containing four previous singles in this 10-track record. While one of the singles, “Back to Friends,” was an “unexpected anthem,” the other singles released this summer, “Undressed,” “12 to 12” and “We Never Dated,” also made waves across the sea of digital listeners.
The songs on this album have impacted many people, but they all have the same message. “I Barely Know Her” is a reflection of sombr’s failed relationship with someone he never dated (as clarified on track nine, “We Never Dated”), hopelessly pining over her in each and every track. While listening to these songs individually is enjoyable, playing through the entire album will leave you wanting a change of topic, especially seeking a song that might put a smile on your face.
The first track, “Crushing,” is reminiscent of summer 2017, taking me back to when “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran and “Attention” by Charlie Puth were constantly on the radio. Because of this, “I Barely Know Her” would have benefited from being released two or three months earlier, so that “Crushing” and the rest of the album could have been enjoyed throughout the summer. Although there were singles from this album that were released this summer, sombr would have been more successful if his music had been released at the peak time for pop consumption.
Because sombr has been tokenized as a bedroom pop artist, it is understandable that this album has many of the same sounds and themes, but it leaves the album feeling static. The only real change in feel was seen in “Canal Street,” a slower song about the girl that he misses. That being said, any of the songs on this album could be described as a “song about the girl that he misses,” just with slightly different tempos and focus points.
Each song on the record does have slight nuances, explaining different thought processes sombr has during this time of heartbreak. For example, “Dime” is about how he feels unworthy of the girl’s love, “Under the Mat” describes how he wants to get her back but can not get himself to do it, and “Come Closer” explains his need to either be with her or never see her again. The songs on “I Barely Know Her,” do have slight variety in their messages, but not enough to keep the listener engaged and wanting more. These songs are well written, but could have used a change in destination with their final messages.
“I Barely Know Her” is the album for you if you are going through a heartbreak and need something to relate to, or if you have fallen victim to the uprising of bedroom pop and are thirsty for a new album in that genre. Whether or not these descriptions match your taste, giving “I Barely Know Her” a listen is not a waste of time and may broaden your musical input.
