Agree, modern musical trends change faster than likes on Instagram, finding something truly memorable is becoming more and more difficult. But sometimes, among the many musical novelties appearing every day, an album emerges that attracts with its sound. “Bashfulness” is the new album by singer-songwriter Freidrich$, which, in my opinion, deserves special attention among fresh releases.

Photo by Ernad Ihtijarevic

Already from the first track, “Something I Wrote a Long Time Ago About Norway,” it becomes clear that the artist masterfully expands the boundaries of pop music, breaking the composition structure into several diverse yet equally melodic sections. The rhythms here do not strive for aggression but rather serve as a soft, hypnotic foundation upon which the entire soundscape is built. The elegant introduction stands out with refined vocals, while mystical synths convey an atmosphere of mystery. At first, the tracks seem calm, but very quickly, you begin to appreciate the rhythms and textures that subtly change every minute. This dynamic resembles weather changes, the movement of cyclones, the excitement of the sea.

For example, “Maybe / Perhaps” sounds like an acoustic sketch of rain, where each drop taps against metal surfaces, creating a rhythmic pattern that swells and fades. Meanwhile, “Church Bells / Secret Garden / Cave of Lost Souls” evokes associations with winter silence, where rare sounds resemble the chime of thin ice crystals colliding under gusts of cold wind.

It feels as though what was primary was not the music itself or its structure but the emotions that Freidrich$ infused into each song: tenderness, despair, love, and sometimes an all-consuming sense of hopelessness. However, in my opinion, “Luv of My Life” is one of the album’s most memorable tracks, thanks to its catchy chorus and skillful use of pop hooks. Freidrich$ seamlessly weaves melodic phrases into the song’s structure, creating a balance between lightness and emotional integrity. The vocal delivery – ranging from soft intonations to energetic bursts – creates an effect of emotional “waves.” The minimalist yet expressive arrangement, with precise pauses and dynamics, makes the track unforgettable.

One of the album’s most intriguing surprises is “You’re Still Better Than Me,” where effervescent electronic flourishes meet an unfiltered energy that seizes you from the opening seconds. The immediacy is invigorating, dispensing with ornate structures and leaping right into irresistible hooks. This track also boasts a collaboration with Lillith—named after a demoness in Jewish folklore—who serves as the artist’s anima in the Jungian sense. Together, they step forward as “The New Order,” a playful nod to the renowned band, signaling a fresh creative direction that resonates with originality. The explosive breakdown becomes the climax, where restrained verses abruptly give way to a powerful sound flow, as if releasing accumulated tension. It is this contrast that makes the song dynamic, and its summer lightness gives it a special charm.

Photo by Ernad Ihtijarevic

I also want to mention the agitated “Untitled – 2025 Remaster” (by the way, the longest track on the album), which, despite its length, holds attention until the very last second. Thanks to its nostalgic synths, the track particularly easily paints images in the imagination. Unlike other tracks, it is perceived not so much as a personal confession of the artist but as an open space for listening – as a soundtrack to memories, which everyone fills with their own meaning. “Untitled – 2025 Remaster” is one of the most cinematic and sensual moments on the album. It’s music for an emotional (or intellectual) rave.

And finally, I’ll note the album’s conclusion, “Latest Final Phantasy.” Freidrich$ offers a melancholic melody, interwoven with a drowsy, hypnotic beat. From the very first seconds, the captivating acoustic guitar part grabs attention, creating an atmosphere of light contemplation. Gradually, the track unfolds, leading into the chorus, where the instruments subtly support the vocals, emphasizing key emotional moments. There is no excessive drama here – everything sounds natural and sincere. Despite the bright mood of the melody, there is a signature sadness in Freidrich$’s voice that adds depth to the song.

As a result, when listening to the album, it’s hard to guess when the songs change, and it’s better to listen to it as a whole. Its melodies arrive slowly but decisively – against the overall meditative aura of the music. “Bashfulness” is truly a great album, and it seems to me that Freidrich$ was inspired to create it somewhere at the intersection of Dream Avenue and Irony Boulevard.

He achieves a remarkable synthesis of boldness, vulnerability, and a moving salute to life itself in this latest offering. The music illustrates how transformation can be unhurried and gentle, weaving through our days with a deeply felt honesty. Listeners eager to see the ordinary in a new light will find “Bashfulness” especially illuminating, as it lends even the softest moments a subtle yet undeniable radiance.

Published in partnership with SubmitHub