By: Jane Wilde

Humor Editor

On Aug. 22, Dominic Fike released his fourth studio album, Rocket. The 29-year-old singer and Euphoria star launched his career after signing with Columbia Records in 2018 and has since then gained over eighteen million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Fike discusses the effects of this fame throughout his new, relatively short album, which spans around 24 minutes in total. However, its short duration did not deter Fike from making it a meaningful and memorable record, as he reflects on personal topics such as fatherhood, addiction, and the pressures of fame. With over five million streams on just one track already, it’s safe to say that Fikes’s “Rocket” is taking off.

Fike released the first three tracks of the record in an extended play bluntly titled These Are the First Three Tracks of my Album. Track one, All Hands on Deck is a solemn, hard-hitting song that covers the negative effects that fame has on fatherhood. Track two, Aftermath, piggybacks off that same idea, discussing the inauthenticity of Hollywood and the challenges that Fike has encountered navigating fame while trying to maintain his own individuality. 

If you’re looking for a song with the ability to completely transform your mood, track four, Sandman, is a must-listen. This song leans towards an upbeat vibe and encapsulates exactly what a summer day feels like. Fike is an interesting case in that he is both a singer and a rapper, although he is often confined to the label of  “singer.” Upset and Aggressive showcases Fike’s rapping skills and his ability to effortlessly blend his rapping with indie pop-adjacent choruses. His ability to incorporate several genres into one song is a talent in itself, setting this album apart from other competitors in his field. 

Fike concludes the album with the track Epilogue, where he reflects on the growth of his emotional intelligence over the years and the overwhelming impact of fatherhood. Epilogue ends the album on an insightful note, evoking the audience not just to enjoy, but to think. 

Overall, the album is comparatively mellow compared to his usual discography. With this genre dominating the record, in comparison to his other albums, Rocket is mildly underwhelming in terms of upbeat melodies. However, this shouldn’t be overlooked because of the sheer quality of his previous albums (Sunburn went platinum in my household). Fike’s tone throughout the record transitions from indie pop, alternative, and hip hop seamlessly, while also incorporating rock guitar riffs. Through his versatile style and ability to convey a captivating story within his music, Rocket is a solid album for any listener who’s looking for a chill vibe.