Album Review: Twenty One Pilots — ‘Blurryface’

Alternative act Twenty One Pilots (let’s just call them 21P) released a new album, Blurryface, last week. The duo, comprised of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, explores a darker sound this time around, and it will be a noticeable change for fans of their previous work.

1. Heavydirtysoul — 7/10

The album opens with a bang, as Joseph delivers one of the fastest raps to introduce the album’s themes — anxiety, insecurity, and “mainstream” culture. With a catchy chorus, this high-tempo track guides the listener from the angst-ridden-but-optimistic romp of 2013’s Vessel into Blurryface’s darker waters.

2. Stressed Out — 7/10

This track introduces the album’s namesake, the alter ego Blurryface, and 21P’s anxieties about growing up, as evidenced by the harsh refrain “Wake up, you need to make money.” The piano adds to the aura, creating a haunting lullaby to lament the disappearance of childhood dreams.

3. Ride — 8/10

“Ride” pits upbeat reggae against apprehensive lyrics, that take shots (pun intended) at overly-gallant pop, like “Grenade” by Bruno Mars: “I don’t see any bullets coming through, metaphorically I’m the man, but literally I don’t know what I’d do.” These poignant lyrics demonstrate the truth that 21P thrives on and create an enjoyable song with a relaxing head-nodding beat.

4. Fairly Local — 9/10

The first single opens forcefully, perhaps in acknowledgement that 21P has now grown up and earned their street cred in the music biz: (“I’m fairly local, I’ve been around,” Joseph sings). While 21P perhaps pridefully observes their own success, they also simultaneously produce an attention-grabbing song that is a solid representation of what’s to come from Blurryface. The catchy track continues the album’s dark tale, demonstrates 21P’s depth and new direction, and was certainly a solid choice for a first single.

5. Tear in My Heart — 9/10

Our first love song! Reminiscent of the New Radicals, this track has a great chorus and a classic 21P quirky bridge, while still maintaining substance. The last lines, “she’s a butcher with a smile, cut me farther than I’ve ever been,” reveal the underlying fear of love.

6. Lane Boy — 7/10

This song is a solid jam, as well as a declaration of legitimacy: “They say stay in your lane boy / but we go where we want to.” Here, 21P claims their legacy as proven artists and challenges the confining music industry.

7. The Judge — 10/10

This softer mid-album track is a gem; only 21P could make a spectacular ukulele-driven techno-western tune. The impressive melody, eerie bridge, smart use of voice modulation and crazy instrumentation all mesh to create the best track on Blurryface.

8. Doubt — 9/10

21P delivers again. As the title implies, the focus again turns to fears, but features a memorable auto-tuned chorus to play off the eerie verses. The ending is short and sweet, with some beautiful layering and harmonies. Overall, this song is a jam that’s definitely worth your time.

9. Polarize — 7/10

With a chorus of, “my friends and I we gotta lot of problems,” this song again harps on anxiety. With a catchy melody and a nice chorus of voices, this isn’t a bad track, but pales against the previous stunners.

10. We Don’t Believe What’s On TV — 7/10

This track still discusses fears of failing, but brings an interesting twist: “I used to say ‘I want to die before I’m old’ but because of you I might think twice.” If you’re looking for a ukulele-driven high-tempo love song, this track is for you!

11. Message Man — 4/10

Okay: you’re worried, you’re not like everyone else, you like reggae, and you’re rocking a darker sound.. we get it. In terms of originality, this song isn’t spectacular and the verses are a bit monotonous, but it’s a fine track.

12. Hometown — 7/10

Out of nowhere 21P drops a dance number!? The rhythm, echoed lyrics, and peaceful atmosphere create a song begging for a club remix or a peaceful late-night drive. A drum hit perfectly ends the bridge’s slow crescendo. This track is a welcome surprise as the album winds down.

13. Not Today — 8/10

“This one’s a contradiction because of how happy it sounds, but the lyrics are so down…it represents — wait, better yet, it is — who I feel I am right now.” And thus this song is summarized, as is this album. Despite the dark mood, this isn’t a bad listen, and a catchy jam closes out this penultimate track.

14. Goner — 9/10

Our final track epically concludes the struggle with Blurryface. Few bands discuss anxiety so brutally as 21P does, but they allow the listener to face their own fears by doing so. And finally, we get Joseph’s signature screaming; it is certainly appropriate, as rationality clashes with emotion in a climactic battle cry between dueling selves.

Overall: 8/10

Blurryface is a sharp turn towards a darker realm, but 21P masterfully evolves without straying too far. These songs may seem like teenage, anxiety-induced rants, but 21P’s masterful orchestration and quick wordplay exhibit their skills.

Learn more and find their music here.