Since the release of Dopamine in 2015, BØRNS (real name Garrett Borns) has had an amazing couple of years. From (finally) releasing an absolutely stunning music video for “American Money”, featuring the most exquisite wardrobe pieces from Gucci (because of course, he would), to opening for The Lumineers on the North American leg of their world tour in 2016, his career has successfully taken off. He now has several fans (including me) eagerly waiting for the release of new music.

The two year wait for “Faded Heart” was so worth it. As soon as “Faded Heart” begins, all of the anxiety I had about the possibility of him changing his sound was gone. He starts by addressing the galaxy about what plans it has in store for him, “But I see the night in your hands/You’re the man with the plan, oh yeah”, while a quick tempo beat thumps in the background. This fast paced start then crashes into the chorus with a signature BØRNS ballady sound. He begins to plead with the universe not to break his seemingly “faded heart” and a fantastic and totally-singable guitar riff starts to play. After begging with the universe to take it easy on him, we go back into the quick tempo beat where he then addresses fantasy, which turns into a more tortured and lustful message about what he fantasizes to himself, “I’ll show you the way my Thunderbird sings/You in the suede backseat is all I'll ever need”. After an echoed “running out of time”, we crash back into that catchy chorus.

As a huge BØRNS fan, this song exceeded my expectations, probably because it’s been two years since he’s released new material and I simply forgot about how good his music is. There’s just something about his lyrics that intrigue and entertain me all at once, but also don’t leave me wondering what in the hell he is talking about which some indie and alternative artists can do sometimes when they’re trying too hard to sound unique. BØRNS’ lyrics don’t feel forced at all, rather like he’s torn them right out of a worn leather journal. I can’t wait for his new album, and I can’t wait to see what he will wear out on tour, other than a Gucci belt. Welcome back Garrett, I’ve missed you.

Happy Jamming!

Listen to the Single on Spotify:

Listen to the Single on Apple Music: