There’s no doubt about it; it’s been the summer of yearning. If it’s not our hearts breaking as Conrad pines for Belly in the new season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, it’s falling into Raif’s devotion to Maria in Madonna in a Fur Coat (which we’re thrilled to see reclaiming space on bookshelves). And now, we have the soundtrack to it all: Sombr’s debut album, I Barely Know Her.
The ten-track project blends fan favorites like ’12 to 12’ and ‘Undressed’ with brand-new songs that capture nostalgia, longing, and the thrill of experiencing such intense emotions for the first time. Written entirely by Sombr (born Shane Boose) and co-produced with the legendary Tony Berg, the album feels both intimate and expansive. No wonder he shot to number one on Alternative Radio faster than any new artist in the past decade. This is raw talent, undeniable and magnetic.
To celebrate the release (and to fully indulge in the yearning that’s taken over our prefrontal cortex), we’re breaking down the album I Barely Know Her, track-by-track.
‘Crushing’
The alt-pop opener sets the tone of the project. Sombr wears his heart on his sleeve, wanting to hold his lover out in the open and revel in that joy. But then the chorus hits, and we’re thrust into the reality of their ending. Wrapped in a groovy beat, the song paints vivid imagery, like Sombr stumbling past the corner store, drunk with heartbreak. As a Lower East Side native, his city roots pulse through the track. It’s the perfect introduction to the album’s world of lust, love, heartache, and possibility.
’12 to 12′
Who knew Sombr was a poet? Actually, we did! He’s already proven himself to be one of the most compelling lyricists of his generation. With a line like “I don’t want anyone else from the hours of 12 to 12,” he manages to turn obsession into something achingly romantic. 24/7 is out, ’12 to 12′ is in! Released as a single with a music video starring Addison Rae, the track carries a Parisian city-night vibe we can’t get enough of.
‘I wish I knew how to quit you’
The album slows down here, opening with a tranquil soundscape before Sombr admits how completely consumed he is by someone. This is yearning distilled into music, this project, and our entire summers. With echoes of 80s nostalgia, it feels like it belongs on the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. Some of our favorite lyrics include: “You’re the echo in my veins” and “I’ll write a book with all the reasons I could call you my home.” It’s almost as if we’re reading a 2025 version of Alex Turner’s letter to Alexa Chung. Oh, what a time to be alive!
‘Back to Friends’
The track we all know and love sits at the midpoint of the album. Although it was released back in December of 2024, with each listen, it feels brand new. Written and produced solely by Shane, this track quickly became his breakout single and marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It truly cemented his sound as an artist and fits the theme of I Barely Know Her perfectly.
‘Canal Street’
With what we feel has a country-tinged edge, Sombr explores a different side of his sound. Walking down Canal Street, he’s surrounded by temptation and spectacle, but everything is haunted by memories of a past love. No matter how hard he tries to move on (calling her name through the radio, searching for her traits in strangers), he can’t shake her ghost. We’re wiping away a tear as we write this.
‘Dime’
Shifting the tempo upward, ‘Dime’ is an indie-pop love song full of longing and admiration. Sombr imagines himself imperfect but determined to give everything to a girl who feels like a 10/10. It’s playful, romantic, and quietly desperate in the best way. If we were on the merchandising team, we’d create a fun slogan tee that flips the lyrics and says, “We’re a fan that needs a dime.” See what we did there!
‘Undressed’
The whole world has been talking about ‘Undressed,’ from the punchy sound to the poetic lyrics. In fact, the lyricism is what we love most about this track, lyrics like “I don’t wanna learn another scent, I don’t want the children of another man to have the eyes of the girl that I won’t forget.” You can read our deep dive into Sombr’s lyrics, including iconic lines from ‘Undressed,’ in our article here.
‘Come Closer’
Fueled by electric guitars and a pulsing beat, this track captures the urgency of wanting someone fully. Half-love just won’t cut it. Sombr’s storytelling shines here, transporting us to a dimly lit restaurant on the Lower East Side. His roots ground the song in lived experience, making the imagery so vivid it practically plays out like a film in our minds.
‘We Never Dated’
A personal favorite here at THP, ‘We Never Dated’ manages to do so much in just 3 minutes and 17 seconds. With an indie-rock edge reminiscent of classic alternative bands, the track leans into the comparisons fans often make between Sombr and full-band sounds (which, let’s be honest, only makes his artistry more impressive). At its core, the song captures the universal ache of yearning for someone you never truly had. They consume your thoughts daily, even without the history of a relationship. And really, haven’t we all been there?
‘Under the mat’
The album closes softly but powerfully. ‘Under the Mat’ reflects on differences in upbringing and the realization that love transcends those divides. The locked door and the key hidden under the mat become metaphors for endings that still hold a shimmer of possibility. And it’s this youthful naivety that we can all relate to. It’s tender, bittersweet, and the perfect note to leave us on.
For a project so anticipated, and with the question on the tip of everyone’s tongues asking for a release date, it makes perfect sense that the last line of the album is “That’s the album, man.” The closure is authentic, and it feels like we’ve been personally gifted this masterpiece. And to that, all we can say is, “Thank you, Sombr.”
I Barely Know Her feels like opening Sombr’s diary; it’s personal, vulnerable, and unflinchingly honest. With raw storytelling, vivid imagery, and a sound that drips with nostalgia. Sombr has truly cemented himself as the new voice of modern yearning. Plus, with his upcoming tour across Japan, North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, we can’t wait to see how these songs transpire on the stage. Will you be catching him on tour? Let us know your thoughts on Sombr’s album, I Barely Know Her, in the comments or on social media across Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!
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