by Bugs
On Friday, July 18, 2025 we the people earned a reprise in the form of Alex G’s new record release, Headlights. As I’m sure his other longtime fans can agree, this album perfectly balances his iconic sound that we all know and love with new influences and themes. I recently read a post on the Internet about how his latest music sounds so different, basically referring to the movement away from sadder to happier themes. I agree, but I think he has beautifully managed his artistic growth by maintaining his old sound, yet allowing it to be guided by his personal growth–his new experience of fatherhood and his growing success in the industry. He began his career by releasing on band camp as a teenager, and now he’s scored two films and has released his 10th studio album on a major record label (RCA). In this new record, we’re greeted with the familiar raw anti-folk and electronic influences, and simultaneously met with refreshing themes of reflection, strength, and freedom. We saw this thematic movement begin in his 2022 record God Save The Animals, and now cemented.
Now for some of my favorite album moments!
♥ “Real Thing” (Track 2): “No, I never thought I was the real thing […] Maybe when you’re older, you can give me that” –> perhaps as a message to his future self or to his young child <3
♥ My favorite track from the record (& the third single released) “Oranges” (Track 8): “Full of sin/Full of love/We were children/Wash in the river with the one I love”
This record gifts us tracks that are beautifully reflective and hopeful. I’m excited to keep listening to this record (spinning it on the air perhaps…) and for what’s to come from Alex G in the future as he starts this new stage of his personal growth and success in his career. You’re the real thing to us, Alex G!!
Try tracks #2, 8, 1, & 10 to get you into it!