FEB 28
THE PANIC YEARS HITS RIGHT WHERE IT HURTS
BY LUNA CARDOSO
Bradley Simpson didn’t just drop an album—he dropped a whole era of emotions. The Panic Years is a soundtrack for every high, low, and in-between moments of growing up and figuring life out. From heartache to self-discovery, reckless love to quiet reflection, this record captures it all with a mix of indie-rock, Americana, ‘80s synth, and touches of psychedelia. It’s bold, intimate, and completely immersive—proof that Bradley isn’t just stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, but fully owning his story and sound.
At its core, The Panic Years feels like a diary of experiences we all go through but don’t always know how to put into words. It’s about navigating love (Picasso, Holy Grail), nostalgia (Cry at the Moon), and the passage of time (Always Like This). The album feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, making it easy to see yourself in the lyrics.
Bradley himself said he wanted these songs to be the soundtrack to people's lives—whether they’re dancing, crying, or just trying to make sense of it all—and that’s exactly what this record does.
Each song on The Panic Years tells its own story, but together, they create something bigger. It’s not just an album—it’s a feeling. A collection of moments that remind you of your past, your heartbreaks, and your nights spent overthinking someone who’s already moved on.
"Cry at the Moon" – The Ghost of Someone You Can’t Forget
This track is pure longing. From the first verse, you feel the weight of missing someone who’s gone—but still everywhere. The moon as a symbol of unfulfilled love, the haunting realisation that “there’s no coming back from you”—it’s heartbreak wrapped in melody.
"Picasso" – Love as a Beautiful Mess
"Where did you learn to break a heart? Turn the torture into art?"
This song is all-consuming. It’s the messy, passionate kind of love that leaves you both obsessed and broken. The way Bradley weaves in imagery—turning love into brushstrokes, pain into paintings—makes this one unforgettable.
This song is all-consuming. It’s the messy, passionate kind of love that leaves you both obsessed and broken. The way Bradley weaves in imagery—turning love into brushstrokes, pain into paintings—makes this one unforgettable.
"Carpet Burn" – The 2AM Conversations That Stick With You
There’s something about this song that feels so intimate. It’s like overhearing a personal confession—talks of past heartbreak, childhood fears, and the scars (literal and emotional) that shape us.
"Holy Grail" – The Sound of Finding ‘The One’
This is where the album shifts from pain to possibility. It’s about choosing someone, knowing love won’t always be perfect, but still wanting to try. The stripped-back production lets the lyrics breathe, making it feel even more personal.
"The Panic Years" – A Full-Circle Moment
The title track ties everything together—it’s about feeling lost, feeling found, and realising that sometimes, life is just about surviving the in-between. The build-up, the emotion, the urgency—it’s the perfect closing chapter to this album.
Musically, The Panic Years is warm, organic, and deeply personal. Bradley leans into soulful guitars, bluesy rhythms, and stripped-back instrumentals that let his vocals and lyrics shine. Every track feels like it was meant to be played live in a dimly lit room, with nothing but raw emotion filling the space.
There are moments of soft vulnerability, moments of reckless abandon, and moments where the music wraps around you like an old memory. It’s cohesive but never repetitive—each song stands on its own while still feeling part of a bigger story.
With The Panic Years, Bradley Simpson proves that he’s not just breaking away from his past—he’s stepping fully into who he was always meant to be as an artist. It’s personal yet universal, polished yet raw, nostalgic yet fresh.
Every track tells a story, and by the end of it, you feel like you’ve lived through something right alongside him. This isn’t just an album—it’s a chapter in all of our lives.
