Freedom. Funny word, isn’t it? It sounds so light, like a breeze brushing against your skin on a summer morning. But in reality, it’s a hefty suitcase packed with questions, doubts, and paradoxes. On one hand, you want to break free from chains—society, boundaries, other people’s expectations. On the other, who said you’d even know where to go if those chains suddenly disappeared? What’s my point? Simon Talbot’s 27th studio album is out on 7 February, and that’s exactly what it’s called—FREE.

When I first listened to a few tracks, it felt like someone lit a cigarette right inside my head, releasing thick smoke filled with disappointments, hopes, strange memories, and dark thoughts. Talbot has always had a knack for wrapping human stories in a dark yet strangely captivating package. And every time, you catch yourself thinking: why do we lock ourselves into these internal cages? Maybe, just maybe, the key to these invisible handcuffs is right there, but we’re too caught up in our own hustle to notice it.

In FREE, Simon Talbot lays out a vibrant deck of emotions, from the most delicate to the most repulsive. Somewhere in there, you’ll find reflections on resisting the weight of others’ expectations, paired with a reluctance to be held hostage by your own fears and doubts. At times, you catch yourself wondering: “What exactly am I afraid of?” Or, “Is it worth dragging around a sack of old grudges when I no longer have the strength to carry it?” In this album, Talbot tackles these questions with an unexpected sincerity. Each track feels like a small vignette. Some explore the struggle of tearing off a mask you’ve worn so long it’s fused to your skin. Others delve into the freedom of being imperfect and unapologetic about it. All of it is wrapped in Talbot’s signature dark, raw sound. That familiar melancholia is there, and it’s a welcome presence.

What’s interesting is that Talbot doesn’t romanticise the idea of “perfect liberation.” Instead, he frames it as an ongoing fight to maintain your sense of self. You feel the pull to retreat into your comfort zone, to lock yourself away in a cosy refuge and stay hidden. But the album urges you to crack the door open, even if an icy wind might blow through. After all, freedom can burn and freeze at the same time.

I’ll definitely point you toward the tracks worth your attention. If you appreciate dark depth with glimmers of light, start with The Free Agent—this track perfectly sets the tone for the entire album. Its brooding rock sound envelops you like a dark cloud, but through it, slow, almost radiant guitar parts emerge, creating a striking contrast.

Manumit is intriguing from the very first notes. The title hints at a deeper story, which unfolds in a blend of steady rhythm, resonant bass lines, and thought-provoking vocals. This laid-back alt-rock track feels like a pause—a brief respite before the next emotional waves hit. Its simplicity is deceptive, leaving an impression like a fleeting but powerful thought.

The track Independence dives into the complexity of the internal struggle to preserve one’s identity. Liberty shifts the tone entirely, offering an energetic burst of sound. With its fast paced rhythm, bright guitars, and dynamic drums, this track pulls you out of the melancholy and makes you move to the beat. It’s the point in the album where the introspective dialogue gives way to a flash of confidence, leaving you wanting to sing along.

Make sure to check out Exempt—a track that surprises from the very first seconds. Here, Talbot ventures into experimental, almost arthouse territory. Minor harmonies and unconventional transitions create a sense of discomfort, as if the listener is being immersed in the chaos that comes with trying to break free from pressure. It’s thought-provoking music, complex yet deeply expressive.

In Unbound, Talbot’s vocals take on a new dimension—almost fragile, yet simultaneously tense and resolute. The track keeps the listener on edge, sharing in the uncertainty alongside the artist. It’s one of the album’s most powerful moments.

The Freeloader puts a striking exclamation mark at the end of this journey. The track opens with a heavy intro that transitions into a sleek, almost radio-friendly rhythm. The drums act as a metronome, adding stability, while electro-rock guitars evoke a sense of release. Talbot’s vocals here are calm and seamlessly woven into the melody, giving the album’s conclusion a feeling of resolution.

The album drops on 7 February 2025, and I can’t help but wonder how it will resonate with those pressing “Play” for the first time. It’s hard to predict, but maybe someone will hear one of these songs, and suddenly their heart will beat a little louder. Maybe in that moment, they’ll decide to quit an old job, confess their feelings to someone, or pack a bag and head somewhere unfamiliar. That’s the essence of it: freedom isn’t written in textbooks or handed out in vouchers. It seeps into our lives through unexpected details, catching us off guard in the most ordinary moments.

So, if you’re craving something honest, raw, and painfully real, add FREE by Simon Talbot to your playlist. It’s out 7 February—mark your calendar. Until then, let’s wait.

*Promoted content. All information provided is prepared in accordance with editorial standards and is intended to offer useful insights for readers.