“Stressed Out”
Writer: Tyler Joseph
Original Release Date: April 28, 2015
Whether you like them or not, you can’t deny that twenty one pilots’ latest release, Blurryface, has been gaining a lot of traction. One of the standout tracks is the third single, “Stressed Out”, which, contrary to the lyrics in “Fairly Local” (“this song will never be on the radio”) has been played on Top 40 stations around the world.
The song talks about the often difficult transition into adulthood, while fondly remembering childhood habits like building tree forts and falling asleep to lullabies. Some people may laugh at the lyrics, but the words are honest and relatable to most twenty-somethings. Joseph’s rapping skills are impressive and the deeper-voiced Blurryface persona can be sort of creepy if you’re not expecting to hear him. Plus that video, which took Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun back to the house Dun grew up in, is so much fun. Who doesn’t want a giant tricycle?
Earlier this year, post-hardcore group Our Last Night momentarily broke the internet when they released a cover. It’s a hard and fast version of the song, which results in a more angsty sound, but, given the lyrical content, it works. My favorite touch is the rougher, unclean vocals during Blurryface’s verse, which come across as more aggressive.
twenty one pilots definitely have a hit on their hands when it comes to “Stressed Out”, but, depending on the level of stress you’re feeling, it can also be cathartic to rock out to the heavier Our Last Night cover.