Dominic Fike’s long-awaited sophomore album titled Sunburn, released onColumbia Records has arrived.For me, the title envokes memories of warm-to-the-touch skin, it stings, but quickly fades away in a matter of days. Once the pain has faded away you’re left with comfortable memories of the beach and peeling skin. The album is intended to be autobiographical, with Fike telling his story through the 14 songs on the album. Fike returned to his home state of Florida to record Sunburn, where he worked with the same producer of his debut album, Jim E-Stack. Even though Fike has accrued so much fame, he doesn’t have so many walls up, this album is a vulnerable personal exploration of his life. He tells a compelling story of an internal struggle as he enters a new phase in life. The album has themes of sensuality, reliance, heartbreak, and anxiety. Fike resiliently confronts life’s challenges with unwavering acceptance, offering a strong testament to resilience.

“How Much Is Weed?” In this first song, Fike doesn’t stray away from telling stories about his volatile home life. I did my best, I needed rest, I got arrested / Everybody looking at me like I’m not invested / B*tch, you know how hard I was stressing? / Please, don’t call me with weekend plans / I’m ripping out all my hair / And b*tch, I don’t even dance. The song could be compared to a sad Eminem song with his skillful flowing lyrics, but it’s centered around a lighthearted low-fi guitar melody.

“Ant Pile” this song was released as a single to announce the new album. I love the lyrics in this one, they really capture my imagination. They lightheartedly describe a first love from high school, which includes aspects of being curious about each other and going on an awkward first date.

“Think Fast” this song features Weezer and you can certainly hear their influence on the song. It’s a clever blend of their styles from one section to the next. This song acts as an indie rock cornerstone for the album.

“Sick” this song has some “vintage” charm to it, seeing as 2003 is technically vintage now. It’s pretty lovey-dovey for Fike with pre-chorus lyrics like this: ’Cause you make me (Sick) / And I make you (Sick) / And we can’t be (Friends) / ‘Cause I’m still in (Love). Dominic Like is not afraid of his soft side. 

“7 hours” has an infectious groove to it. The lyrics show his dedication and willingness to drive seven hours to see his partner. Whenever they needed, a level of devotion that should have been enough to earn their love.

In “Dancing In the Courthouse” pokes fun at his Naples prison sentence. The song is upbeat and full of silly lyrics, life is fun at the end of the day.

“Mona Lisa” is quickly becoming the most popular song on the album. It’s understandable as soon as you hear the funky electronic beat come in.

“Bodies” has a similar fun beat paired with chill acoustic guitar parts. At this point in the album, he’s made it to college. He’s dealing with codependency and new environments.

Welcome to “Sunburn” the title track of the album. There is a dark side and hard times to this sun-soaked life. There’s the symbolic and literal heat of being raised under sweltering conditions.

“Pasture Child” we’re right back into swoons turned into songs. This song is about being in love with a good girl, back before we went digital.

“4×4” this song holds a delicate guitar part, and the somber lyrics reflect on a life that didn’t go as planned.

“Frisky” lives up to its title with this upbeat and playful song.

“Mama’s Boy” this song shows an eclectic side to Fike’s production, particularly on the vocals I think they really stand out as something different.

“Dark” holds some weight and vulnerability about coming from the bottom and being afraid of heights while he’s at the top.

“What Kinda Woman” really shows off Dominic Fikes guitar skills on a nylon string acoustic. I love that this album rounds out with an acoustic song as the finale.

‘Sunburn’ shows all sides of Dominic Fike and his musical range. The album tells a story from start to finish of what it’s like to grow up in the Sunshine State. From playground antics to first-time make-outs, the album grows with him. The depths of his musicality and production styles are also explored throughout the album. With the album Fike was able to reconnect with his roots by returning home in his writing and during the recording process.

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