Yungblud is back, and he’s kicking off 2025 with a bang… or, more accurately, a nine-minute-long rollercoaster ride of a track titled “Hello Heaven Hello.” It’s an audacious, genre-bending statement from an artist who has made a career out of defying expectations, but this time, Yungblud leans into something shinier, more polished, and arguably more radio-friendly than his past work. Yet, despite the poppier sheen, the song still carries his signature rebellious energy and a few surprises that make it unmistakably Yungblud.

The first thing that stands out about “Hello Heaven Hello” is Yungblud’s vocal evolution. His voice, which has always teetered between raw punk angst and soaring theatricality, sounds more mature and refined than ever. There’s a newfound depth and control that adds an emotional weight to the song, making it feel like a true milestone in his career. His vocals blend an unlikely yet oddly captivating mix of influences; at times, there’s the gritty, electrifying swagger of Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil, but then, out of nowhere, there’s a haunting, ethereal quality reminiscent of Madonna’s most dramatic ballads. It’s a combination that shouldn’t work, yet it does.

At first, the song’s pop-forward sound is almost disarming. Fans of Yungblud’s more alternative, punk-driven sound might raise an eyebrow at the glossy production and the infectious, radio-ready chorus. The verses glide smoothly over a pulsating beat, making it one of his most accessible tracks yet. But as always with Yungblud, first impressions can be deceiving. Just when you think you’ve figured the song out, it takes an exhilarating detour into full-throttle rock territory.

Right at the heart of “Hello Heaven Hello” is an electrifying guitar riff that could have been ripped straight from the golden age of ’80s rock. It’s bold, brash, and nostalgic, calling to mind legendary bands like Guns N’ Roses or Def Leppard. The instrumentation here is a stark contrast to the song’s glossy opening, but it’s a contrast that works in its favour.

This moment, gritty, rebellious, and anthemic, proves that Yungblud hasn’t lost touch with his rock roots. If anything, it leaves you wishing he had leaned into this sound even more. Given the overwhelming praise he received for his cover of KISS’s “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” on The Fall Guy soundtrack, it’s no surprise that he’s incorporating more classic rock elements into his work. One can only hope this is a sign of things to come.

And just when you think the song has reached its climax, Yungblud pulls the rug out from under you yet again. The final stretch of “Hello Heaven Hello” dissolves into a breath-taking acoustic outro, where delicate guitar strums intertwine with strings, creating an almost cinematic soundscape. It’s a moment of vulnerability that lingers long after the last note fades. It’s goosebump-inducing, the kind of moment that feels like an exhale after a wild, chaotic ride.

What’s most impressive about “Hello Heaven Hello” is how effortlessly it shifts between genres without ever feeling disjointed. It’s pop, it’s rock, it’s orchestral, it’s a little bit of everything, yet it all comes together seamlessly in classic Yungblud style. The nearly 10-minute runtime might seem intimidating at first, but once you hit play, time flies. There’s no filler or wasted moments, just a constantly evolving musical journey that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

For fans who fell in love with Yungblud’s earlier, grittier work, the poppier direction might take some getting used to. But give it time, and “Hello Heaven Hello” starts to reveal its layers. It’s a song that demands repeat listens, and each time, there’s something new to discover.

Ultimately, “Hello Heaven Hello” is a testament to Yungblud’s refusal to be boxed in. He’s always been an artist in constant motion, unafraid to take risks, switch up his sound, and challenge both himself and his audience.

This latest offering may not be what fans expected, but it’s undeniably compelling, proving that Yungblud is still one of the most exciting, unpredictable artists in the game.

If this is the start of his 2025 era, then buckle up, because it looks like we’re in for one hell of a ride.