Gus Dapperton, Queen → Song Review

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Alternative singer-songwriter and producer Gus Dapperton delivers a must-hear, surefire, ‘royal’ bop with “Queen.”

“Aye, this may be a man’s world,” Gus Dapperton (Brendan Patrick Rice) sings, and continues, “But no man is a king.” Noted.  The ever-intriguing alternative/indie pop singer-songwriter is locked in on his single, “Queen.” “Queen” is the sixth track from his fourth studio album, 4 Dear Life (arriving October 23, 2026). Dapperton wrote and produced this ‘royal’ song.

“Queen” shimmers early on. Following an enigmatic, ear-catching instrumental introduction, the titular lyric is the first lyric heard. Following the tone-setting lyric, Gus Dapperton delivers a scintillating groove and a prominent bass line. The production and overall sound of “Queen” is a big selling point.  Beyond Dapperton’s composition and production, he is also a big selling point vocally. He’s easy-going during the first verse, singing in more of an undertone: “A spiral of envy / I claim that I can’t / Be this empty…” The pre-chorus has some bite, thanks to some profanity: “Looking down at this average ass / Motherfucking Joe / Like you’re so ignorant / Queen.” He packs more of a punch during the infectious, unforgettable chorus. During the second verse, he rises to the occasion, singing higher, with more oomph (“I give my blood to the chemistry / Cus I still claim that I’m not / One with these enemies”). The sing-along-able chorus is the crème de la crème:

“I wanna be one of the girls

With hearts of gold

We’re rocking diamonds and pearls

Looking pretty, wearing pink

Thinking of all the right things

Aye this may be a man’s world

But no man is a king.”

The post-chorus expands, concluding, “But no man is a king to queen.” After reaching a fever pitch, Dapperton brings things back down, only to build them back up near the end.  Ultimately, Gus delivers a must-hear, surefire, indie pop bop with “Queen.” It checks off all the boxes: awesome singing, songwriting, and production.  What more can you ask for? Gus is O-N on this one!

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