twenty one pilots, Shy Away | Track Review

Twenty one pilots return with a hot new single, “Shy Away,” which serves as the promo for their sixth album, Scaled and Icy.

The wait is over! Grammy-winning alternative duo twenty one pilots are back with their sixth studio album, Scaled and Icy.  In advance of the LP, their first in nearly three years, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun unveil promo single “Shy Away”.  Like so many of the band’s music of the past, there’s plenty to sink one’s teeth into on “Shy Away.”

Twenty one pilots keep things short and sweet on “Shy Away.” The record runs just under three minutes in duration – an optimal length.  As always, the production is quite intriguing – sleek and well rounded.  Given its rhythmic sound and quick pace, there’s definitely no way to “Shy Away” from this record.  Tyler Joseph exudes ample personality as he performs, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  As always, the theme and lyrics truly go a long way in making this a successful record. Here, Joseph encourages ditching the shyness and being unafraid to reach for dreams and ambition – shedding modest and reaching for the stars.

“Don’t you shy away (Ah-ah-ah)
Manifest a ceiling
When you shy away (Ah-ah-ah)
Searchin’ for that feelin’
Just like an ‘I love you’ (Ooh, ooh)
That isn’t words (Ooh, ooh)
Like a song he wrote, that’s never heard (Ah-ah-ah)
Don’t you...”

Final Thoughts  

Once more, twenty one pilots have truly tickled our fancy on “Shy Away.” Great vocals by Tyler, great production, and thoughtful, positive songwriting make this a surefire winner.  Perhaps “Shy Away” doesn’t supplant the likes of a juggernaut like “Stressed Out” but it’s another welcome addition to their awesome – or should I say lit – catalog. 

twenty one pilots • Scaled and Icy • Fueled by Ramen • 5.21.21

[: Fueled by Ramen]