Rising British alternative artist YUNGBLUD collaborates with Halsey and Travis Barker on the ambitious, love-centric single, “11 Minutes.”

“I’m 11 minutes away and I have missed you all day / I’m 11 minutes away, so why aren’t’ you here?” If you are in need of a totally ambitious record in your life, well, “11 Minutes” just might be the song for you.  20-year old alternative artist YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) has been making a name for himself over the past year.  In 2018, Harrison released an album, 21^st Century Liability that didn’t get near enough attention.  Since then, he’s released a couple of singles, including “11 Minutes.” On this unique record, he’s assisted by Halsey and Travis Barker (drums).

“11 Minutes” commences with a nice rhythmic introduction with guitar. Halsey is the first voice appearing on the record. After singing the intro (the eventual chorus), she goes on to sing the first verse in her normal, ‘breathy’ fashion.  Early on, it’s clear that the theme of “11 Minutes” is love-centric:

“You stain all on my body like you’re red wine

You’re the fuckin’ acid to my alkaline

You run your middle finger up and down my spine

I’m sorry there was no one to apologize.”

Moving on, YUNGBLUD enters during the second half of the verse, contrasting Halsey with his heavy British accent.  What’s cool about this is the fact that he responds to her statements – both play unique characters within the narrative.

“I’m so fuckin’ sorry, I’m so fuckin’ sorry

I’ve been playing somebody and it’s helping nobody

And her lipstick arithmetic didn’t stick

And now I’m stick, throwing fits….”

Continuing this ‘back and forth,’ on the chorus, Halsey sings the first half, while YUNGBLUD echoes on the second half. She follows with the second verse, which sounds distinctly different than the first. Uniquely, it’s followed by a ‘refrain’ performed by both.  Keeping it ‘salty,’ there’s another f-bomb to be found.

“So, call me stupid, call me sad

You’re the best I’ve ever had

You’re the worst I’ve ever had

And that keeps fuckin’ with my head…”

Later, YUNGBLUD performs the bridge by himself, leaving the outro to Halsey. Damn, that was a lot to write, let alone digest.

Final Thoughts 

Upon first hearing “11 Minutes,” I’ll admit I was skeptical of what YUNGBLUD, Halsey, and Travis Barker were presenting.  Ultimately, it’s an ambitious, left-of-center record that’s definitely interesting.  It’s not perfectly executed, but there’s something here.

YUNGBLUD • 11 Minutes (Ft. Halsey & Travis Barker) [Single] • Geffen • Release: 2.14.19

Photo Credit: Geffen