An invigorating, enthused rock sound compels on “Breaking Hearts,” the newly released single from Stephen Thomas. “All I wanna do is live my life with no regrets,” Thomas’ spirited vocal presence emits alongside resonating guitars, invoking a pop-punk charm with shades of Fall Out Boy in the punchy doses of distortion. As is apparent there and throughout, there’s a lyrical drive for renewal and to escape previous tumults. “I’m trying to move forward, but this love just ain’t going nowhere,” his vocals continue, impactfully capturing the desire to escape toxicity and embrace aspects that personally empower. The sound is a resounding success from Thomas, who is originally from Charleston, West Virginia.
“Stay away from those who drain you of the energy you need to function—for yourself and those who love you,” Thomas says of the track’s thematic aim. “People who don’t care never want you to win, while those who do will always push you past your limits to make you better in the end.” The track comes via the upcoming EP The Universal Me. “Breaking Hearts” will also be accompanied on April 25th by a music video, directed by Will Thomas.
Shades of hip-hop also intertwine enjoyably at points. “Girl, I thought you was the one I needed,” Thomas lets out there with a brisker vocal delivery, conveying the hurt of deception within “this game we call life,” as the stylistic fervor moves cohesively from hip-hop sharpness to a raucous, energizing rock appeal. Another standout moment comes past the two-minute turn, within the “I don’t wanna be,” bridge. Gentle keys align with the “I don’t love you anymore,” sense of catharsis, then traversing into a final “goodbye,” as “Breaking Hearts” concludes with satiating emotion.
