Twenty One Pilots‘ historic Blurryface album just turned 10 years old. To celebrate, Rock Sound has released Blurryface Reborn; a CD-exclusive album of 14 artists covering the critically acclaimed songs with their own twists. Here is everything you need to know about the project.
Blurryface follows the lead vocalist of Twenty One Pilots, Tyler Joseph, personifying his mental health struggles, insecurities, and fears. The album is representative of the internal battles he faces fighting these negative feelings. When performing the album live, he paints his hands and neck black to represent the Blurryface character he’s created. Joseph has stated, “Very dramatic, I know. But it helps me get into that character.” The lyrics are meant to be healing for both the band and the fans, aka the Clique.
Now some may be wondering, why put the spotlight on Blurryface? Why not dedicate something like this to their self-titled album or Vessel?
Well, Blurryface was the pair’s breakout album; they went from an alt-rock duo with a solid group of fans to worldwide sensations with Blurryface. The album set records and made history. In the era of digital music, it was the first ever to have every track certified no less than Gold by the RIAA. This project also marked their first #1 album on the Billboard 200. Two of the tracks, “Ride” and “Stressed Out,” sat in the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album’s central concept was relatable to many. Fans were truly listening to the lyrics, resonated with them, and felt seen. The vulnerability helped fans feel connected to the duo, their dedication growing even stronger. Messages within individual songs also helped the loyalty grow. The hit song “Stressed Out” discusses dealing with growing up and yearning for the simplicity of childhood because of it. The opening track, “Heavydirtysoul,” is a call for help to kill one’s demons in order to flourish and be greater. Fans were realizing that they weren’t alone in feeling these things and thinking these thoughts.
Blurryface laid the foundation for the duo’s musical lore, which would carry on through several of their following albums. The novel-like storytelling across the albums makes fans want to do their own research into the projects, whether they’ve been around for the last decade or a new supporter trying to catch up on what they’ve missed.
Neither Tyler Joseph nor Josh Dun could’ve foreseen how Blurryface would impact their careers forever. It made them hard to fit into one box, setting them apart from the rest of the industry. The concept of creating storylines and characters within albums helped inspire future artists to build their own. Now, they’re reflecting on this groundbreaking album with Rock Sound.
The tribute CD was made available to purchase this past June, also coming with a photo print and magazine that contains “a new interview alongside never before seen photos from the band’s archive”. All exclusive items are only available via Rock Sound’s website here.
Blurryface Reborn Tracklist
1. “Heavydirtysoul” – Bambie Thug
2. “Stressed Out” – Awolnation
3. “Ride” – Arrows In Action
4. “Fairly Local” – James Marriott
5. “Tear In My Heart” – AViVA
6. “Lane Girl” – YONAKA
7. “The Judge” – NOAHFINNCE
8. “Doubt” – Royal & The Serpent
9. “Polarize” – Dead Pony
10. “We Don’t Believe What’s On TV” – Bears In Trees
11. “Message Man” – As December Falls
12. “Hometown” – Artio
13. “Not Today” – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
14. “Goner” – As It Is
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