In August, UK singer-songwriter Joe Hicks came back after three years away with “Time is a Thief.” The single touched on the grief that Joe was going through during that three-year period, as he navigated a difficult breakup and the loss of his father. Between the dark musical textures and defeated lyrics, “Time is a Thief” is a heavy song that evokes complex emotions. It was a bold way for Joe to return, and it made for a strong introduction to Joe’s upcoming album Before it Gets Dark.
Due for release on March 27, 2026, Before it Gets Dark was a form of catharsis for Joe, as these songs helped him find closure. Anyone who might also be going through a rough time can turn to its songs and take with them what they need in order to find their own closure. Whether it’s a guiding light, a helping hand, a source of comfort, a form of support, or plain empathy, Before it Gets Dark will make listeners feel less alone. Joe explains,
“The album is about feeling beaten down by modern society, uncertainty, and the things life can throw at you as you get older. It deals with the death of my dad, a breakup, and the darker songs are from the somewhat nihilistic ‘life is meaningless’ perspective of the world I slipped into following those events. The theme of releasing it is coming through that and looking forward, wanting to see the world before it gets dark.”
Along with the album announcement is the release of “Heart in Two.” Here, Joe sheds light on the impact of social media culture on mental health. It’s all too common for people to post all aspects of their lives online, with an emphasis on the good parts. For those going through a tough time, these posts can be harmful, as they can evoke a sense of personal failure. Over the forward-moving music, Joe sings, “‘Cause everyone I see, they’ve got it all figured out” and “I want to know / Is anybody telling the truth?” He’s hopeful for answers but can’t shake the weight of the questions.
About “Heart in Two,” Joe shares,
“‘Heart in Two’ was written early in the album process. The name suggests it’s about love, but at the time, I was probably at my deepest point of the fallout from losing my dad, and at my most frustrated with the world around me.
“The song deals with how low you can feel seeing everyone else living these seemingly amazing lives online and the mental health impact of feeling like you are falling behind as you scroll through their highlight reels, wondering what might have been if you had made different choices. But there’s also hope and defiance within that, knowing you’ve committed to your path and made your peace with the sacrifices that come with it.”
You can listen to “Time is a Thief” here.
Pre-save Before it Gets Dark, out March 27, here.
Keep up with Joe Hicks: Instagram // Facebook // X // YouTube // Website
