21st Century Liability

On <i>21st Century Liability</i>, the adventurous Yorkshire artist takes the sounds bouncing in his head (electrified pop, ska, and hip-hop) and creates chart-friendly chaos. The songs leap from the speakers, YUNGBLUD lording over them like a mad professor. The title track stomps like “So What'cha Want” Beasties, even vocally simulating a DJ scratch (you've got to hear it to believe it). “I Love You, Will You Marry Me” lets his romantic side flex over an upbeat electro-ska groove. Yet it's the poignant “Polygraph Eyes”—a stern commentary on date-rape culture—that stands out the most; behind YUNGBLUD's wild, up-for-whatever persona beats a caring heart.