On July 16, 2023, my entire life changed. This, of course, was the first time I saw one of my favorite artists, Dominic Fike, in concert. I mean to be dramatic when I say this concert changed my entire life and defined what my music taste would look like in 2023 and beyond. Fike quickly became one of my favorite artists for many reasons: he has a unique sound, a witty personality, and exudes rockstar boyfriend energy. For the past three years, I have listened to his music almost every day, and though I love every song, I definitely have my favorites. In no particular order, here are eight standout songs from his discography.
“Why” comes from Fike’s first studio album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, and has such a catchy beat and vibe. Fike ponders why we accept the things in life that don’t make us happy instead of facing them and, more importantly, changing them. Though not directly related, this song makes me remember why I shouldn’t put up with nonsense and should live the life that makes me happy.
“Sick” is the fourth track off Fike’s summer 2023 album Sunburn. This song feels like a summer situationship, all about the complicated relationship between two people who drive each other crazy, but they can’t just be friends since their love for each other still stands. It resonates with me because, haven’t we all been there? We all have that one person we just can’t be friends with because of the painful history of what used to be. This song is comforting as it reminds me that anyone can be stuck in a situation like this, just as I’ve found myself in more times than I’d like to admit.
“Hey Blondie” was featured in the 2023 Barbie movie. When I found out that Fike would be featured in THE movie of the summer, I was thrilled. This song discusses the pressure that Barbie, or women in general, face every day. In music, you can find many upbeat songs with a deeper undertone, and this song is no exception. “Hey, blondie, there’s a million eyes on you/Do you ever get curious? Hey, blondie, there’s a million minds on you/ Do you ever get furious?” It fits along perfectly with the theme of the Barbie movie, as so much of it focuses on the general pressures women feel to be perfect and upstanding every day.
“Phone Numbers” is one of the first Fike songs I heard and still remains one of my favorites. It references how sometimes, after fame, the only thing people want from you is a favor or money. Fike wants to be surrounded by genuine people, but instead, people begin to switch up. “Why you not here with me/Can you break bread with me?” are some of my favorite lyrics found in this song.
One of Fike’s oldest songs, “Westcoast Collective,” finds him reminiscing on his youth in Naples, Florida, when he was homeless and sold his mixtapes for a living. Much of his older music revolves around themes of adolescence, a painful upbringing, and being unsure of himself and his talents. It seems like he is speaking to his younger self in this song as he says, “Don’t you go run for the hills/you can’t outrun it by yourself,” perhaps talking about his past and how it can not simply be erased by his own fame and stardom.
“Great Pretender” is one of the newest songs in Fike’s discography. Off his newest album, named after his son, Rocket, “Great Pretender” talks about putting on a mask to hide how you really feel on the inside. If I had to guess, I would say Fike is speaking to himself in this song. My favorite lyrics are the opening lines, “Oh, you’re a great pretender/The influencer who always spoke so kindly/ You got your friends and your intricate web/ But they don’t know how sorry/You are to the naked eye, just a passerby.”
“Sandman” is a straight bop. While it has a bit of a quirky sound, it is a cute love song about being someone’s sandman, the person who makes all their dreams come true. Fike is expressing how much he wants that companionship with someone else as he sings, “Come be my drifter, my lonely listener/ Make it come true/ My only wish, to be on your list/ Please make it come true.” This song is so fun to sing along to, and I always get excited when it comes on.
“Frisky” speaks directly to its title; Fike is feeling a little frisky! He tells the audience to “toast your dilemma baby, it’s only temporary” and “toast your dilemma baby, it’s complicated, but it’s temporary” as if to say that not everything is worth stressing about. It seems as though he is talking to a stubborn overthinker to simply say, everything is going to be okay. When things in my life are getting a little too messy, “Frisky” is my go-to.
“Maroon” is a newer Fike song off his good friend Kevin Abstract’s new album Blush. Fike is caught reminiscing once again, this time about a past relationship that seemed simple, child like, and happy. However, after time, this relationship got more complicated as the two people in it grew up and grew apart. Fike asks, “Would it be easy to love me if I was different?” acknowledging that he is a part of the problem. It’s all about remembering the good times but letting go of a relationship that no longer serves either person. He ends the song with four simple lines that all mean the same thing, “Au revoir, goodbye/ So long, farewell.”
Though all the lyrics are special, the chorus is my favorite:
“Remember back when I could turn your face maroon (I do)
Back when there was only space for two (I do)
Remember back when we had no nada (do you?)
Yeah, back when we ain’t had no problems (do you?)”
Get to Listening!
If you haven’t explored Fike’s music yet, what are you waiting for? He truly has a song for everyone, and his alternative, pop, indie mix draws in so many different types of people. Confused on where to start? Check out the playlist I made above. It is a collection of every Dominic Fike song to exist. Play a couple, see what sticks, and go from there. I hope you enjoy my rockstar boyfriend and maybe one day, he’ll be yours too.