Dominic Fike has emerged as one of Gen-Z’s most influential musical artists, blending music and acting into a career that continues to evolve. Recently, he released a new album, Rocket.
Fike continues to surge as a distinct Gen-Z voice in music and as a cultural phenomenon. His second studio album, Sunburn, was released on July 7, 2023, and was hailed for its pop-rock vibes with hit singles such as “Mama’s Boy,” “Frisky,” and “Think Fast (feat. Weezer).” The album debuted at number 30 on the US Billboard 200, reaching number four on the Top Rock & Alternative chart. In 2024, Fike published the brief but well-made EP “14 minutes.” This year, it was followed by a collaboration with Blackpink’s Jennie to create the single “Love Hangover,” which landed at No. 96 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted globally.
Additionally, Fike is set to reprise his fan-favorite role in Euphoria, which is projected to continue its third season in 2026. Fike’s other notable acting roles include Miles in the film Earth Mama, as well as being featured in an ensemble role in Barbie.
Before the full drop of Fike’s newest album, Fike unveiled three surprise tracks: “All Hands on Deck,” “Aftermath Edit,” and “Smile,” announcing these on his Instagram on Aug 20. This was followed by launching a game on his website titled “Dominic Fike Is Your Interactive Buddy.”
Rocket is a welcome return for fans. “I’ve listened to Fike since his first album came out. Rocket feels unique. Not in a bad way, however, it feels like something new, but still familiar to past works Fike has put out,” said Daphne Bradford, junior.
Other Thunderbird students feel similarly: “ I like how the new tracks sound in contrast to the old albums he’s put out. Sunburn was good, but Rocket has a new vibe to it,” said Alexander Fernandez, junior. Both students agreed that this album would be in their top three of this year.
Rocket runs 12 tracks across 26 minutes, showcasing Fike at his most introspective. The album blends indie, alt-pop, and hip-hop while touching on fatherhood, fame, and vulnerability. The tracks that stand out the most on the mixtape are “Great Pretender,” a razor-sharp commentary on past romantic facades, and “David Lyons,” where Fike’s vocals reach profound new heights. This is his best album to date, according to Timothy Broniarczyk, a longtime fan.
Rocket will clearly be an album for the history books as the new chapter in Fike’s discography.
