Alex Warren’s Album ‘WILDCHILD’ Turns Personal Pain Into Pop-Rock Catharsis

Alex Warren has come a long way in a remarkably short amount of time. Once best known for his social media presence and ‘Hype House’ fame, now has become a global pop name following the success of “Ordinary”. But with that success came the question of what is next?

“WILDCHILD” begins to answer that.

Released on August 28th, the 13 track album is one of his most personal projects yet. Instead of creating a polished breakout album, Warren decided to go for something more vulnerable, expansive and occasionally unpredictable. The album is an emotional story that Alex has spent years carrying - the loss of his father when he was just 9 years old. Rather than treating grief as a single chapter, “WILDCHILD” allows it to weave through the album alongside heartbreak, love, anger and the complicated process of growing up. 

The record opens with “Emerald Eyes” instantly showing that Alex is not interested in just sticking to the formula that made “Ordinary” a hit. Funky bass lines and punchy drums give the track a different kind of energy. 

“Same Stars” shifts into a more emotional territory. Guitars and piano ballad give Warren room to lean into the romanticism that has become so central to his song writing, whilst “Passenger”, offers a more straightforward catchy pop moment.

“Cry Wolf” is where things start to get interesting. Alex genuinely sounds angry. The song follows an ex attempting to return after causing damage, and rather than giving in to nostalgia, Alex pushes back. His lower register gives this track an edge that is unlike any other song on the album.

Then the album reaches its emotional centre. 

“Are You Having Fun, Alex?” incorporates recordings of Warren’s late father’s voice, transforming what could have been another song about grief into something much more intimate. There is a weight to hearing a voice preserved from another time that production simply cannot manufacture. 

“I Miss You More” continues that exploration of absence. “Fever Dream” brings the album back toward its pop-rock centre, with a larger production that lets Warren’s voice take the spotlight. 

Finally, “WILDCHILD” closes the record with one of its most meaningful musical moments with a cameo performance of John Mayer on guitar. 

“WILDCHILD” is Alex figuring himself out in real time. Sometimes polished but sometimes messy, but deeply personal. 

“Ordinary” introduced the world to Alex Warren.

WILDCHILD starts to show us who he actually is.