sombr has rapidly emerged as one of pop’s most promising new voices, propelled by the runaway success of "Back to Friends," which topped both streaming and radio charts. His debut album, I Barely Know Her, and a sold-out international tour have cemented his reputation as a breakout star in 2025.

Commercial success

• sombr’s breakout single “Back to Friends” debuted at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, marking the fastest debut ascent in nearly a decade for a new artist.

• The track reached No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Streaming Charts in July 2024, amassing over 540 million global streams, while follow-up single “Undressed” surpassed 300 million Spotify streams.

• "Back to Friends" earned RIAA Gold certification and sombr spent four consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Songwriters chart, with three singles simultaneously charting on the Hot 100.

Cultural impact

• sombr made his television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May 2025, performing "Back to Friends" for a national audience.

• He launched his first headlining tour, The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, selling out major venues across North America and Europe, including New York’s Gramercy Theatre and Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre and Fonda Theatre.

• sombr celebrated the release of his debut album with a free pop-up concert in Dimes Square in August 2025, drawing crowds to his hometown for a special live performance event.

Critical response

• Pitchfork noted that "His debut full-length, I Barely Know Her, follows in the lineage of his viral influences... It’s music to sink into, an electronic dreamy mush that’s somehow equal parts Foster the People and Mazzy Star. He also has pretty solid pop instincts. It’s easy to appreciate his way with a hook, and his vocal range remains impressive beneath all the effects." Read full review

• Rolling Stone praised the album, writing, "The 20-year-old musician’s knack for luscious harmonies, melancholy lyrics, and perfect melodies — plus his boundless rockstar confidence — make for a standout LP on I Barely Know Her... Sombr performs with a distinct internal confidence and external charm that has been notably absent in the withering releases from many of his male contemporaries in pop." Read full review

• Billboard highlighted Sombr’s crossover appeal: "Sombr’s two fast-rising hit singles, 'Back to Friends' and 'Undressed,' have not only exploded on streaming services as crossover pop hits, but have also minted the 19-year-old singer-songwriter at rock and alternative platforms that have been starving for fresh new talent." Read full review