Tom Odell is no stranger to capturing the darker side of human emotions, and his song “Black Friday” is a somber reflection of modern-day disillusionment. Released in 2021 as part of his album monsters, the track explores the overwhelming sense of dread and exhaustion that comes with living in a consumer-driven, hyperconnected world.
With a minimalistic piano intro that builds into a haunting atmosphere, “Black Friday” immediately sets a bleak tone. Odell’s voice, raw and weary, cuts through the instrumentation as he laments the hollow nature of contemporary life. "The internet is full of smoke and mirrors," he sings, delivering a sharp critique of society’s obsession with materialism and digital façades.
What makes “Black Friday” so powerful is its juxtaposition of the mundane and the profound. The title references the infamous shopping holiday, but the song digs deeper into the emotional and psychological cost of living in a world that constantly demands more—more stuff, more distraction, more noise. Odell’s lyrics offer a stark portrayal of feeling trapped in a cycle of consumption and emptiness, a sentiment that resonates with the growing sense of burnout many experience today.
Looking back on “Black Friday” this Throwback Thursday, the track feels even more relevant now. It’s not just a commentary on consumer culture but a reflection of the existential crises that come with it. Tom Odell's ability to blend social critique with personal vulnerability is on full display, turning a simple concept into a gut-wrenching anthem of modern despair.
So if you’re in the mood to feel something real amidst the chaos of life, give “Black Friday” another listen. Tom Odell’s melancholy masterpiece will remind you that in a world full of noise, sometimes it’s the quietest moments that hit the hardest.