YUNGBLUD AND THE SMASHING PUMPKINS - ZOMBIE
After a year of incredible success from British rock icon Yungblud, he hits us with another “smash” hit featuring the iconic group The Smashing Pumpkins. Their new track Zombie is a fantastical rock ballad with rich lyricism and beautiful musicality. This track was a great way to kick off the new year with a bang, and it only leaves fans with more excitement for what's to come.
Throughout this last year, Yungblud's music has made a large resurgence into our media, which is certainly well deserved. Though some have said that his style as an artist is too eccentric or “out there”, this is exactly what our mainstream media needs right now. There has been an increasing rise in the expectation that artists please their audience and “take up less space”, with this, artists creativity is virtually demolished, and certain artists are forced into specific mainstream boxes. With Yungblud, however, there was never a box he tried to fit in, he has been loud, outspoken, and independent within his music, his social media, public appearances, and so on.
Especially within 2025, Yungblud has spent a lot of his time speaking with and collaborating with iconic rock artists that are renowned by generations, which has definitely upped his credibility within the rock scene. What started as a passion for Rock N’ Roll, has now turned into a lifelong project to preserve the music that past generations hold sacred. One of his most iconic performances of 2025 that really got people talking, was his Ozzy Osborne tribute performance of Crazy Train, featuring Aerosmith. Not only was this performance executed masterfully by incredible musicians, the collaboration between Yungblud and Stephen Tyler was remarkable. It truly felt like a performance that -to but it quite dramatically- changed the course of modern rock to fit back into its iconic sound, and expand from there.
Also within 2025, Yungblud released another full-length album entitled Idols, which really showcases his progress and new journey as an artist. With this, we come to his latest release, Zombie, released on January 2nd, 2026. Following the release of this track, I really wasn't sure what to expect, but the first listed was much anticipated. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this track was a rock ballad.
Yungblud has always had an open vulnerability with his audience about the lyrics and meanings behind his songs, and this track was no different. With lyricism carrying rich messages about a family member declining, the struggle of asking for help, and feeling like you are taking up too much space, this track is sure to be an interpretive anthem for fans to use to cope with their own struggles. Not only are the lyrics incredibly impactful, the musicality of this jam also packs a punch. With some beautiful guitar solos, and a punching rhythm, I think this track is on a steady course to becoming one of my favorites of the year, and we’re only a few days in.
Not to mention that this collaboration was with the iconic 90s rock group The Smashing Pumpkins. The bond between 90s rock and the development of punk rock & alternative as a genre is certainly strong, and to me, that was definitely an angle that Yundblud tried to capture within his earlier albums before this sort of sonic shift. This collaboration pays homage to those earlier days of his career, while also maturing his sound and creating more complex pieces that reflect where he is now. Yungblud is a fantastic example of how you can be grateful for what you have, and embrace your career and audience, but also be open and vulnerable about your struggles and heartache in real time. Not to mention the work he has done for various forms of activism within his fandom, which does not go unseen.
If you are on the hunt for a punchy, yet earnest alternative-rock ballad, Zombie by Yungblud and The Smashing Pumpkins is exactly what you are looking for. Check out this track on all streaming platforms for not only its remarkable musicality, but also its potent message.