‘I Barely Know Her’ is Sombr’s first-ever studio album, released on August 22, 2025. Under the name of Sombr is a 20-year-old, Shane Boose. Boose started releasing music in 2021. His first studio album has brought so much rave from fans and puts you in your feels.

In this alternative album, his most popular songs are “back to friends,” “undressed,” and “12 to 12.” Boose first gained popularity with his 2022 single, “caroline,” and then, in 2025, his song “back to friends” blew the internet away. Boose decided to write his first album about his experiences with past “situationships” and his emotions after heartbreak. The writing for “I Barely Know Her” was written during a dark time for Boose, and he wrote to deal with his heartbreak.

I have seen many people online say they like the album. There has been much controversy on whether Sombr is an “industry plant.” An industry plant is described as a music industry term for an artist who gains quick access and a large following while posing as an independent, “home-grown” talent, but is actually heavily supported and manufactured by a record label. I am here to clear this up for everyone. Sombr has written, produced, recorded, and released his songs all on his own. He signed with Warner Records in 2023, but he still writes and produces all his songs himself. This isn’t really heard from many artists.

I was very excited to listen to this album and did so the morning I woke up on August 22. Generally, when first listening to an album, it takes me a few listens to genuinely be able to enjoy an album. But that was not the case for this album. I loved and adored all ten songs on this album. In Sombr’s songs, his lyrics are very emotional and raw. Boose writes these songs because he feels the feelings they show, and I admire that about him and his songs. On an album, I usually have three favorite songs. But this is the one exception where I have four favorite songs. My favorite songs from this album are “canal street,” “crushing,” “come closer,” and “under the mat.”

In 2025, I started to love Sombr and his music. I was introduced to him when I heard his song “undressed” on TikTok and fell in love with his music. In my opinion, “I Barely Know Her” is an example of a perfect first album for an artist. If you are looking for indie rock with a pop mix that deals with heartbreak, you should listen to “I Barely Know Her” or just Sombr in general…