A few seconds into an perfectly crafted horn intro, Panic! At The Disco's newest single jumps straight to the point.
"Had to have high, high hopes for a living/Shootin' for the stars when I couldn't make a killin'/Didn't have a dime but I always had a vision/I always had high, high hopes"
Brendon Urie's vocals kick the track off with trademark enthusiasm and high energy. Utilizing his incredible vocal range, Urie goes from belting out the triumphant chorus to more steadily singing out the verses like the declaration of a mantra. Lyrics like "Fulfill the prophecy/be something great" and "Burn your biographies/Rewrite your history" are simple but powerful, reminding the listener that nothing in life is handed, and to let go of fears and and chase after what you want. The layered vocals and crescendo make the bridge the highlight of this track for sure, which also features the lyrics, "All been done but they haven't seen the best of me", most likely a nostalgic nod to 2013 anthem "This is Gospel" ("But they haven't seen the best of us yet").
"High Hopes" delivers much needed heart to Pray For The Wicked, and is sure to be a live hit, as the lyrics, melodies, and exciting tempo all come together to form something that's more than another Panic! At The Disco hype song; it's a message of optimism and determination that's very close to Urie himself saying "I believe in you".
Panic! At The Disco's sixth studio album, Pray For The Wicked is set for a June 22 relsease, and is currently available for pre-order. North American dates for the Pray For The Wicked Tour are currently available on the band's website.