ptrk’s newest album “scared to grow up” pulls influence from the sounds of the 1990s and early 2000s, giving listeners hot-in-the-mix vocals, bold melodies, and the kind of emotional storytelling that defined pop from that era. The album centers on the fear of growing up but choosing to do it anyway, learning to live with time instead of trying to outrun it. ptrk produced the entire record himself while learning the popular DAW, Logic Pro, which gives the project a raw, intimate quality. You can actually hear his roots and his growth as a producer and songwriter unfold track by track, making the record feel like both a personal diary and a creative milestone.
“when you’re drunk” captures the nostalgia of 90s boy bands like *NSYNC, Dream Street, and The Backstreet Boys. Beneath its bright pop sound is a story about a lover who misuses alcohol and only reaches out when they need something. It’s a selfish dynamic, and ptrk sings about the struggle of setting boundaries even when it hurts. “I might have to say bye bye,” he confesses. The drum beat is a highlight here, full of interesting textures and percussive choices that push the track forward. The song “conventional” lives in a similar style, with soaring vocals and a sleek, glossy pop feel.
“popped the line” begins with a beautiful piano intro that signals this is going to be a heartfelt pop ballad. The song explores breaking boundaries, letting people down, and trying to hold onto yourself while avoiding more drama. It leans into an early-2000s pop and R&B vibe before suddenly throwing listeners into a hip hop section. Layered phone-call-style rap lines give it a cool, unexpected twist and add an energetic shift that keeps the momentum exciting.
The title track “scared to grow up” opens with heavy bass and the vulnerable admission that ptrk is afraid to live in the present. He keeps revisiting memories from his childhood and youth, stuck smiling at the nostalgia while struggling to let go. The record as a whole dives into heartbreak, emotional management, insecurity, financial worries, and the messy process of becoming an adult. This track ties all those themes together, almost acting as the emotional summary of the entire album.
“gushing over you” is a lovesick ballad about falling for someone who may not be giving the same energy back. ptrk wonders why he hasn’t heard from this person and starts spiraling into the obsessive side of a crush: “I think I’m losing my mind.” he talks about showing them attention and not receiving it in return, a relatable tension for anyone who has fallen too hard too fast. Like several tracks on the album, this one also features a rap section, giving the song another layer of depth. One of ptrk’s biggest strengths is his melodic instinct, and this track really showcases how naturally he plays with vocal ideas.
“scared to grow up” feels like a snapshot of an artist in transition; honest, nostalgic, raw, and full of promise. It blends heartfelt lyrics with 1990s and early-2000s pop influences, self-made production, and lyrically-raw moments that keep the listener hooked. It’s a rare chance to hear someone evolve in real time, and ptrk delivers it with sincerity and heart.
« scared to grow up » started as a simple bet with myself: making one song inspired by late-90s/early-2000s production. And I ended up making 40. What came out of it is a full concept-album framed as a 2000s style radio show, telling the story of Joshua Stanfeld, a young adult trying to figure out what growing up really means. – PTRK
more ways to listen: https://ffm.to/stgu
Written by Ryan Cassata
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