Lewis Capaldi needs no introduction. He is universally loved not only for his incredible musical talent but also for his brave storytelling. The past couple of years have seen him spend time in the shadows. The lead-up to the newly released Survive EP has been a long and emotional journey for Capaldi. He returned to live performances in May of this year, starting with a series of low-pressure shows in Scotland, where he began to play some of his new tracks while on tour.
The first single from this EP reached number one on the charts. The track, “Survive,” was released on June 27th and quickly became the fastest-selling single of 2025. It debuted live during a surprise set at Glastonbury, giving fans a glimpse into the artist’s past few years of mystery. Capaldi’s familiar voice gently guides us through his self-reflection as he confronts his emotions head-on, no longer succumbing to distractions that keep him from facing reality. Overcoming struggles, he powerfully sings, “I’ll survive,” accompanied by an uplifting guitar and drum beat in the chorus.
“Something in the Heavens” was the second single, released three months after the first. It is the artist’s favourite song that he has written, and it’s easy to understand why. The track embodies Capaldi’s style, featuring eloquent and poetic storytelling set against a soft, melodic piano backdrop. “Something in the Heavens” is everything Capaldi does right: lyrics raw enough to bring tears to your eyes, soft instrumentals and powerful, enriching vocals.
‘Almost’ was the following release, after debuting on tour on September 6th and then streaming on the 24th of the following month. The soaring, full band anthem traverses the universally relatable feeling of not wanting to let go. Capaldi’s raspy vocals guide you as the song slowly builds to an impressive orchestra, as he builds strength on his journey. He pulled out all the stops for this second track.
“The Day I Die” quickly became a highlight of his live performances, described as ‘the most personal song he’s ever written.’ The track regularly brings both the crowd and Capaldi to tears. It begins as a piano ballad, gradually building with a full band to add depth to the music. This song concludes the EP on a sombre yet hopeful note. Capaldi wrote it during a time when he felt he might not be here anymore, but now the track serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of how rich life can be.
After years of darkness for the artist, this journey has given him light. Reaching impressive notes in each track and new heights in his career, the EP is a reminder of just how far he has come, both professionally and personally. Selling out a Maddison Square Garden show this year in just one minute, Capaldi has a big year ahead of him, and only brighter seasons are to come.