Cortex “Golden Boy” Single Review: The New Dark-Pop Anthem of 2025

Why Cortex’s New Single “Golden Boy” is the Dark-Pop Anthem of 2025

The wait is finally over. After weeks of cryptic teasers and mounting anticipation, Cortex has officially dropped their latest single, “Golden Boy,” alongside the haunting B-side “Romance.”

If you’ve been following the underground pop scene, you know Cortex isn’t just making music; they’re crafting an aesthetic. Released on December 19, 2025, under SANA / LISTEN TO THE KIDS, “Golden Boy” is already capturing the internet’s attention with its polished production and raw, introspective lyricism.

The Sound of “Golden Boy”: A Sonic Breakdown

Produced by the visionary Saw OTB, “Golden Boy” moves away from traditional bubblegum pop and leans into a sophisticated, moody atmosphere. The track features:

  • Atmospheric Synths: A shimmering, lo-fi backdrop that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

  • Crisp Percussion: Driving beats that make it a perfect addition to any late-night driving playlist.

  • Vocal Intimacy: Cortex delivers a vocal performance that feels like a whispered secret, balancing vulnerability with a “main character” energy.

Lyricism and Meaning

Written by Herman M., the lyrics to “Golden Boy” explore the heavy crown of expectation. The “Golden Boy” trope—the idea of being the perfect, untouchable success—is deconstructed here. The song touches on themes of:

  1. Identity vs. Performance: The struggle of maintaining a public “golden” image while feeling hollow inside.

  2. The Price of Success: What we sacrifice to stay at the top of our game.

  3. Digital Melancholy: A feeling very familiar to the Gen Z and Gen Alpha audience navigating fame in the social media era.

Why “Golden Boy” is Going Viral

It’s not just the original track making waves. Within 24 hours of its release, the “slowed + reverb” versions and fan-made edits began flooding TikTok and YouTube. The track’s ethereal quality makes it the ultimate “edit audio,” perfect for cinematic transitions and moody aesthetic clips.

“Bro finally released it,” one fan commented on the official YouTube premiere—a sentiment shared by thousands who have been tracking the snippets on social media for months.

How to Stream

“Golden Boy” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re an Apple Music loyalist or a Spotify curator, this is a track you’ll want to loop.

  • Listen on Apple Music: Find it on the Golden Boy / Romance – Single pack.

  • Watch on YouTube: Check out the official audio and lyric videos to dive deeper into the visuals.

Final Thoughts: Is Cortex the Next Big Thing?

With “Golden Boy,” Cortex proves they are more than just a fleeting trend. They are part of a new wave of artists who prioritize mood and texture over generic radio hooks. If this single is any indication of a full-length album on the horizon, 2026 is going to be a massive year for Cortex.