Teddy Swims has confirmed that his new album UGLY will arrive on January 22, with reflections about becoming a father.
The collection was shaped during a stretch of personal change, with the Lose Control singer spending the past year reflecting on the kind of artist he wants to be and the responsibilities that come with new parenthood.
That introspection feeds directly into UGLY, which he describes as a project rooted in honesty, vulnerability and the pressure of trying to live up to expectations.
The record is led by new single Perfect Man, a brooding soul-pop track that sees Teddy confront the unrealistic standards he’s held himself to. He says the song is built around the idea of letting go of perfection and accepting the flaws that make people human.
Teddy – who has a baby boy with his ex-partner Raiche Wright – said: “Perfect Man is a song about self-forgiveness.
“In my life, I’ve held myself to a standard that is completely unrealistic. I’ve been too hard on myself as a partner, as a father, and in feeling the responsibility that comes with knowing there are people who rely and look up to me. I truly believe our insecurities and our quirks are signs of strength rather than weakness.”
He added: “My hope with this song, and with the work and conversations around it, is that people can find some relief and try to lean into our shortcomings rather than hide them. The beauty of chasing perfection is knowing we will never reach it.”
A live performance clip of Perfect Man is available now, offering fans an early look at the album’s tone.
Alongside the release, Teddy is set to hit the road for a full UK tour in Spring 2027, including three nights in Manchester and another three in London, marking one of his biggest runs in Britain to date.
Head to teddyswims.com for more information.
UGLY is the follow-up to 2025’s I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2). I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1) – his acclaimed debut album – was released in 2023.
