Stephen Thomas, celebrated pioneer of the “Universal” genre, today releases his electrifying new single “Strange Love,” a deeply emotional exploration of today’s hookup-driven relationship culture. The track, featured on his upcoming EP The Universal Me, melds pop, alternative R&B, and dance into a soundscape that is at once infectious and introspective, shining light on blurred boundaries, half-hearted commitments, and the unexpected avenues of healing that can emerge from heartbreak.
StreamStrange Love at https://symphony.to/stephen-thomas/strange-love.
Strange Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O47jhGfNefE
Having already garnered acclaim as an “Artist To Watch in 2025” by The Source and earning five Grammy Award considerations as an independent act, Stephen Thomas takes a bold step into the pop arena with “Strange Love.” The song opens with a pulsing melody that evokes the emotional resonance of Ed Sheeran, surges through production flourishes reminiscent of Zedd, and showcases Thomas’s vocal agility, drawing comparisons to Justin Bieber and Chris Brown.
“This song carries a universal sound and a raw, emotional delivery,” Stephen Thomas explains. “Lyrically, it explores the way we sometimes use others to move on from an ex, even when we’re not truly ready. But in the process of making what feels like a mistake, we sometimes find something real. Because sometimes, the people we meet in our brokenness are the very ones who help us heal.”
“Strange Love” does not shy away from confronting the disillusionment of contemporary romance. Through evocative lines such as “No risk, no sacrifice,” Thomas challenges listeners to examine how they navigate the spaces between fleeting attraction and authentic connection.
“Love isn’t something you can construct with logic,” he adds. “It’s strange, dangerous—an emotional rollercoaster where the unexpected can happen at any moment. But in its chaos, love isn’t just strange… it can be incredibly beautiful all at once.”
A Versatile Artist Shaping the Universal Genre
Hailing from Charleston, West Virginia, Stephen Thomas has consistently defied conventional genre boundaries. He coined the term “Universal” to describe his eclectic fusion of pop, rock, R&B, and alternative influences. His prior single, “Back Home,” marked his successful entry into the rock and alternative space; its music video premiered on MTV, the track climbed into the Top 60 on Active Rock Radio charts, and it went viral on TikTok with over 500,000 views within 24 hours.
Building on that momentum, Thomas’s release “Breaking Hearts” delivered a raw, emotive sound that further showcased his artistic reinvention. Earlier in his career, the heartfelt anthem “Stay Strong” paid tribute to military personnel, autoimmune warriors, and those facing mental health challenges, earning widespread editorial playlist placements on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal.
Breaking Hearts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op_ZEYZegos
As a national touring artist, Thomas has amassed a notable résumé: five independent Grammy considerations, a #2 spot on the iTunes charts with “Best Days,” and global exposure through Revolt TV with his video for “Search Me.” From his initial signing with SkeeloMusik/Sony RED in 2013 to his current home at Creative Hearts Entertainment, Thomas’s journey illustrates constant growth, fearless creativity, and personal storytelling.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
Stephen Thomas’s work has been spotlighted by leading outlets including MTV, Vibe Magazine, Swagger, Hype Magazine, Earmilk, V13, and The Source. He has shared stages and red carpets with iconic performers at major events such as the BET Live Experience, securing his place as both an influential artist and a relatable voice for a generation seeking authenticity.
Availability and Next Steps
“Strange Love” is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. It serves as the lead single from The Universal Me, an EP poised to further expand Thomas’s vision of music without borders.
All of Stephen Thomas’s latest releases: “Strange Love,” “Breaking Hearts,” “Back Home,” and “Stay Strong” can be accessed on major digital platforms.
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