There’s something delightfully full-circle about rediscovering Cody Simpson in 2026. A quick dive into the EQ archives reminded me why he’s been quietly sitting in my YouTube subscriptions all this time. Rewind to 2015, when Raj caught Cody’s showcase at SXSW. And then… a few years on, life happened. Or rather, Cody’s life took a fascinating detour.
In the years since, Simpson stepped away from the pop spotlight to pursue a lifelong dream: competitive swimming. Not just dabbling, either—he went all in, ultimately earning a place on the Australian National Team in 2022. It’s the kind of pivot that doesn’t just earn respect, it reframes the artist entirely. So when news of his musical return surfaced, curiosity naturally gathered pace.
Now, he’s back with intention, artistry, and two new tracks: “Baby Blue” and “When It Comes To Loving You.” What’s immediately striking is the shift in sonic identity. This isn’t the Cody of yesterday; this is an artist reborn through experience, discipline, and reflection.
Of the two songs, Cody shared, “In my return to music, I had been experimenting in the studio for almost a year when one day I came in extremely open-hearted and open-minded, sensing something vibrant and new wanted to come through. I intended to create something that felt like the coming of spring, like a pure expression of joy whilst sounding cool enough to throw on driving down the highway with your mates. I grabbed a guitar next to my friend and producer Harrison Borts on synths, and this is where the sound that birthed “Baby Blue” and “When It Comes to Loving You” was born. I hope everybody enjoys listening to them as much as I enjoyed making them. I’ve been buzzing ever since!”
The feel-good feeling is palpable. “Baby Blue” leans into sun-drenched, romantic nostalgia with a breezy 90s pop sheen—effortless and warm. Meanwhile, “When It Comes To Loving You” pivots sharply into glossy, synth-laced 80s territory, instantly hooking with its emotional urgency and cinematic edge.
The visual storytelling amplifies this contrast. One invites you into golden-hour romance; the other throws you into a stylised, fight-club-inspired intensity that feels bold and unexpectedly raw. And honestly? It’s refreshing to see music videos treated as an art form again, thoughtfully shot, directed, and purposeful.
Cody Simpson’s return doesn’t just mark a comeback; it signals evolution. It’s the sound of an artist who stepped away, grew, and came back with something genuine to say. And that, more than anything, is what makes this new chapter feel so compelling.
Connect with Cody Simpson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysimpson