George Collins’s latest single “New Way” is not just a sonic left turn. It is a swerve into rockier, more defiant territory.

Collins, who is known for his introspective, singer-songwriter roots, dials up the distortion and steps on the gas with this riff-driven track that’s as much a personal reboot as it is a social commentary.

From the jump, “New Way” wastes no time. The guitar riff grabs you by the collar and drags you in with a hook that has been waiting just for the right moment to roar in to life – and that is exactly what happened! Collins, who is a seasoned songwriter with decades of lived experience behind him, unearthed this riff from the vault of his younger, electric guitar slinging self and paired it with a lyric that is equal parts pop culture reference and pop mantra.

The line “It’s part of the new way,” is one that is borrowed from Stanley Kubrick’s movie A Clockwork Orange, and it becomes the backbone of the song. It’s a strange and slightly sinister refrain that takes on new meaning in a world that often feels like it’s tipping sideways.

But Collins doesn’t get bogged down in finger-pointing. Instead he channels his unease whether political, personal or existential into a song that is surprisingly cathartic. The tension builds, the rhythm section grinds, and by the time the chorus lands, there’s a genuine sense of release.

It’s also clear that Collins hasn’t lost his skill for melody. Beneath the grit, there’s a classic pop sensibility at work. You can hear the influence of Costello, Springsteen even Billy Joel (especially in the breathless vocal delivery) all stitched together with care. But make no mistake: this is Collins’ voice, sharpened by years away from the industry, honed by life experiences and now surfacing with something to say.

There is just enough rawness to keep it altogether honest, and the musicianship from the crunch of the guitars to the drums is rocking with a pulse.

“New Way” may surprise longtime listeners of Collins’ more acoustic-leaning work. It definitely feels like growth for Collins. With his new upcoming full length EP “New Ways of Getting Old” , it is safe to say Collins isn’t coasting into the next phase of his musical life but is charging into it guitar in hand.

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