Jackson Mercer returns with “Anxiety,” and it feels very much like a song built from a single idea that kept growing the more he sat with it. Minimalist beats set things off, but the track quickly opens up into something that deals with memories, school days, and the lasting effects of social anxiety that can linger for years.
What works here is how direct it all feels. Mercer isn’t dressing the subject up or trying to overwork it. Instead, he leans into honesty and lets the writing sit close to real experience. You can hear that this came together in his own space, with him handling the writing, recording, and production himself. That bedroom-made feel actually suits the song, giving it a kind of closeness that bigger setups sometimes lose.
The vocal delivery keeps things steady and controlled, which helps the subject land without feeling heavy. There’s also a clear sense that Mercer is shaping his sound more confidently now, leaning into what feels personal rather than trying to tick boxes.
“Anxiety” feels like a step into a more focused version of his artistry. It is reflective without being distant, and the emotion behind it leaves a lasting impression.
