Doechii’s “Anxiety” is a strikingly unusual and culturally pervasive track that transcends the typical release cycle of a pop song — originally recorded in her bedroom and shared on YouTube in 2019, it found new life years later after going viral on TikTok and was officially released in 2025, quickly becoming one of her most talked-about songs and reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

Built around a prominent sample of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” the song pairs haunting, nostalgic instrumentation with Doechii’s blend of melodic hooks and rhythmic, rapid-fire verses, capturing a sense of internal tension and paranoia that mirrors the emotional turmoil implied by its title. Critics have praised the track for its genre-defying approach, noting how Doechii fluidly moves between singing and rapping while conveying vulnerability and self-reflection amid the song’s uneasy energy, making it both compelling and memorable.  

At the same time, “Anxiety” has sparked intense debate among listeners and commentators, reflecting its polarizing nature. For many fans, the song’s catchy structure and relatable refrain have made it an anthem of the year and a defining part of Doechii’s artistic identity, while others criticize its heavy reliance on the sample or feel that the handling of mental health themes is too simplistic or surface-level. Despite mixed reactions — with some listeners even expressing fatigue from its ubiquity on social platforms — the track’s cultural impact is undeniable, inspiring everything from memes to broader conversations about anxiety and artistic expression.

Whether viewed as an innovative exploration of inner conflict or a divisive pop moment, “Anxiety” stands as a testament to Doechii’s willingness to push boundaries and provoke discussion in contemporary music.