Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Olivia Frances
This glittering guitar track is all about a relationship that you can’t quite quit. Stylistically, the vocals are on the grittier, grungier side, à la Jxdn, MGK, or Huddy — so it’s definitely very marketable in today’s style of viral music. While I don’t typically expect an edgy alt rock song with rap and country influences, there’s something undeniably intriguing about this one that will keep you on your toes when you listen to it. Whether you’ve been caught in a relationship that you just can’t seem to end, or you know someone who has been, this song will remind you not to make the same mistakes again.
Brother Are You Out There? by James Malcolm Band
This is a unique country song about finding a long-lost sibling, and all the emotions that come along with it. I really enjoyed the storytelling aspect of this song, and the way families make sense of complicated situations like this. The chorus is so powerful and musically intriguing, with bright cymbal hits and a driving electric guitar that makes this one stadium-ready. The whole thing is about wanting to form a connection with this person, or wondering if “it’s too late for a story / too late for roots to grow.” Whether or not you relate to this intriguing story, this song will hit all the right notes.
Spring Cleaning by Billie-Jo Porter
Raspy vocals and a plucky guitar beat populate this uniquely bright tune all about a fresh start and taking life by the reins to live your best life. The trumpet in this song is a delightful addition that I don’t typically gravitate towards, but it adds the perfect seasoning to that quirky vibe. I also liked the light vocal harmonies in the pre-choruses. If you’ve been needing a kick in the rear to get yourself in gear, this song is just the thing to help you let go to make room for all the new things. “Spring cleaning ain’t just for closets / I’m cleaning out the corners of my heart” is such a clever lyric.
The Otherside of Town by The Silversteins
Subtle rock energy via a palm muted guitar and silky vocals greet your ears with this track. I never expected to stumble upon a surf-rock-meets-country song like this, but I’m really glad I did. The lyrics reference things about small-town charm mixed with the passage of time and the nostalgia of looking back in time. You’ll love this song for your next roadtrip playlist, or maybe it’s something you can share with an old high school flame you’d like to reconnect with. No matter what, this one is best enjoyed with a cold glass of lemonade on a rickety wooden front porch while the sun sets.
You Make Me Wanna Dance by Trinity Bliss
I love the naive coming-of-age excitement in this song about embracing all the joy and awkwardness of dancing with your crush at a school dance. It’s hopeful, bright, and glittering, with quirky vocal articulations that are just a little different than you’d expect, but still sugary-sweet. Fun fact about this artist: she’s a double-threat, voicing Tuk (Tuktirey) in the Avatar franchise. I really value her creativity on and off screen, and I know you’ll love how down-to-earth this song is despite being written by an up-and-coming starlet.
Where’s the Bend? By Hello Soon
This thought-provoking song has a cheeky vibe, almost questioning the shape of our planet, while also fostering a healthy sense of curiosity about all facets of life. While it sounds like a crash-course in physics, there’s some beautiful poetic imagery paired up with gorgeous vocal harmonies: “are we the watchers or the seen? / Caught in a loop of lucid dream?” is at the center of this idea. Whether you’ve already accepted that you’re part of a “cosmic fishbowl” or are hungry for more answers about life and your purpose, this song is just the thing to journal about while you wonder. Bonus points for the ambient narrative flow and the way the lyrics feel like a journal entry gone rogue.
Clear vocals and relaxed guitar picking creates a sweet-as-pie environment that will make you crave sitting outside under the sunshine. If you’re in need of a hug, this song is just the thing for making sense of the world and maintaining a bright composure no matter what happens. I loved the way the guitar switches chords more rapidly at the end of the chorus, and the hopeful tone that takes the overall sadness in stride. “Everything unfolds in divine time / all is well my dear” is at the center of this piece, as there’s literally never a time in life where you won’t need this reminder. Written a bit like a mantra or prayer, there’s something so calming and pleasant about this beautiful song, and I know you’ll love it too.