Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This bright, fun, bubbly summer track will be the perfect addition to your camping playlist — but it’ll also make you think. I loved the staccato guitar playing style, and the mindful lyrics written about what it’s like to let go of someone who was actually holding you back. It’s got a bit of sass, a whole of optimism, and will be encouraging for anyone who’s been in that complicated situation. Maybe this will inspire you to change your life — and if it doesn’t, maybe your outlook on life will change.
Michael Wayne Schoon
twenty something by Andie Yagher
I loved this anthem for those of us who are stuck somewhere between adolescence and full-on adulthood. It’s written all about the passage of time, and wondering what your life is going to be while it’s actually starting to take shape. The vocal performance is bright, warm, and full of dreamlike energy that will inspire you to reach for the stars. The lead guitar work also really shines, and I was impressed by the subtle-yet-intentional sonic dynamic changes throughout. Listen to this one anytime you want to be reminded what it was like not knowing how things were going to turn out — and enjoying every second of it.
This addictive, angst-filled pop track is a sugary-sweet coming-of-age journey about overthinking and figuring out who you want to be. It’s also about putting yourself out there despite feeling overwhelmed with life. I liked the unique vocal tone mixed with the fun sonic dynamics that even have a hint of Broadway-esque flair. For a different approach to your typical playlist, give this one a chance — maybe it’ll inspire you to break out of your comfort zone for good.
Get Your Shine On by The Blackline Masters
A classic anthem about picking yourself up and recovering from something difficult, this song will be just the thing to boost your spirits! It’s a light, bright, guitar-articulated track that you’ll love to listen to during cookouts or relaxed summer nights. After all, everyone needs the reminder sometimes that no one should ever dull their sparkle. The vocal harmonies are uniquely calming, and there’s so much about this song that I know you’ll enjoy.
Better Than That by Franklin Wall
This song really hit home for me, as it talks about being hurt by the church, and what it means to redefine what your life is going to be in the context of your faith after the fact. “Feeling like every heartbreak was the end of the world / looking back / wish I could tell that little girl / you deserve better than that” is at the center of the message. It’s an extremely empowering wisdom-filled track that only comes with time and life experience, as learned by the artist and her own struggles experiencing an unhealthy relationship that she felt pressured to stay in at the time. While I thankfully don’t relate to that part, there’s something truly powerful in this song that will remind you how important your needs are no matter who tells you they don’t matter. It’s theatrical, powerful, and worth listening to more than once - or however many times you need the reminder.
The Love You Fear by Dermott Taggart
It would be easy to categorize this song as another breakup track, but there’s so much more to it than just that. This song is the feeling that happens after the dust settles and the loneliness of feeling scared to try another relationship in the future sets in. It’s about the different forms that loneliness can take, and the way it can make the healing process take longer. And sometimes at the center of it all, is simply the fear of love. However this song finds you, I know you’ll enjoy the intricate instrumental work, layered up against the intriguing rhythms and smooth vocal performance.
365 Moons by Michael Wayne Schoon
This Nickelback-vibed track has a solid rock vibe that’s also super angsty and fueled by a romantic love interest dynamic. “In the summer moonlight it’s on” pretty much sums it up, and there’s lots of clever sensory lyrics in the song, talking about what it’s like to spend time with someone you fancy with a cold drink in hand on a summer night. I’m confident that you’ll be headbanging to this track and enjoying every second of it. For the grittier side of a summer playlist, this song will be a mainstay that you’ll listen to every time you want to think of someone special you haven’t been able to see in a while. Bonus points for the great guitar solo too.