Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Victory Lap by Leanna Firestone
This bright and cheery slice-of-life features tones of Taylor Swift or maybe a very jaded Sara Bareilles. It’s calling out a love interest that isn’t shaping up to be what the speaker had originally been hoping for, and how it’s healthier to celebrate even a breakup as a win sometimes. I really appreciate this change of focus, allowing listeners to shift the way they view relationships and celebrate their own self-awareness of their own needs — even if it ends in a breakup. Punctuated by piano chords and plucky percussion, this song will be an excellent motivator for anyone who needs a new perspective on their life journey, in dating and beyond.
I love the upbeat message of this tune about giving yourself grace when you don’t meet your own goals — whether in relationships or otherwise. Sonically, it reminded me of something that Huddy or Jaden Hossler might produce. “So tired of conversatin’ / ‘bout all the things we left behind” are just some of the insightful lyrics mixed with tight studio effects that make the song feel current without being overdone. Listen to this one anytime you’ve been feeling down about yourself and need a change of pace.
This alternative rock song has all the angst of Paramore, with smart lyrics that beautifully illustrate the frustration around not being focused on the lackluster reality of a relationship. Distorted guitar chords provide most of the percussion, mixed with floating notes in the background that give the song an overall haunting quality. I also really applaud the artist’s strong vocal performance and harmonies that create this darker ambience that really shows the emotional depth that she’s experiencing.
Emma Rose
Breathing Years by Gavin Marengi
I really love the clever symbolism in this song, comparing the coming-of-age phase in someone’s life to the natural process of breathing. It’s light, full of bright guitar chords and strong vocals that have just enough twang in them to add character without feeling excessive and exaggerated. There’s so much to unpack about growing up and seeing life through a different lens than you used to. Wherever this song takes you, I know that you’ll find so much of your own story hidden in the lyrics, and it’ll be on repeat every time you’re craving some nostalgia.
Straight off of Taylor Swift’s 1989 stylebook, this song features all the airy, anthemic piano chords as the songstress harmonizes with her own vocals. It’s sung all about what it’s like to navigate the empty space in your life after a breakup. “I’m trying to meet new people, trying to make new friends / but I come home from dinner and I’m on my own again” are just some of the lyrics illustrating this particular struggle. If this is something that you relate to, I know that this song will resonate with you. While I can’t personally recommend turning to Tarot cards for answers, this song will remind you that you’re not alone in feeling the way you do.
Paper Walls by Nate Walker and the Outlaws
This is a very pretty song, but unfortunately, Groover pulled another catch-22 on me by adding the AI music label after I already approved this song. It is a very nice song, I just wish it was fully produced by a human artist. Regardless, you’ll enjoy the lead guitar work, and the way it fully launches into that anthemic, bigger sound after the quieter introduction. The vocal performance is also very strong, and it would be great for a road trip on a summer night, driving around the countryside.
Yet another Taylor-Swift similar tune on the roundup today, and this one reminded me of something off of her folklore album. That being said, this songstress is all her own, including beautiful sensory details of the oceanside to ground the reader into her space. A cozy waltz-beat creates a relaxed atmosphere to give the decadent lyrics a place to live in the tune. “Salt house, night-swimmer, fishing wire tied around my little finger” are just some of the beautiful lyrics that you’ll enjoy in this song.