Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
I really enjoyed the light, percussive summer vibes with this one, but the message was especially encouraging. It’s a faith-oriented track, reminding listeners that when life gets tough, God is with them. Referencing the biblical story of walking on the water, there’s a lot of storytelling and relatable moments where the main message is repeated, with some intriguing chord patterns and other sonic changes mixed in. If this sounds like something that interests you, I’d definitely take a listen (or a bunch) to fully appreciate it.
Sarah Biddick
Shifting gears, this track is a super fun pop punk track, with references to what it was like living without technology as prevalent as it is today. It’s gritty, a bit edgy (with some swears, so listeners under 18 beware), but I really liked the energy and style of it overall. It’s real, honest, and something fun to shake up your work week. If you’ve been craving that nostalgia that you feel for your younger days, this one will take you there (provided of course, your younger days were lived out in the 2000s).
hotgirlsummer by Charlotte Chipembere (Normal Girl)
If you’ve ever fallen hard for someone at exactly the most inconvenient time, this song is for you. This artist takes a cheeky approach to the idea that a more casually romantic summer was what she was craving — until she fell for someone she wanted to date exclusively. “It was gonna be a hot girl summer / but I really like your face” sums up this idea pretty well overall. So if your summer got cooled down by someone unexpectedly, this tune would be your perfect theme song. It’s glittery, bright, and full of techno-laced sunshine, so enjoy every moment!
Rearview Mirror by Sarah Biddick
Taking a calmer tone is this track that emphasizes the lighter side of summer, with soft vocal harmonies and various stringed instruments creating an ambience that would fit well with Noah Kahan fans. It’s poetic, honest, and full of good sonic moments that you can sink into. “We were stuck for hours in the same car / laughing about the times that now seem so far” is just a brief example of the pleasant rhyme schemes throughout the track. I also enjoyed the different musical textures that pop up in the second verse. This is a really fun song evocative of a summer road trip with a love interest and reminiscing with your favorite person.
This alt-pop gem took me by surprise, but I think the opening hook is fantastic. It’s got a darker, haunting vibe with a bouncy-enough vibe to keep things light enough to vibe with. “Whispers at tables / looking unstable / the rules of the game seem so innocent” really captures the struggle to play the game while still being true to who you are when you’re trying to make it in the entertainment industry (or, at anything you’re trying to do). Bright piano articulations fill out the bridge, cranking this track up a few notches.
This song has an interesting beat and time signature that almost threatens to grind to a halt from the get-go; but it doesn’t. The chorus takes a gorgeous turn for the best, despite the somewhat-sad message of being on the losing side of a summertime love triangle. If you’ve ever related to anything like this, this song will soothe the parts of you that are still reeling from the waves of loving someone who isn’t able to reciprocate. Lyrics like “Wonderin’ why she stays with you / When I pulled away / I started wonderin’ too” show the maturity of the artist remembering that some crushes just aren’t worth the nausea.
This anti-anxiety anthem is guaranteed to make you smile. Whether you’re dealing with a bout of anxiety right now, or just want something to comfort you when it comes around again, this song is a great anthem to have on repeat. The message is all about what it’s like to prioritize a calm, peaceful, and dependable life as opposed to the thrill-seeking alternatives. Sonically perfect for a campfire or just any energetic summer vibe, this tune will be a mainstay on your next road trip playlist.