Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by: Angelina Singer
Katie Frank
This dramatic alt-rock ballad has all the sultry sweetness you’ve been craving. Written about loving someone no matter which side of them you’re met with, this tune will be the perfect soundtrack to your next date night or journaling session. I really liked the dramatic piano notes that strengthened the overall performance, and the passion the vocalist approached the music with. Listen to this one anytime you want to reflect on precious time spent with your special someone.
ONCE YOU LOVE A COWBOY by Madeline Carter
Country music takes a unique angle with this clever song about describing why loving a cowboy is worth the risk. I really enjoyed the vocalists’ style, and how this tune is radio-ready for an emotional beer hall slow dance or cozy date in an open field under the stars. The storytelling is also really slick, with poetic vocals that will take you into the headspace of the songstress. If you’ve been craving some music with that quintessential down-home charm á la Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood, this one is just the thing to add to your playlist.
Finally someone is debunking this awful phrase that should have gone extinct a long time ago. The storyline is all about a man describing his wife in much more flattering terms full of love and devotion. The vibes reminded me of something that would play in L.L. Bean (in a good way) — it’s got those campfire group vocals and a nice rhythm session that’s knee-slap catchy without being too cheesy. I really liked how sweet and genuine it is, with a great sound that will keep you coming back for more. Check it out anytime you want a cute song to sing with your better half.
This one is at the intersection of alternative rock and romance, with a dynamically energetic track with all the adrenaline of skydiving (minus the mortality risk). The message emphasizes how love can be messy, but it’s also so worthwhile. Best comparison I can think of is bands like Daughtry or Nickelback — so if you like either of those, chances are, you’ll love this song too. The hook of “love don’t come with a parachute” would be perfect on merch, and I loved the lead guitar solo too.
I was really impressed with the honesty of this song, as it was written about the artist’s time incarcerated while trying to avoid a 30-year sentence. The message is all about the psychological effects of that experience, the way he’s advocating for more justice in the system, and also his gratitude for eventually being set free without charges. There’s a lot to unpack here, and I liked the solid rock style and the passion with which he’s sharing his poetic thoughts on the subject. If you like country songs with a lot of angst and heart, this song is perfect for you.
This one might be my favorite of this week — it’s snarky, bright, and sounds like something off the desk of American Idol alum Catie Turner (if you don’t know who she is, go look up her music asap). I liked the way this storyline is taking a breakup and flipping it on its head — the vibe isn’t bitter, it’s just mildly annoyed. Kind of the same way someone might casually swat at a fly before promising to “put you six feet under” (which I obviously don’t suggest but it was artistically amusing in the song). That clever turn of phrase is what caught my attention and kept me wanting to hum the tune after the song ended. If you’ve been wanting something different and quirky to commiserate with, this is the song you’ve been looking for.
Probably the most meta-song this week, this one is all about calling out country music (and its surrounding cultures) as “bro country”. Long story short, it’s a ridiculous exaggeration of macho men that are all immature in the same rugged, denim-covered facade. Think the concept of The Truman Show meets Miranda Lambert for this one — and then you’ll want to make sure you steer clear of visiting. But the song? Hilarious and catchy, you’ll have it unironically on repeat for the next family cookout.