Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by: Angelina Singer
Quiet Part Out Loud by The Maine
This alt-pop gem is going to be your spring anthem. It’s all about the difficult things that no one ever talks about. Low synth vibes accumulate under a dense layer of ambient guitar that’s so undeniably fresh while still being cohesive with the rest of the band’s discography over the years. I really like the multi-layered music in this one, and really applaud the band for starting their next era of music so strong. Whether you’ve followed the band for years, or are new to the scene, this song hits all the right notes.
StopGap Solution
I liked the way this bright, plucky song has so much warmth in it, while dipping a toe or two into the emo genre, like something Mayday Parade might have written back in the day. Echoing vocals outline the poetic lyrics like “you’ll find your way / work your way to fame / but Hollywood wasn’t meant for me”. It’s outlining letting go of someone even though you love them because your dreams are taking you in opposite directions. If you relate to this struggle even a little, this song will resonate with you and be the hug you never realized you needed.
The Painter’s Wife by Love, Alexa
This is a beautiful song written all about love and finding yourself in a challenging relationship. I was drawn to the topic of this song, because my dad is a house painter, so while that’s irrelevant to the romantic context, I was curious to see what she was going to sing about. Granted, the song slowly and steadily devolves into a less-than-healthy relationship dynamic but I was intrigued by the silky-smooth vocals and the way she steps back into her power after the ordeal she’s been through. If you’ve been looking for a song to commiserate with your own drama, this song will remind you that you’re not alone and there’s always a way forward through a tough situation.
End of the World by the Bondurants
Perfect for Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac fans, this song is the missing piece to your best roadtrip playlist. When you’re hitting the open road this summer, this song will remind you that being with the right people is more important than anything crazy that happens in life. “Stop me from thinking the worst / I just need somebody” is at the center of the message, and I love the way the lead guitar blends with the piano notes. There’s so much to love about this tune, especially if you like more vintage sounds that remind you of the 70s and 80s.
If there are any emo kids out there looking for your next earworm, this song is just the thing. The chorus especially reminded me of something the band As It Is, led by Patty Walters, would write. The message of the song is also fantastic, as the vocalist sings: “I’m not trying to erase this / just wanna learn to love me whole / with all these feelings”. This teaches listeners that it’s okay not to have everything in life neatly handled. Sometimes, things get messy — the important lesson though, is that you know things will always get better as long as you stick around.
Nottingham Drive by Sound Birds
For a great storyline, this song delivers a narrative that will draw you in and hesitate to let you go. Not only does it have a great hook, but sultry vocals mix and swirl with some light percussion and delectable chord progressions. I really enjoyed the overall style and dynamics of this one as the song grows and builds with time. Bonus points for some slick lead guitar work too, which adds to the blues-y ambience without feeling out of date.
Chance of a Lifetime by Melissa Bianco
This one unfortunately has the AI music badge on it, as Groover tends to conveniently add those after I already chose the music. But aside from that, I really liked the style and found the lyrics to be fun and upbeat. If you can look past it being partially computerized in that sense, I thought the message was really positive and encouraging, almost like something you might hear in a chick flick. Enjoy it for what it is, even though it’s not 100% produced by a human being.
To The Moon by StopGap Solution
Rounding out this week’s selection is an honest-to-goodness alt rock track that comes with all the fixings of your next favorite song. It’s got that young adult movie vibe, even reminding me of something that All Time Low might write. Driving guitars keep things moving as the song progresses, and I really like the way the band handles the delicate balance of thematically not being too reckless while also encouraging listeners to take healthy risks in life. There’s also the romantic component of being with the right person whenever the ending to your story comes. But don’t worry, it’s not dark at all — just bright, and full of positivity and a lust for life.