Album Review: The Art of Being a Mess by Lauren Spencer Smith

Words by Angelina Singer

I first experienced the sheer genius of Lauren Spencer Smith when I was introduced to her lead single “Bridesmaid” earlier this year, despite her being a finalist on season 18 of American Idol with thousands of streams to her name. The heart and honesty of that song really shined, especially with her beautiful voice presenting the all-too-familiar storyline. But when I listened to the rest of The Art of Being a Mess, it quickly became clear that there was something deeper under the bright articulations and plucky string section.

If you think you’ve heard of mood swings before, wait until you experience the eclectic-yet-relatable emotions that are revealed in each song at an alarming pace. There’s the full gamut of the human experience, ranging from unadulterated rage, as seen in “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)” and “WORSE”, all the way to peace and acceptance in “someday…”. And of course, there are all the other emotions sandwiched in between that will leave you with a good kind of whiplash that will inspire you to be more resilient than you’ve ever imagined.

Opening the album is the wistful and hopeful “What a Beautiful Day” — until the lyrics start. Embellished with a chord progression that reminded me of Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day”, I was surprised about the depressive mood the song took, but there was still something really encouraging about it. Lyrics like “Sad girl on a bench looking for silver linings” depict the idea that people suffering from depression don’t revel in their sadness. In fact, they’re always trying to find a way out and shouldn’t be looked down upon for it. But the worries of being a burden are real – and so is the message of this song.

Following it are some of the more angsty songs on the album: “Sticks & Stones” and “Lighting the Flame”. Listeners are also treated to “bridesmaid”, but that one’s a lot more sad and reflective. The first of this list has a driving drumbeat to punctuate the ultimate girl-power track of the album (“I’m gonna teach a lesson you never learned / you wanna break a heart that is stronger than your own / you’re gonna need more than sticks and stones”) before the shift into the pensive “bridesmaid” — which is all about grieving people who aren’t close to you anymore when big life milestones come around.

“Lighting the Flame” is in a category of its own, with its edgy jazz beat and bluesy undertone that will shove your expectations off a ledge when the chorus hits. It’s one of the snarkiest songs on the album, with an added flair for the dramatic with Smith’s powerhouse vocals on full display later in the song.

Next up is “parallel universe” — probably my favorite on the album with its regal waltz beat and imaginative storytelling about a relationship that could’ve been great if the guy, well, wasn’t awful. It’s got an elegance to it, in its subtle stripped-down piano rhythm and mature outlook that builds on the chord progressions with ease. In the bridge, she lays into the guy full boar, but there’s something about it that still seems civil. Maybe it’s because the music is so calming despite the fed-up attitude of the speaker (and rightfully so).

The album continues, channeling Carrie Underwood with “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)” — a country-rock threat covered in glittery-spandex while smashing a windshield. While listening to this song, I couldn’t help but think that this one should be on a list of how to absolutely eviscerate a man’s self-confidence, only a step or two above commenting on his physical form.

At this point in the album, the tone changes into something much more forgiving. Never to excuse the behavior, of course — but there’s something to be said about mourning the way you wish things were anyway. This is the message behind “things you never said”, and it’s a gorgeous song with a light guitar in the background mingling delicately with a subtle string section. “Long Story Short” is a much sweeter song, all about daydreaming about spending your life with the person you love the most — wrapped in another romantic waltz. It’s so comforting, it almost makes all the previous angst seem worth it.

Almost — until you get to the final angry song of the album. “WORSE” would be a great choice for a villain origin story, with straight-up diabolical wishes that are somewhere between hoping someone’s shoelaces are always untied and manifesting their untimely demise. It starts out hopeful, and almost sweet, musing about not wanting someone to wake up alone or miss their meals. As the song builds into the chorus though, the tone quickly changes to the songstress yelling just below a scream. The musicality is more of a blues-rock feel, with a slow but consistent buildup you can feel in your bones.

If you weren’t seasick yet from all the waves of emotion, you will be after this one. After spending some time in the gutter, the artist chose to take the higher road with this one, stating that no matter what happens to that person, she’s praying for them. There’s no certainty it’s the same person as the angsty songs, but no matter what, it’s a nice sentiment. In the choruses, she’s taking everyone to church, with tasteful gospel-style choruses and vocal runs that build to the heavens as she looks down on her past.

The last two songs on the album are also peaceful, reflecting on themes of grieving a lost loved one (“Looking Up”) and learning to accept yourself just the way you are (“someday…”). These are also stripped-down piano songs that offer plenty of room for self-reflection amidst the diary-laced lyrics that bring you into her world — “How long is forever ‘cause it’s getting kind of old / the way I’m getting older and the way I know you won’t.”

The final tune “someday…” is a beautiful journey into a future reality where the songstress romanticizes herself the way she had previously done to others. It’s refreshing how the ending of this album lands on a place of self-love and acceptance, reminding listeners that the ups-and-downs of life are just there to remind you that you’re alive. Through so many rhythm and style changes, Lauren Spencer Smith has brought an entirely eclectic reflection of the musicality of life, and how to ride the waves in style without taking crap from anyone.

Stream The Art of Being a Mess, available NOW!