Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This is a classic example of a radio-ready mainstream pop song. It’s glittering, bright, and written all about the perfect imperfection of love and longing. It’s got hints of R&B while still staying in the pop-genre perfect for fans of Gracie Abrams or Sabrina Carpenter. I found myself bobbing my head to the addictive beat, and the message is really sweet — all about staying present in the moment and living life to the fullest with the one you love. Listen to it for a pre-date anthem, or as a nice reflective track while you replay all the swoon-worthy details.
Bella Masone
This gorgeous atmosphere track is mostly populated by acoustic guitar and dream-like melodies that will invite you to reflect on your hopes and dreams. It’s a relatable commentary on the passage of time and the way feelings often linger much longer than the events do. This song is another example of a new obsession for fans of the main pop girls on the scene right now, but it has an added depth to it that will leave you thinking long after the final note. Listen to it anytime you need a calm song to be your journaling soundtrack.
From the first few notes, this song reminded me of something from the desk of Noah Kahan or Ed Sheeran — but it’s got a quality all its own as well. I love the storytelling of the “what-ifs” in the narrative — all about the speaker dreaming up the ideal romance that never actually came true. It’s bittersweet in its absence, but bittersweet in its vivid dream-space context. A rich string section makes up the background behind the tender acoustic guitar moments, creating an intimately romantic sonic realm. No matter where you are in your romantic journey, you’ll find a piece of yourself in this song.
This might be the happiest song I’ve heard in a while — with its childlike optimism and sweet thematic image of a little boat, this song takes listeners on a nostalgic adventure. The message is all about being brave enough to overcome your limitations, no matter how long you’ve felt stuck. “You’re the one who holds the key” is at the center of the message of remembering that you’re the one in control of your headspace, and no one can take that power away from you. Listen to this imaginative country-folk infused track anytime you need to journey somewhere new that also feels like coming home to yourself.
This song is a trip in the time machine to the innocent pop-country past of Taylor Swift — and I’m not mad about it. There’s so much goodness in this song, it practically oozes homemade blueberry pie and fresh lemonade. It’s all about the kind of pure, genuine love that doesn’t come around very often — but when it does, you’ll know. Sonically, it’s got a light percussive beat in the background, with a light string section and guitars to fill the space. “Forever and always I’ll hold onto your love” seems like a purposeful tongue-in-cheek reference to the multi award-winning millennial songstress.