Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This song is about what happens when you take too much time out of your day to smell the roses. While it’s important and healthy to stay present-minded in life, “little things” is about the anxiety and overwhelm for people that are overwhelmed with an ever-growing to-do list. It’s very punk-rock with a good dose of insightful lyrics, like “sometimes I feel so tall but then I get so small”. Listen loud for a helpful reminder not to take everything so seriously.
Lauren Presley
I absolutely loved the clever imagery of describing his crush in a two-tone top. It’s a delightful symbol of youth, coming-of-age, and all the other things that characterize the new wave of country music. Bonus points for the bright lead guitar and country twang that really adds so much flair to this track. It sounds like driving through a scenic field on a summer day, thinking about your current love interest and hoping they sit with you at the bonfire later on.
Can I Be Happy by Lauren Presley
This song reminded me of something Michelle Branch might have written in the 2000s, with an added punk rock angst in the choruses. With a message about finding happiness in life, it’s so relatable regarding the mental health side of finding fulfillment in relationships. I absolutely loved the expertly-layered vocal harmonies that build up into the grittier choruses. “Do I have to be that girl who’s terrified she’ll never be enough” is at the center of the message, and something that I am sure everyone has related to at one time or another.
Hardcore Beautiful by Easythieves
This song is such a relaxed, calming tune that will bring you back to a place of peace. It’s a bit like Hootie & the Blowfish — a bit of rock with a splash of folk and indie pop mixed in. The message is all about finding your inner sense of beauty and reminding yourself to never let go of that regardless of your relationship status. I really liked the vocal harmonies and the way the guitar articulations act as a bridge into each of the sections. There’s also a tonal lift toward the end of the song that you’ll have to listen to for yourself.
This one is such a fresh take on the typical breakup anthem style, with sensibilities more like something Florence and the Machine or Fleetwood Mac would write. There’s angst, a bit of sadness, but more than anything else — a heaping dose of self-confidence. I absolutely loved the overall production of this track, and the buildup into the anthem-sized bridge and choruses. “I hope it’s cold when you miss me and the wind blows / I’m not over what you never did” are only a quick sample of the scathing but cathartic lyrics for anyone that needs to build a bridge and get over a past relationship.