Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Hidden Meanings by The Boxer Rebellion
This alt-pop folk track starts right off with beautiful falsetto vocals that will transport you somewhere totally new. I loved the effervescent acoustic guitar and the way the song builds and grows over time. As the verse progresses, you’ll hear some light percussion in the background as some lead guitar licks sneak their way in. Then, the vocalist sings about the things in life that aren’t as obvious when you aren’t paying attention. This is a great track for chill roadtrip vibes, or even just any time you’re looking for some self-reflection and relaxation before your next journey.
Catie Turner
Where Our Streets Met by Esha Tewari
This gorgeous song is the epitome of glittery bedroom-pop, with light vocals and soft acoustic guitar that sounds like they were recorded in someone’s quiet sleeping quarters. I loved the light strings throughout this one, and the poetic way this one portrays a love gone wrong despite years of history together. I also liked the (probably unintentional) nod to Shel Silverstein’s collection of poetry known as Where the Sidewalk Ends, and the youthful naivete this song encapsulates so beautifully. If you’re a fan of literature and thought-provoking lyrics, this tune is just the thing for you.
If you’ve been looking for your next heartbreak track, this one hits all the right notes. It’s written all about an apologetic attitude of hurting the other person when ending a relationship — even when it’s undoubtedly for the best. I haven’t heard many songs about the speaker villainizing themselves, but this one shows a raw and even more unfiltered side of Catie since our chat with her last fall. Whether you’ve been on the receiving end of a breakup, or you were the one making the tough decision, this soft, melodic song will bring an extra dose of comfort to your situation that will get you through to the other side a lot faster.
Girlbestfriend by Daisy Peacock
This angsty track is all about being stabbed in the back by someone you thought you could trust. More specifically, this artist wrote this delectable rage bait track about a guy she liked who turned out to have an ex posing as a — you guessed it — girl best friend. This one is ideal for fans of Olivia Rodrigo, with all the relatable frustration that you can feel from the theatrical palm-muted guitars, and the proclamation of “I’m not insecure unless I should be”. This song doubles down on reminding listeners that the problem is the guy — and not her. Whether or not you’ve ever been stuck in a friend-coded love triangle, this song will remind you that some people just aren’t worth the drama.
CTRL ALT DREAM by Late Night Feelings
Where sci-fi meets lovestruck glitter pop, this song is the theme song. I love the way the vocals soar over the techno-based instrumentation, and of course — the clever metaphor comparing computer jargon with manifesting the life you’ve always wanted. The vocal performance is strong, and I also loved the musical dynamics throughout. “I’m sorry for the things I say / whenever I’m getting in my own way” is one taste of the sweet vocals that remind the listener that there’s more to life than just the surface level daily routine.
This bubbly retro 80s-inspired track features echoing vocals and fun ad-libs that make this one you’ll want to have on repeat. It’s all about living life to the fullest, and daring to dream about a new love interest even in the wake of conflict. “It’s too late to tell me that you want to stay” is at the center of the track, and I love the narrative direction this one takes as it progresses. For a song that feels like it’s straight out of a young adult romantic comedy, this one will be just the thing to give you all the fuzzy feelings while maintaining a good dose of reality.
Small Town Smaller by Ryan Robinette
There aren’t many country songs that can catch my attention, because let’s be honest — they’re a dime a dozen. But the smooth vocals, narrative direction, and ambient guitar in this one left me wanting to keep listening. I also enjoyed the percussive, almost rap-like quality to the vocal delivery, with nice instrumental dynamics throughout. Thematically, it’s all about trying to tie the unfinished threads between you and a potential love interest, as the speaker is looking all around trying to find ways to reconnect with the one he loves most. This one is ideal for fans of Lady Antebellum or Keith Urban, best enjoyed with an ice-cold glass of unsweetened iced tea on someone’s front porch while the sun sets.