Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
What a power move to name a breakup track about the person it’s about — and I’m here for it. Or actually, it’s not about a person at all — technically, the artist uses James as a metaphor to describe her breakup with alcoholism. Not only is this song so well-produced and radio-ready, but it’s genuinely well-written and ideal for the country-rock fans. I really liked the lead guitar riff, the epic guitar solo, and the way the vocals tell the story so well with all the emotion the artist sings with, similar to the band Lady Antebellum. “Breaks aren’t free / there’s nothing left in between us” is just a small sample of the creative lyrics in this track. Listen to this track anytime you need a confidence boost to meet your goals, or share it with that friend of yours who’s stuck in a dysfunctional relationship with booze.
Jake Kulak & The Modern Vandals
Anything At All by Jake Kulak & The Modern Vandals
This one really impressed me — from the guitar work, to the vocals, and the overall production style. It’s a gritty punk rock track that would sit easily next to any Greenday, My Chemical Romance, or Nirvana track. Lyrically, it’s written all about what it’s like to try to make things work in a dysfunctional relationship that’s actually been over for a while already. If you’ve been looking for something new to listen to, this song all about not listening will be the cathartic boost you’ve been craving. Crank it up loud for maximum effects — bonus points if the neighbors complain.
Switching gears, this quirky-yet-romantic lovesong depicts what it’s like to fall in love with someone very far away — as in, over the pond, far away. It’s hopeful and bright, with plucky piano chords that also provide a lot of the percussion. I liked the sweet lyrics too: “kiss me / under the lights on fifth street / get lost in New York City / When I leave will you come with me?” No matter where this song finds you, there’s so much joy in hope in daring to dream about what could be, if you’re ever brave enough to set your dating parameters a little farther geographically than you had previously planned. Also, I think the lyrics “Jetlag is so romantic” would be perfect for merch hoodies and luggage, just saying!
The Light of the Day by Dylan Ivy
This song reminded me of a slightly-edgier version of Panic! At the Disco (which maybe sounds like a bizarre comparison, but let me explain). There’s a similarity in the artist’s vocals that match the tone of Brendon Urie’s voice, and the dynamic guitars and driving drum beats launch this track into the center of the power-punk alternative category. I really liked the overall style and production, and the lyrics “I don’t hate you / you just hate yourself” are super clever and marketable. My only critique is that this song is just a bit on the shorter side, clocking in at a measly two minutes and six seconds — and I really would’ve liked to hear even more. Anyways, it’s really great and you should take a listen (or five). Bonus points for sharing the radio edit too, which is free of colorful language (not required but always nice to have the option for a change).
This song brings all the angst of Alanis Morisette with the added advice-giving nature of Michelle Branch. I really liked the message of trying to be the bigger person, recognizing that fighting is fruitless and it’s much better to make peace with people instead. Bonus points for the badass lead guitar work in the solo section that really launches the song into the stratosphere. There’s so much to love about this track, so I’m very happy to share it with you this week. Listen to this one loud for an instant perspective shift that will help you look at the world from a new lens.
For all you Fleetwood Mac fans out there, this song will be your next obsession. It’s bright, relaxed, and full of positive messaging that will soothe your mind. “After all that you’ve been through / you know that it’s time” is part of the message, encouraging the importance of introspection and the way that it’s better to take action than just let things fester. Well-articulated lead guitar creates a vintage-inspired ambience that will transport you to the ‘70s while still staying current and relevant to today’s music trends. Enjoy this one with a cold glass of lemonade while reflecting on your life’s journey so far.
If you like Noah Kahan or Bon Iver, this song will hit all the right notes for you. Light acoustic guitar rhythms and textures build a sonic space that you can sink into, with reflective storytelling you can feel. “We called it family ‘cause it felt that way / I swore we’d see each other every day” illustrates the struggle of feeling deep connections with people that fizzle over time. While it’s not directly romantic thematically, there’s a lot of nuanced emotion here that could apply to a romantic relationship that doesn’t last even though the memories stick around.