Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
These bright vocals all about “freedom on the other side” talk all about the struggles that come with healing from childhood traumas. With a style that reminded me of the subtle, sultry rasp of Colbie Caillat mixed with some Olivia Rodrigo angst (in the bridge section), there’s a lot to love about this track. At the end of the day, this song outlines how important it is to be your own biggest cheerleader when the world tells you that you’re anything but. If you’ve ever been on the business end of handling other people’s issues for a while, this song will remind you that it’s high time to turn the page and start healing yourself from the inside out.
Paige Kei
Rock Paper Scissors by Ella Beyer
We’re continuing on with the childlike metaphors this week, with this melodic gem that reminded me that it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes in an imbalanced relationship. Whether that means stepping up your game or letting the other person go, this song is an anthem all about what it means to re-evaluate what you want for your life when you’re tired of losing out. The string section shines the most in this song. With gorgeous vocals that reminded me of early Taylor Swift music, there’s a bright innocence in this song that’s impossible to ignore. Listen to this anytime you’re in the mood for a warm, sonic hug that will keep you motivated to speak up especially when it’s uncomfortable.
This delightfully-sweet romantic track brings about the metaphor of comparing the idea of drowning with going after what you want to romantically. Light guitar strums bounce off the smooth vocals, and it’s got a calm sense of safety that’s refreshing in today’s faster-paced lifestyle. I also enjoyed the harmonies in the choruses. Listen to this one if you need a chill track to kick back and relax while you remember what it was like to fall in love for the first time.
This fun, jazz-funk-infused track has so much going on. It’s got some Motown vibes, and it’s really bright and texturally-rich. If you want to be transported back to the disco era, this song will do just that. I also really enjoyed the lead guitar work (that solo, of course), and the delicate rhythmic work that populates the entire song. For a refreshing party track that’s different from a lot of the top 40 stuff you’ll hear on the radio, this song hits all the right notes.
This one might take the cake for being my favorite this week — not only because I’m still a pop punk kid at heart, but this artist never disappoints. I’ve had the pleasure of featuring her work a few times now, and I’m really glad to support all the clever instrumentation in this one. As always, great vocals, and solid guitar riffs that punctuate each section of the song are at the forefront. The theme is all about being brave enough to let go of someone you really liked because the connection was surface-level at best. If you love bands like Paramore of Flyleaf, this artist will be your next new obsession.
I really enjoyed the clarity and textures in this song, written all about a relationship that’s had a rough landing before crashing and burning. “Don’t even bother calling / I’ve already told my family / all about the Chevy making up for your anatomy” is just one taste of the genius lyrics that are equal parts hilarious and tactful (because we all know exactly what she’s getting at but she said it so nicely). By the time the chorus hits, this vocalist is so unbelievably done with the relationship, that she’s promising to be the first to leave this time. Tonally, it reminded me of a song that might’ve been featured on the Nickelodeon show Victorious during a breakup episode where Jade dumps Beck for the third or fourth time.
This one reminded me of the more chill emo music, popularized by Owl City and Mayday Parade. It’s written all about the sharp drop in oxytocin after a relationship ends — that unfortunate time when your brain conveniently forgets about all the reasons you broke up in the first place because you miss them so much. “You gotta love yourself before you fall in love with somebody else” is at the center of the meaning, and it’s so true. Knowing your own worth is crucial before you try to do life with someone else. This song is a bit darker on the emo side, with some tasteful autotune on the vocals that’s not overwhelming and fits the genre. Overall, I think it’s a really visceral portrayal of what it’s like to let go of someone who didn’t know their own worth.