Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
this won’t last forever by joan
This ambient track has all the 80s pop sensibilities you’ve been craving. From the nostalgic keyboard blending with lyrics about staying present, this song will help you appreciate every moment in real time. It’s also an encouraging message about how life won’t be difficult forever, and things will always get better. It’s glittering, bright, and accompanied by a music video that will make you miss the past in ways you didn’t expect. Listen to this alt-pop group loud and often for an instant mood boost to get you through even the hardest days.
Ava Valianti
This song is a gorgeous dreamy track that will help you reflect on your past, present, and future relationships. It’s all about vulnerability, hopefulness, and being brave enough to dive in deeply when love comes knocking at your door. Light strumming and effervescent vocals create a space that you’ll want to jump into headfirst. I also really liked the brightness of the chorus section after the chilled-out verses. When you think it’ll zig, it zags in the best way, keeping you on your toes and bopping your head along with the beat.
This song is a tender ode to the incredible adventure of becoming a dad. I absolutely love the tenderness of this song, and the metaphor of a sweet little bird being compared to a baby daughter. It’s a very raw and honest acoustic feel with just vocals and guitar, as he encourages the little bird that “you’ll find your way all right”. The pure energy of love in this song is so palpable and bright, something that feels almost too intimate to listen to — what a gift that he’s decided to share this song with the world. For an instant source of comfort and reflection for any major life change, this song will be a blessing to you.
Hold Me Close by Madam Tsunami
This song talks about the importance of human connection through gorgeous vocal harmonies in beautiful intervals that are just a little different than you might expect. Arpeggiated guitars keep the energy upbeat and dreamy, with loads of room for self-reflection as you listen to both voices weave together a whimsical tapestry. I really appreciate how this song grows and builds as it continues on, even adding a violin. First, it starts off with a sense of calm, before escalating into something that could almost be perfect for a line-dance in a bigger gathering. It’s perfect for country folk fans that enjoy different musical textures and dynamic shifts throughout a song.
TOO GOOD (TO BE TRUE) by WILD WREN
Another song in the folk genre, this tune has some intriguing sonic ideas that build and grow as the song progresses. I loved the quick hits of the drums alongside the vocal melody, that transitions the song into more of a sultry anthem that pulls on your heart strings. The alt-rock sensibilities also come through as you listen, and I liked that versatility. “The love you gave grew paper-thin / how could I become so blind to a smile meant for goodbye” is just a sample of some of the lyrics that depict how unique this song truly is. Bonus points for the tremolo-laden guitar solo and pure passion that comes out in the vocal performance over it.