Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Starting this roundup out very strong, this song is a pop-rock gem that’s bright, clean-cut, and focused on all the feelings around still loving someone that you really know you should let go of. Light palm-muted guitar sets the pace for the big emotions and even bigger storyline of fighting but still wishing things were different (“still screaming your name like a bad duet”). I literally cannot say enough good things about this track — it’s so well done, and the lyrics are so smart without being cheesy. If you’ve ever been struggling to let go of someone you loved, this song will speak to the parts of your heart that have yet to get with the program.
What starts out sounding like a typical country song quickly becomes much more when the vocals come in. It’s written all about what it’s like to be burnt out and not immediately see a way out. There’s also a thematic element of people pleasing, and being afraid to be authentic. Wherever this song finds you, there’s a lot to love about it. A plucky rhythm guitar keeps things moving, and there are some light dynamics in the background that add nice sonic textures throughout. Then the choruses really open up into something very special — you’ll know what I mean when you listen to it once, then twice, and then five or more times. Fans of Noah Kahan are going to eat this one up.
Heartbreak’s Anonymous by Noelle Harlow
“I’m only here because of somebody else” is one heck of an opening line, and it makes sense! By comparing the experience of getting your heart broken to be like a group therapy meeting, there’s something tongue-in-cheek but also very poignant about the experience. It’s all about taking the power back in your own life to be happy again despite what someone else did to you. Strong vocals that reminded me of a younger Gwen Stefani will greet your ears like a warm hug and a pint of ice cream just when you need it most.
Jessmin
This hauntingly-beautiful track is all about what it’s like to live so far away from everything else. It’s got a delectable lead guitar that ebbs and flows in between the ghastly lyrics, and I loved the way that the lyrics almost don’t matter as much as the overall feeling of this one. That’s not to say they don’t matter — of course they do. But the mix is so intriguing that I think you’ll know what I mean when you listen to it. This is one of those rare songs that creates an atmosphere you sink into without even realizing it.
Song From Your Daughter by Sara Leanne
Warm piano chords take the lead as the listener gets acquainted with the story of this song. It’s nostalgic, and full of complicated childhood memories. I love songs like this that provide a slice-of-life from years gone by, like living in someone else’s memory for a little while. The vocals really shine during the choruses, where harmonies take the lead and the listener gets to feel a bit of the struggles this artist experienced while growing up around a detached parent.
This energetic track has a lead guitar that brings the action, with honest vocals depicting mental health struggles in a relationship despite the self-awareness to get through them. It’s super bright and hopeful in tone and I know you’ll love the atmospheric experience of listening to it. There’s also the water-related metaphors of navigating mindset struggles amidst the worries of things turning stormy out of nowhere. If you relate to any of this even a little, this song will strike a chord with you. This song reminded me a bit of the band Pale Waves, both in its vocal tone and overall style.
I liked the moody and broody style of this electropop track about what it’s like to move on after heartbreak. It’s got a fabulous beat and lyrics that you’ll relate to if you’ve ever had your heart shattered and lived to tell the tale. “Some people said our attraction was too strong / making us blind to all our faults” is just a taste of the thoughtful lyrics that will remind you of this feeling, but most importantly — that you’re not alone in feeling that way. Keep this one on repeat to dance out your feelings and be reminded that there’s more to life than sadness, and the storm will eventually pass.