Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This minimalist track features breathy vocals, slide guitar, and light piano articulations. I really enjoyed the nature imagery here, alongside the deeper meaning of passive-aggressive feelings around a messy breakup. It’s sassy, goofy, and oh-so-relatable that you’ll find yourself wishing you wrote this song first. Her vocal really shows the intense dichotomy of being a sweet, unassuming girl on the outside, compared with her inner very angry inner warrior. “I watched you jaywalk and I wished for the wheels to welcome your head” are some of the lyrics that stuck out most to me. While I don’t support encouraging aggressive daydreams like this, the way she said it was so hilarious that I had to highlight it here.
Perfect for fans of Phoebe Bridgers or Soccer Mommy, this song has all the indie-rock hallmarks to keep you listening to it over and over again. Written all about what it’s like to struggle to let go of someone you once (or still) loved, it’s got plucky percussive beats and ambient guitar riffs that bounce off the bright vocals. “We can drag it out / circles until we stop” are just some of the well-written lyrics, with art-turned-journaling moments that beautifully illustrate this creative metaphor for a feeling most of us know all too well. No matter where this song finds you, it’ll scratch the itch you’ve had a hard time reaching.
This one has a great rock style with a unique vocal performance that’s full of emotion. I found myself bobbing my head to it while listening, and I know you’ll love it too. It’s got some 80s-inspired sonic moments, with the driving guitars and the great beat that provides the perfect canvas for this breakup track. No matter where you’re at in your dating journey, this song will be a comforting pump-up song when you need to be reminded that you’re not alone in feeling the way you do.
Us Against the World by Marc Daniels
This one is a fun twist on the typical country genre. It’s dreamy, bright, and a pop-rock gem that will make you believe in love again if you’ve been skeptical. The storyline is about a couple that has fallen out of love in the busyness of life and need to find themselves again. The lyrics recount memories of how the two people met at Octoberfest, citing their ridiculous outfits and the wonderful journey they’ve been on together ever since. It’s well-produced and well-written, so I definitely recommend it.
Love of My Life by Olivia Frances
If you’re looking for a cozy laid-back love song, this one is just the ticket. Light acoustic guitar chords fill the space, creating a fresh and hopeful atmosphere. I found myself lightly swaying while listening, and it feels like something out of a dreamy princess movie. “It was magnetic / an instant connection I know you felt it” is the message at the center of this song, and it’s perfect to listen to on a date night with your special someone, or even just by yourself if your person is still hidden in the future (for now).
This is a thoughtful song written about fame and the tendency to experience many ups and downs before getting to the top. Her vocals are really delicate but strong, and that mixed with the beautiful string section later in the song is what really sold it for me. I always appreciate hearing a song that isn’t written about love for a change — because there’s so much more to the human condition besides just that. This is the softer side of lofty ambitions, and the song explores the struggle to know what’s even worth putting your effort into. Her vocal style is very similar to Phoebe Bridgers, or perhaps Julien Baker — so if you like other of those artists, it’s a safe bet that you’ll love this too.
I’d Rather Be Stoned by Maddie Pizzarelli
A relaxed waltz beat creates the perfect space for this song to take place. It’s really poetic and real, with gorgeous lyrics that showcase the humanity of feeling alone and wanting even a temporary escape. While I don’t personally escape from the stress of life this way, I recognize the poeticism of it and was obsessed over the harmonies in this song. I think it would fit seamlessly on Taylor Swift’s folklore album if given the chance. If you’ve been stressed out, enjoy the storytelling in this tune about what it’s like to have an overactive nervous system that’s begging for a break.