Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Loose Buttons
This fun yet relaxed folk-track is full of nostalgia-laced summertime fun, with bright acoustic guitars and pleasant vocals. It reminded me a bit of the iconic Friends theme song, not so much in the music itself as much as the hopeful, overall positive vibe. It’s a reminder that life is only as serious as you make it, and it’s much better to just remain hopeful than to consciously worry about every little thing. If this message speaks to you, then I guarantee this song is going to be a mainstay on your next sunny day playlist.
I enjoyed the inventive lead guitar riff that starts this one off at a gallop. It’s marketable, a little sultry, and so much fun. Bonus points for the smooth sonic dynamics throughout, and the gritty Nirvana-esque chorus vibes that immediately give way to an almost-ska verse. If this sounds like a lot going on, that’s because it is. But it’s so good, you just have to listen to it for yourself. The lyrics have a romantic quality to them and seem to be about unrequited love. But it’s anything but ordinary, so listen to this one with an open mind and an even bigger heart.
Comfortably Lost by Private Cinema
This dreamlike, romantic track feels like something that would be in an anime - in the best way possible. Like, one of those cute, slice-of-life animes that everyone secretly wants to live in (or, at least visit). Thematically, it’s all about being so focused on the person you love that everything else seems to fade away. It’s cozy, warm, slightly sultry, and an overall very pleasant listening experience. Listen to this one anytime you want to daydream about someone special.
The gorgeous vocal harmonies in this tune immediately caught my attention. It feels like freshly-fallen rain and the brightness in the springtime when everything is so green and fresh. I’d say that’s pretty apropos, since the title of the song is “Roses”. Thematically, it’s a bit deeper than that, talking about what it’s like to conveniently not see the problems in a relationship just because the good parts of it distract from the full truth. And then the even better part - later meeting someone who heals emotional scars they never caused. Whether you relate to this one, or just like to romanticize life for the plot, this song will offer something fresh and thought-provoking.
This soothing, guitar-led track has so much to offer if you’ve been looking for a warm hug in song form. It talks about how difficult change can be, and the way it’s important to give yourself grace in the process. I liked the delicate guitar work, and the way it bounces off the warm vocals. The chorus really opens up into something totally new, that ebbs and flows with the sonic themes that began in the verses. Without overselling this one too much, I think it could be a masterful example of how to weave in textures in songwriting and composing for the folk pop genre. Enjoy this one with a fresh cup of tea and your favorite cozy socks for best results.
As we get around to the latter end of July, listen to this song to soak up all the best of it. The warmest time of year is so fleeting, and I loved the way this song really encapsulated that feeling in music form. Sensory details like polaroids and sunsets pop up in the lyrics, and I really appreciated the nice vocal performance alongside the creativity. It’s upbeat, happy, and perfect for your next pool party or summer roadtrip. The message is all about enjoying life and looking forward to sunny days — something everyone can definitely relate to and enjoy.
Cross Your Mind by Carrie Kelly
This one somehow manages to sound comfortingly familiar, but also like something totally new. The vocal harmonies really shine, alongside the sweet musings about a particular love interest who isn’t pulling their weight in the relationship. It really highlights the way humans often keep memories and small curiosities about each other in mind — especially when learning about someone new and wishing things were different. There’s so much to enjoy here, and the clarinet solo in the bridge is such a unique choice for a pop song, but it’s a very special sonic moment. If you’re looking for something cozy, fresh, and deliciously nostalgic, this song is just the thing to add to your self-care and relaxation playlist.