Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Isn’t it Strange by Taylor Acorn feat: Knox
I already loved music by Taylor Acorn, but when this new song featuring Knox popped up on my Instagram feed, I knew I had to give it a shoutout. Their voices blend together so well, and I definitely connected with the message that it’s so easy to worry about a healthy relationship going bad at any time. For anyone that’s had their heart broken out of nowhere, this song will strike a chord (“Isn’t it strange / how a perfect working heart can just break / and a stranger puts the pieces back in place / how the beauty’s usually right behind the pain”). It’s a bright pop rock tune that fans of both artists will love, whether or not you’re fighting the effect of heartbreak at the time.
This sprightly, bubbly tune is a fun foray into late-summer, in the form of an anthem that talks all about how overthinking is a pathetic waste of time. But it’s so real in that it creates a relatable context that makes it easy to relate to the struggle of worrying about things that you have no business worrying about. “You turn my sweet to sour / when you try to disempower every move that I make…” is just one example of sensory-rich lyrics that float in between the almost-reggae beat that finds itself at home on any radio, but especially in this particular almost-fall energy that everyone is still settling into. If you find yourself in an unhealthy pattern, turn on this song, sip your lemonade, and enjoy every moment of your life instead. Bonus points for the pun of lemon “aid” instead of the traditional beverage-related spelling.
Count the Clock
I enjoyed this acoustic-driven track that’s written all about what it’s like to be in a one-sided relationship, yet still want to be with the person. Obviously this isn’t a healthy dynamic, but I think most people can relate to this struggle at least one time or another. Despite the bright melodies and overall vibe, the lyrics are really sad, which I felt beautifully depicted the multi-faceted nature of this complicated situation. Listen to this one anytime you’re feeling stuck and need a reminder to take a step in a healthier direction.
Funny how this week’s roundup seems to have the theme of relationships on the rocks. Similar to the above Taylor Acorn tune, this one is about the worry that a healthy connection could randomly turn sour. Instead of enjoying what she has, this artist is talking about feeling off-center in a relationship that’s actually good, but bracing for the impact of the worst-case scenario anyway. Obviously this isn’t the ideal way to live, but these artists are singing about it because it’s real. Breathy vocals and a subtle string section really sell this one to anyone who’s ever been in the healing space between being hurt and truly loved for the first time ever.
Ballerina Song by Count the Clock
This ethereal tune features surprising melodies and chord changes that will bring you to another world. The vocal style is, for lack of better term, fairy-like, with less of an emphasis on the actual words as much as the overall mood it brings up. I typically prefer more lyric-centered music, but this one seems to go all on feel, with small bits of lyrics that pop out amidst the rich harmonies and moody ambience. “You take a photograph / you’re trying not to laugh” are just some of the evocative lyrics that seem to speak directly to the listener in a dreamlike haze that you’ll regret waking up from.
Wee Small Hours by Steven Winton
This pop rock tune takes another direction from these other songs, with almost a campfire-stomp vibe in the best way. It’s written about what happens in the latest hours of the night when it would be tempting to drink your grief away, but it’s better to prioritize connection with others instead. “In a world of pain let tequila bring you peace / double shot before you leave / in the wee small hours drinking ‘til you numb the grief / pour it out and let it be.” I think this is an example of a song describing what the reality for many people is, but it’s obviously not the ideal situation. Instead, you can listen to this one to remember that there are lots of people out there who care about you, and turning to the bottle isn’t going to solve anything longterm.
This one sounds like a Journey or Police outtake from the ‘80s in the best way — those echoing vocals, slick lead guitar that could fill a stadium, and of course the bright synth keys that add a much-needed dynamic throughout. I absolutely love this vintage hair-band vibe, with more angst than you might realize from the smooth lyrics and clear production style that leaves nothing to the imagination. Even if you didn’t grow up in that era of music, this one will grab your attention if you like face-melting lead guitar or just groovy, moody vibes that feel like something out of a smoky club scene with neon lights painting the walls.