Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This fun track feels like an outtake from Taylor Swift’s 1989 era. Swampy synths and bright techno riffs are littered throughout, as her clever lyrics take center stage (“I overthink and I live inside my head / I guess I’m safest when I’m standing on the edge”). Thematically, this song is all about what it sounds like to be truly seen — not just in a superficial way. If you’ve ever felt stuck behind a smokescreen of obligations and a lack of authenticity, this song will strike a chord with you.
Ethereal vocal harmonies and glittering chords immediately caught my ears on this one. It’s ambient, with more of a focus on the overall experience of listening than the lyrical specifics — but that’s important too. At the end of the day, the vocals sound almost like they’re underwater or behind a haze, because this artist (Ada Chen) is being super open about the fact that life is scary. Putting yourself out into the world is scary. And even sometimes existing is scary. If you’re scared too, this indie rock track with some unique sonic layers will grab your attention and feel like a hug.
Falling by Rosanne Baker Thornley
This artist’s gorgeous vocals take center stage alongside the bright and encouraging message. It’s all about taking care of those who need you, no matter what happens. This goes really well with the themes of the other songs this week, continuing the ideas of the importance of being seen and understood by others. I also really enjoyed the bridge section of this song, which almost sounded like a modern hymn. There’s so much to love about this acoustic guitar-led song, especially as the catchy lyrics become a personal mantra to remind yourself that you matter, and you can use it to remind yourself to take care of others too.
scared
Visceral lyrics and light harmonies float behind delicate acoustic guitar strums in this gorgeous track, ideal for fans of Grace Abrams or Phoebe Bridgers. “Take back my lungs if you need to / I’ll just learn how to breathe without you” are just some of the impactful lyrics in this track. It’s written all about that feeling of realizing the person you’re with isn’t going to be in your future, but they’re cutting you loose slowly, like a — you guessed it — sociopath. There’s a growing awareness of the need to leave but also wondering if you really have to so soon, when the other person is making the process even more complicated than it has to be.
This song is all about paradoxes, and how seemingly-oppositional things can exist in the same space at the same time. It’s sonically ambient, with lots of bright moments as the mix gets more and more stripped-down during the verses, before opening up during the choruses. It’s all about accepting the more confusing parts of life in the name of recognizing that nothing is as simple as it seems. If you’ve been struggling to make sense of things that seem impossible to understand, this one will meet you where you’re at.
I really enjoyed how this song feels like a slice-of-life experience, and sounds like it would fit in a cozy anime film. It’s sunny despite the darker feelings underneath it, and I love the way it really opens up during the choruses. There’s so much to like about this track that really illuminates the struggle of figuring out life, and love, and everything in between. I’m not sure who provided the female vocals in the latter half of the song, but regardless, it adds a romantic quality to the tune that wouldn’t be there otherwise. Electric guitar adds some much-needed grit towards the end as the vocal harmonies offer a comparatively softer approach.
People Pleasing by Katelyn Butcher
The ambience of this track is the first thing I noticed as it continued to build and flow. Thematically, it’s all about what it’s like to lose parts of yourself because you’re too focused on what others think about you. It’s cheery, motivational, and a great confidence booster — but, in a really chill, relaxed way. It feels like sunshine, perfect to keep you warm on these chillier fall evenings when you’re stuck inside overthinking.