Single Review: Cardboard Castle by Liz Moss & Lauryn Marie
Words by Angelina Singer
Anytime an insult can be transformed into an upbeat message, I’d call that a win. That’s exactly what Nashville, Tennessee-based emerging pop songstress and producer Lauryn Marie managed to do with a particularly disgruntled classmate’s rude assertion that she would be living in a cardboard box if she pursued a career in music. Joining forces with fellow Nashville performer and lyricist Liz Moss, these two set out to prove that theory wrong with their latest collaboration (and possibly the best hook I’ve heard in a while). Seriously — what’s more pithy and clever than “While you’re there bragging about your diamond shackles / I’ll be dancing in my cardboard castle”? Come on.
The song opens with a demure, youthful keyboard riff reminiscent of an 80’s synth-wave style. Then Lauryn’s voice starts weaving a rich tale of royal success — that isn’t measured by anything materialistic. Sonically like a Fleetwood Mac-meets-Taylor-Swift vibe, she quickly branches out into more of an ABBA feel in the chorus. This shift is so tasteful and fun, especially with the way she fluently blends and mixes these very different styles into her own unique genre.
I also enjoyed the way Liz Moss’s verse works to expand on the storyline that Lauryn began in the first verse. Not only are their voices so beautiful together, but they also shine so brightly on their own. “You laughed at my paper crown / but now it’s shining with my golden symphonies” shows a beautiful, confident thematic growth that gracefully balances self-love with an undeniable undercurrent of satisfying passive-aggressive angst. This song is a positive, feel-good cathartic moment to put that idiotic card box commenter in their place, as evidenced through the yelling of “my cardboard castle” toward the end of the song.
The dynamics of this song are also well-balanced throughout the mix. This was especially noted in the textural layers of the production, be it fun little sparkly moments like laughing or new harmonic melodies, as well as some neat easter egg moments (like the binaural in-your-head audio layer of lyrics toward the end of the song when Lauryn sings “it’s not all in my head”). These sonic additions may be lost on the casual listener, but this is why this song requires multiple listens to fully get every fun and quirky addition. I also admired the way it stuck to its thematic element, intelligently weaving the cardboard-turned-royalty motif throughout the song without being cheesy or overdone.
The repeated lyrics in the bridge are so clever and uplifting — I loved this poetic element, and the overall idea that less is more (“just a glimmer is enough”). This bridge lets the listener process the overall message while also showcasing the undeniable talent of the artists — which directly proves the point that their cardboard castle is going to be better than anyone else’s diamond shackles.
It's not often I come across new music that I genuinely love. From the first few snippets of this song that popped up on my Instagram feed, to hearing the full piece, I kept thinking how brilliant the lyrics, production, and overall vision of the idea are. It’s not overproduced, overindulgent, or immature. There’s a calm awareness and acceptance coating every delicious lyric of golden-plated payback that you’ll want to savor over and over again.
If my hunch is correct, with more songs like these, Lauryn Marie won’t have to rely on currency made of joy and truth. Even though those things are beautiful, something tells me she’s going to be just fine — and soon, everyone will know her name as she reaches for stars that others will never see.
“Cardboard Castle” is out on streaming services now!
Follow Lauryn Marie on Spotify here!
Follow Liz Moss on Spotify here!