Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by: Angelina Singer
Tippi Brooklyn
This heartbreaking breaking song was inspired by an addictive habit of the artist’s former love interest. It’s a beautiful metaphor describing a smoking habit as a pathetic excuse to avoid addressing the problems in a relationship until the whole thing bursts into flames. The backing vocals are ghastly, especially toward the end when the listener hears “go smoke a cigarette / I’ll stay up all night” - almost as if the dead relationship itself has taken on a new life in retrospect. I would say the vocal style of this artist is a lot like Gracie Abrams, with her breathy delivery that will make any listener think twice about skipping this tune.
This alt-rock earworm is laced with a delectable horn section alongside the guitars and bright vocals. It’s got a sultry, sassy vibe underneath its surface, with a theme centered on the idea that fame can be exaggerated and some people will inflate the truth to impress others. It’s a bit humorous of a caricature, while still being artistically well-produced and written. Classy enough to serenade you during a nice dinner, and amusing enough to be the punchline on the playlist at your next party, this song has something for everyone while being unique and memorable.
Know You Know Better by Jean Elliot
This song feels straight off of Phoebe Bridgers’ composition notebook. It’s moody, broody, and relentlessly empowering — especially when you’ve been mistreated by someone who is supposed to love you. Through its ambient, airy vocals and refusal to sugarcoat the truth, this song is just the thing to remind someone how worthy they are of kindness and love. The chorus is big enough to light up a whole stadium someday, after its satisfying palm-muted guitar buildup and evocative lyrics like “I am not the thing that you made me / but you will always be the same.” If you’ve been looking for a sign to leave a toxic relationship, this tune is it.
Breaking Me Down by Celestine Manno
This bright pop song is so well-produced, with its smooth vocals, shining instrumental textures and the not-so-subtle reminder that all that glitters isn’t gold. This artist has a unique artistic connection with Chris Funk of the band The Decemberists - which shows in the quality of both the overall composition and production of this song. The overall message highlights the sad tendency of toxic social dynamics to only allow one person to shine at the time — often at the expense of the other. It’s a great tune to listen to when you need a reminder that it’s okay — recommended, actually — to keep your social scene healthy and thriving. Sometimes all you need is a little pruning now and again.
NEVER SEE ME AGAIN by Nate David
I really appreciated the grit and honesty behind this pop rock tune with an added punk edge. With so many elements that reminded me of TikTok sensations like Jxdn or Huddy, this artist hit all the right notes that are trending in the music industry right now. The guitar riff meshed well with the repeating lyrics leading into the bridge “you said you’d love me until the day we die / forever always but that was all a lie”. It’s undoubtedly one of those songs that’s so catchy and fun you might actually forget how sad it is until you listen carefully to the lyrics. This is the perfect breakup anthem that will get you pumped up to go out and meet someone new as soon as possible.