Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Empty Cup by Jonathan Evergreen
The art of letting go can be a tough skill to master, but this beautiful song is a testament to the importance of learning it. “No amount of water can save a drowning fish / there is no amount of water that can stop a sinking ship” are beautiful lyrics that depict the meaning behind this ethereal woodland-inspired song with gorgeous vocal harmonies and an accompanying string section. I love the truth in this and the way it’s so relatable for anyone that’s overworking themselves, either emotionally or logistically. Listen to this for a new perspective on life and all the concerns that come with it — chances are, very few things are worth stressing about too much.
Meet Me Where I’m At by Molly Ganley
This song beautifully depicts the vulnerability of anxiety and all the uncertainties that come with it for older kids that haven’t yet found stability as adults. With a quirky style similar to that of Gracie Abrams, there’s no doubt you’ll find a piece of yourself represented between the plucky lyrics depicting the fragility of your twenties. The idea at the center of this tune is that being a young adult in this world is really confusing and overwhelming, but with a little support from your loved ones, it can also be amazing. The style is bright, cheerful, and hopeful despite the time of life being tumultuous. There’s no doubt you’ll find comfort in this song, no matter where you are in your life’s journey.
Another great song about taking life easy, you’ll love the relaxing vibes of this pop-folk tune. It’s got a lot of emphasis on twangy guitars and clean vocals that will build the perfect vibe for your next road trip or vacation. The advice here is to take life day by day, and “give yourself a break / stay in for the night” when things get tricky, because you know that things will always get better. And sometimes, all you need is a little rest and time in nature to put things in perspective.
Molly Ganley
I loved the metaphor in this song, accompanied by the incredibly poignant opening lyrics: “I garden in October / it’s a promise to myself / that I’m gonna make it through the winter”. While depression is a serious topic, I love the whimsically hopeful approach to this idea that sometimes all we need is something to live for — even something as seemingly small as plants. I was saddened to hear about her losing her faith in God later in the song, but I hope this artist reconnects with that part of her life soon. Until then, the sonic layers in this song really stand out, like the subtle flute notes and light string instruments — a beautiful ode to hanging on when life gets hard and being brave enough to dream about when things get better again.
Hit the Lights by Tessa Dalton
On a slightly brighter note, this song is about the moments of romantic longing that often spring up after hours when you should be sleeping but can’t. I love the clever lyrics of “you’re a spoon full of lucky / and it charms me to think that I’m wanted” — a subtle nod to her other bad habit of eating Lucky Charms late at night. Sonically, it’s probably in the bedroom pop category, with a hint of country twang thrown in there as well. The bigger metaphor is comparing an unhealthy love interest with a sugary midnight snack option that also always leaves her wanting more. If you’re in a similar situationship, perhaps this song will hit the right notes — and then inspire you to put down the sugar high for good.