Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Olivia Elizabeth Basar
This experimental alternative track has a ton of fun sonic textures to scratch your brain in just the right way. I absolutely love the varied rhythms and dynamics of this song, all leading into the bright choruses calling out a past lover for taking their crush for granted. If you’ve ever found yourself on the business end of a budding relationship that never quite goes anywhere, you’ll relate to this song. “Don’t leave me / but I wish you were here” are only some of the insightful and relatable lyrics that you’ll be treated to. Bonus points for the jazz-fusion inspired guitar solo that brings an added flair to this song all about frustration in dating and the feelings that never seem to quite level out.
Achilles by Olivia Elizabeth Basar
You wouldn’t think Greek mythology would be a go-to metaphor for describing love… unless it went downhill. And sadly, this is the case for the story in this song. For an angsty, yet catchy song with a unique vocal melody that will transport you back to a life lesson you hope to never need again, it’s something relatable and memorable. The overall sound is very vibe-y with an added grit to it that would place it staunchly in the alternative pop realm, with room to expand into the rock genre as well. Listen to it loudly to get out of your emotional funk while embracing your inner muse who’s so over being treated like anything less than royalty.
Frances Praet
Think I Wanna Sell My Car by Frances Praet
Yet another heartbreak song this week, this one is an emotional ballad that recalls past romantic memories taking place inside a car. The vibe is almost R&B in its style, but subtle electric articulations push it over the line into more pop territory à la Holly Humberstone. I loved the creativity of connecting a vehicle to romantic sadness and perhaps regret, but I don’t recommend selling any vehicle simply because of who you associate it with. New seat covers and some air fresheners might be more convenient options that won’t leave you without transportation. The lyrics of this song are absolutely beautiful once you get past the tongue-in-cheek nature of the title: “I think I wanna sell my car / The one I used to pick you up / That night you popped your tire / And we realized there was more to us / Than just having fun / No, it was something that could mess us up.” Mic, dropped.
This beautiful folk track has so much heart in it. I love the soft lilt to the vocals alongside the elegant string section that feels like wrapping yourself in the fluffiest, coziest blanket imaginable. “How much does it take / to strip off all the fake / that we used to dilute our wine” are deep lyrics that inspire a greater level of self-awareness as you grow into your best self. When I hear this song, it makes me feel like I’m sitting in a beautiful cabin in the woods somewhere overlooking a mountain range and warming up around a fire with my family and friends. Wherever you’re listening, don’t hesitate to let this tune envelope you in all the joy of fresh starts and gratitude for life and all the adventures it brings.
“Wearing my heart on my sleeve / I still feel like seventeen” are some of the lyrics in the first verse of this song written all about the pitfalls and stresses of dating in the modern age. As you likely already know, most dating nowadays is done online. And this is a really tough platform for anyone prone to overthinking or with low self-esteem (which is so common in the young adult life season). Wherever you find yourself in your life’s journey, there are some sensations that you never fully grow out of — and I love the way this song immortalizes the messy, dumbstruck, goofball uncertainty of high school in a way that makes you feel seen and heard no matter your current age. The vocal melody in the chorus is also very amusing, in the sense that it reminded me of “Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan but with less angst.