Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by: Angelina Singer
Made by Someone Else by Bri Aspen
This dynamic song of heartache and moving on features a swampy bass and an energetic, ambient electric guitar. The angsty vocal style depicts the sadness and need to find yourself when a relationship ends: “I’m taking back the person I’ve always been”. I absolutely love the buildup in the bridge section, leading to the sudden drop before the final chorus fully ramps up. Her style reminds me of artists like Birdy or Florence and Machine — so if you like them too, this song will hit all the right notes.
Superstar by Jeff Iftekaruddin
I really enjoyed the subtle guitar articulations and textures in this song, which is a sprightly commentary on the way fame changes people (and not always for the better). The speaker appears to be proud of the newly-minted superstar, but there’s also an air of sadness for the way things used to be. For your new daydreaming anthem, with a similar theme to Taylor Swift’s “Dorothea”, listen loud with the windows down on a sunny afternoon driving down Hollywood Boulevard.
The vocal harmonies are what really shine in this track, as the overall theme of heartache is illuminated in the context of processing and healing. I also loved the bright percussive qualities in this tune, alongside the ambient layers of the mix. “What is the moment / what is the truth / can we stay close or do I need to choose” is at the center of the message, as the speaker has to decide between keeping a close connection or letting this person go forever.
King Mazy
This dramatic track with subtle flamenco influences will ignite your emotions. It’s an intriguing fusion of country-meets-tango with a good dose of classic rock thrown in for good measure. As the speaker muses about his lost love interest, maybe you’ll find a bit of your own story in these lyrics. No matter where this tune transports you, it’s a great rock ‘n’ roll journey that will motivate you to move forward in life, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Bonus points for that slick guitar solo and the poeticism of the lyrics around it too.
It Still Smells Like You by King Mazy
Continuing with the theme of heartache, this song taps into the sensory experiences of missing someone. The beautiful harmonies and instrumental echoes add so much to the ambiance of this song. The lyrics are also really clever and drive home the point that sometimes heartache creeps in despite your other senses still lingering on other memories. It’s this fractured experience of love and loss that can leave a sense of incompleteness alongside the heartache that just drags everything out even longer. I loved the dynamic string section as well. No matter where you are in your healing journey, this song will make you feel seen and understood in the universal, shared experience of romantic struggle.