Weekly Roundup
Article by Linda Puga
An electric guitar dominated track, “Slam Band” is about a relationship that is never really over, because they keep coming back to each other. The lyric “and I know her and this isn’t over at all” is enough to get you hooked, describing the person you say you’re over, but most likely aren’t. With a fun and upbeat flow, this song has summer written all over it.
sorry for myself by Allison Leah
“sorry for myself” is the ultimate power move of a song, reminiscing over relationship memories and recognizing the hurt that it caused Leah. The chorus consists of the catchy lyric “now you want me to say sorry, I’m just sorry for myself,” where the track goes from hurt to healing. Leah’s voice shines through this track, but especially in the bridge containing a low buildup production.
Immediately met with production and a light tone that makes the song seem like that of a voicemail audio recording, “forever ago” is a warm embrace. The production is simple, consisting of drums and backup vocals, but it’s enough. This 2 and a half minute track flies by, radiating comfort in every way.
Hotel in a Hurry by Skylar Lee
Skylar Lee presents a ballad song with a resentful message with “Hotel in a Hurry.” Wanting to escape the past, Lee compares the feeling of leaving a hotel in a hurry to leaving a relationship. The lyric “I keep running but I never find relief” in the bridge is that feeling of always fleeting, but never truly being able to escape the heartache. This track highlights hopelessness and despair in a beautiful way.
“Get In The Way” is a song about someone from your past stopping you from trying to date other people. The lyric “he could be a better man, take me out and hold my hand/then I hear your voice cutting through the noise/and I’m still letting you get in the way” is sung with ellie d’s silky tone and fun production, but describes an inevitable and hard feeling to pass that we can all relate to in one way or another.
You Told Me To by Sarah Bailey
With a bit of a rock feel, Sarah Bailey combines a graceful tone, hard hitting chorus, and drums to establish a track with an Avril Lavigne vibe. Bailey says “finally got some inspiration to write again,” establishing the tolerance and actions taken to call the person out on their misdeed. Not too edgy or aggressive, Bailey packs a punch with just the right amount of spite.
Carry You Through by Samuel Jack
Samuel Jack’s vocals radiate in “Carry You Through,” a track about a relationship (platonic or romantic) where Jack is establishing trust and admiration for another person. The lyric “all that I am is made up of you/so call me when you need me” best describes this track, with an acoustic guitar in the background to effortlessly bring it all together.
Nothing Really Changes by Dawson Fuss
The lyrics “I was fooled, it’s not the movie people said it’d be” opens “Nothing Really Changes,” a track about the growing pains we face as we get older. Dawson Fuss captures the idea of a false reality perfectly, adding how all we wonder is if things will be okay in the end. The chorus is catchy, a good compliment to the more melodic verses, creating a standout track on Fuss’ discography.
Steven Curtis is emphasizing how important it is to keep your life at its own pace with “Patience.” Through the verses, Curtis elaborates on the idea of feeling like you aren’t doing enough as someone else, just because your life looks different at 25 than theirs. In the chorus, though, it’s reminded that life takes patience. An acoustic guitar accompanies Curtis’ voice, adding to the raw and authentic feel.
Mandala brings a mix of creative production and distinguishing vocals to “Better Now.” Heavy drums add to the energy of the track as Mandala sings about wanting to be better than a previous version of themself now that a relationship is done for. An electric guitar outro signals the end of a feel good track, making it a must listen.
Steffi Jeraldo effortlessly flows through words on “Shotgun,” a track about being with someone despite the hurt they cause you. Jeraldo compares sitting shotgun to sitting with someone when you know they aren’t good for you with the lyric “the beating in my chest, knows I’m about to crash but I’m still riding shotgun.” Dainty melodies add on to this, creating a standout concept track.
The lyric “I love you and you know it, you just haven’t learned to show it” invites listeners into “why should i,” a track detailing how someone can feel everything while their counterpart doesn’t reciprocate the love and actions they are given. Abby Warner’s lively but heartbreaking tone is everything, giving into the hopeless romantic vibe. Warner is wishing for effort, and the lyrics show it, making it one to watch out for.
Bella Rios concludes this week’s roundup with a classy but sassy “Calm Down,” all about how Rios never wants to be controlled. The lyric “you think that you can scold me, but I know I’m not your little girl” combined with the production screams empowerment, while Rios’ tone is graceful yet striking. The track ends far too quickly, enveloping us in all the confident feels.
