Review: "Better Than This" - Casey McQuillen
- Hanna Hathaway
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Casey McQuillen’s “Better Than This” is reminiscent of 2010’s pop mixed with contemporary, robust vocals, and a punk tease. She initially creates a somber familiarity by illustrating a canon event of those trapped in stagnancy. Crying, “I gotta tell my mama/ I’m getting on a plane,” after years of dreaming of a “better place,” McQuillen twists the fluctuation of humanity and maneuvers her impressive vocals to deliver the eruption of emotions that follow this dynamic. She emphasizes discontent with potentially wasting her life and being forgotten as she’s “standing on the edge of a cliff,” symbolizing the conflict of “stay/ go,” or stepping off the cliff versus turning around. Stepping off the cliff might allude to rebirth or escape, while turning away may indicate resilience or weakness. This ambiguity is a stress point in McQuillen’s story, sound, and overall delivery, which translates to a relatable chapter in the human experience.
Swift acoustics provide a platform for storytelling through a breezy strum to soften the heartbreak of leaving comfort. This is followed by a sequential, deep drumming bridge that leads to McQuillen’s influential chorus, decorated with electric strings. Bold, profound, repetitive drumming suggests a change in sound pattern, where the chorus conversely boasts thoughtful rests that emphasize the agony of indecision. This indecision is evident through word choice and abstract changes in tone. McQuillen crafts each wail with an intent that builds a sound capable of tugging tears and charging chills. Finally, she draws attention with a dynamic whisper that delivers the exhaustion of a breathless conflict, and ends with a signature punch of unwavering vocals and an almost forte instrumental finish.
Casey McQuillen is nearing the end of her tour in Europe, working with Swedish singer/songwriter, Loreen, and American singer/songwriter, Anastacia to perform at their sold-out shows. McQuillen progressed on American Idol and is involved in the “You Matter” anti-bullying tour, reaching at least 200 schools in the US, UK, and Ireland. Casey began to explore music in 7th grade when she learned to play guitar and write her own songs. Her most popular song on Spotify, “In and Out”, has 236,381 streams. She is an anti-bullying advocate that uses music to cope with and inform about her experiences, all while being renowned as a positive, energetic artist. Her music captures her growth as a musician, and an individual.
Written By Hanna Hathaway
FOLLOW CASEY MCQUILLEN:
*Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article.