Review: "guarded" - Izzy Potter

Izzy Potter has perfectly crafted a song that describes how it feels to fall for someone who isn't good for you. At the end of the day, you are aware that the other person can't give you what you want. However, you continue to go after them because you want to stay within the delusion that they might be good for you down the road. We can gain this understanding through the powerful lyrics given to us by Izzy. One of my favorite lines at the beginning of the song says, "Cursed myself for not wearing a jacket / Cursed you for never even offering / Answered the door / Hair is still dripping / Found the straps of my tank top slipping / Cursed myself after for feeling alone / Cursed you for not even walking me home." I can visualize the internal battle that the artist is going through in this moment and I can relate to the feelings being portrayed because I've personally felt the same way. We gain better understanding from the chorus when it says, "It's my fault isn't it / You're not the story I made up in my mind / Yeah it's my fault / I do it every time / I pretend it to be different / I'll try to play it innocent / I'll do what you wanted / Let down my walls, but you stay guarded." This further shows us the lack of positive change on the other persons part, making it hard for the person who's actively changing to continue putting effort into the relationship.

The overall tone of the song is rather somber and dark. Not dark in a bad way but rather introspective, seeking deeper reflection in one's self as to why you're allowing yourself to be treated this way. This bleeds into the downcast, sullen mood which allows us to have a mindset focused on reflection. We're reflecting on past treatment and future treatment. The instrumentation helps build these different emotions. We get hints of guitar and drums that add a slow burn affect to the track, which helps keep the laid back pace. Once the vocals trickle in the whole song comes full circle. As the listener we are allowed to put all the pieces together, creating the powerful finished project. We know that each part plays a significant role in communicating the overall point of the song.

Izzy Potter is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee with roots in New York. Her songs bring a new level of creativity to the music realm with her intriguing acoustic pop/folk style. Her storytelling is often times compared to that of Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Noah Kahan. Izzy Potter has been writing her own songs since the age of 12 and has been recognized by NSAI songwriting evaluators as "One to Watch." She is currently studying songwriting at Belmont University. She is excited to continue exploring her love for music and performing. If you're looking to catch her, she can be found playing anywhere around town such as Bowery Ballroom NYC, supporting the Long-Island indie-rock band Arcy Drive, or playing shows all around Nashville. Don't forget to listen to "guarded" and show Izzy some love!

Written By Destiny Rundquist

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