Review: "I Could Barely Drive" - Malia Rogers

Travel back in time and embrace the intertwining of americana roots, indie success, and pop preciseness with artist Malia Rogers’ latest single titled “I Could Barely Drive”. Introducing the song with the strum of a guitar & banjo fading in, Rogers takes listeners on a journey that feels both personal and entirely, easily relatable. “I Could Barely Drive”, while upbeat in sound and style, contains a deeper meaning with lyrics littered with detail and a classic charm. Blending a multitude of genres and embedding personal, real-life-example lyrics, “I Could Barely Drive is a song that would be favored by artists like The Chicks, Joan Baez, Carol King, etc. Telling a story revolving around pain, Rogers beautifully navigates the space between hurting & healing. “I Could Barely Drive” takes listeners on a journey that doesn’t shy away from low, gritty moments and simultaneously produces a message of hope for the future that stems from Rogers reflecting on how to help both herself & others. Although the story of “I Could Barely Drive” is produced from a consistent issue, Rogers steers away from a bruised attitude and instead focuses on how to better the situation for her and her former love.

While a significant amount of pop music material revolves around serving justice when someone has wronged their partner, Rogers buckles down and channels her energy in a healthy way. In place of creating a song that embodies a perspective of pain & revenge, Rogers genuinely wants the best for herself and this other person. The loss of the connection laid out in this track is very obviously a long-term, deep, and mature relationship – shown through lyrics dating back from the past to present, the inclusion of luscious and complex instruments, etc. Listening to “I Could Barely Drive” from start to finish, you are thrown completely into the relationship through both lyric and sound. Though, above all, Rogers’ implementation of folk-leaning instruments like banjos, guitars, etc., alongside production that falls under the umbrella of pop & alternative, showcases how seriously she takes this craft. Each detail of this song adds a new layer to the story, building upon one another to properly dive into this deep relationship. Yet, the meaning received above others in “I Could Barely Drive” transcends the story of the relationship, showing people that communication, forgiveness, and hard work can lead to progress for yourself.

Malia Rogers is a Canadian folk singer-songwriter, actor, and multi-instrumentalist from Nova Scotia. Raised with a maritime upbringing, Rogers sees a connection between music, storytelling, and community. In her songwriting process, Rogers creates an approach that is personal and vulnerable, putting lyrics from the heart in place alongside grounded instrumentation. Rogers’ first, upcoming EP, Chameleon, involves themes of fear, grief, love, legacy, and hope – in addition to imploring people to be compassionate in their own lives, to themselves. On top of her solo work, Rogers performs and tours as a band member with music projects Jessica Pearson & the East Wind and Ian Sherwood. When not performing solo or band music, Rogers can be found onstage at Theatre Gargantua, Theatre of the Beat, and Neptune Theatre as an actor-musician. Now based in Ontario, Rogers is ready to take listeners on a journey that is representative of what life on the East Coast, at home with her family feels like – warm, full of personality, and rich with life.

Written By Madison Spies

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