Review: "Small Town Syndrome" - Mae Stephens

Mae Stephens isn’t afraid to pour her heart out in a song, and her latest track, “Small Town Syndrome,” is another example of just how raw and vulnerable she’s willing to get. The song’s title really speaks for itself. It talks about feeling trapped in a small town community where everyone knows every little detail about you, and the struggle of trying to find both a physical and emotional way out. Yet, below the surface, the song has a much deeper meaning. Stephens says, “The song’s main theme is really of those dreaming of escape and new beginnings.” Whether or not you can relate to the frustrations of small town gossip, the pre-chorus lyrics, “I don’t wanna face this mess // Can I stay here in this bed,” are thoughts I’m sure we’ve all felt in the midst of some sort of strife, and Stephens couldn’t have summed it up better.

“Small Town Syndrome” is an alt-pop ballad that sonically matches the tone of its deep-cutting lyrics. The song starts off with a piano and Stephen’s mesmerizing voice – both working cohesively to set up the track’s emotional narrative. As the song progresses, listeners hear the track progress even more with the addition of Stephen’s ethereal harmonies and subtle synth beats that help further build up the feelings of angst and frustration that the artist reflects on in the nearly three-minute long ballad. If “Small Town Syndrome” is any indication of what listeners can expect from her upcoming EP Securely Insecure, it’s clear that Stephens is going to leave it all on the table and rack in another massive hit in the process.

Music has always been a source of comfort for Mae Stephens. The British pop singer-songwriter, who began writing songs at the age of 12, used her gift to navigate through her teenage years and her own struggles with mental health. While Stephens was having to balance songwriting and working shifts at her local Asda supermarket just a mere 18 months ago, she’s now a star on the rise. Her 2023 funk-infused pop track “If We Ever Broke Up,” proved to be a huge breakthrough for Stephens, reaching Gold status in both the U.S. and UK and racking in over 300 million streams on Spotify. She was also named one of VEVO’s “Artists to Watch” for 2024. Through her honest and reflective lyricism, Stephens hopes to use her voice and music to help those who may be seeking an escape from their own personal hardships. Her latest single, “Small Town Syndrome,” is now available on all music streaming platforms.

Written By Giselle Morales

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