Many teenagers are excited for the freedoms that come with adulthood, but many also don’t fully realize the unique beauty of their stage of life. “Teenage Renegade” by Robinson elicits nostalgia for a part of your life when you were carefree and reckless, entirely present in every moment. She jumps back and forth between then and now–essentially between the stress and anxiety associated with adulthood and the wild hope of childhood–all while suggesting that joy and spontaneity don’t have to be confined to the past.
“Teenage Renegade” opens with an airy staccato beat that builds towards the chorus, which brings an ecstatic explosion of drums and guitar chords mirroring those of the underlying backing track. It also showcases Robinson’s expansive vocal range as she reminisces about her wild younger self in lines such as “She was a blue hot summer in the middle of July/She wanted everything she couldn’t have/And nothing made her cry.” Directly following this is the titular phrase “I was a teenage renegade/I’d end up so afraid,” showing Robinson’s wish to recapture the spirit and livelihood of her younger self. The teenage years are often heralded as the last years of true youth–of living carefree and of pursuing fun and joy with abandon. While adulthood does bring its responsibilities, “Teenage Renegade” subtly shows that the two don’t need to live in complete juxtaposition.
Hailing from New Zealand, 26-year-old pop artist Anna Robinson has made an impact on the music community since her debut single “Don’t You Forget About Me” in 2017. Her single “Nothing to Regret” is certified platinum in New Zealand and double platinum in Australia, and garnered her many nominations such as the 2019 New Zealand Vodafone Music Awards for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Single of the Year. Additionally, she was one of Vevo DSCVR’s Ones to Watch 2019 and YouTube’s Artists to Watch 2019. Robinson’s impressive resume doesn’t stop at nominations, however. In addition to supporting touring artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Lany, she recently performed at Brighton’s Great Escape Festival and SXSW, and headlined a sold-out show at London’s Queen of Hoxton. Robinson’s successes are far from over, and it’s a privilege to get to watch them play out.
Written By Adelae Norwood
FOLLOW ROBINSON: