Review: "Unready" - Swan Mack

Life sometimes throws things at you before you’re prepared. Whether that’s opportunities, relationships, or completely life-changing experiences, some of us have trouble letting go of the familiar for the new. Swan Mack’s debut single “Unready” is a song for anyone who has held on too tightly, afraid to let go of safety even though it’s far beyond time to move on. Energetic and upbeat with melancholic lyrics, “Unready” is a blend of catharsis and confession, replete with themes of fear and embracing the unfamiliar. It may be scary to leave behind everything we’ve ever known, but you never know what’s just behind the next door. “Unready” encourages us to dive into change, even if we’re completely unready for it. Don’t worry– we’ve all been there.

This song is for all the anxious folks out there. You’ll know the exact feeling that “Unready” talks about when you listen to it, describing the hope that the phone will ring and ring so you don’t have to face an unwanted conversation with someone you’re not ready to face just yet. You’ll do anything to avoid that unfamiliar situation, from changing your routine to avoiding a person altogether. I just love how relatable the lyrics are– and they’ll hit especially hard for you if you’ve ever beaten around the bush just to stay far, far away from the new and frightening. Combine all of this with the song’s beautiful soundscape, and you’ve got a track that is absolutely raw and honest. It’s wrapped in light tones and bright guitars, this shining and upbeat tempo that makes you want to sing and dance along to it. There’s always something special about a track that reveals our vulnerabilities, and “Unready” is exactly that. If you’re looking for the perfect song for your autumn playlist, then this is absolutely it: soft, earnest, and catchy.

Swan Mack is a Texas-born, Minnesota-based singer-songwriter whose music digs deep into the in-between moments in our lives. She combines folk and indie-pop hooks to make unforgettable tracks that tell stories to connect people. With influences from Noah Kahan and Chelsea Cutler, Swan Mack’s songs feel like a late-night call from your best friend– always honest, always unfiltered, and just a bit messy. Her debut single “Unready” dropped this September, but it’s just the first of many new releases. Her upcoming singles include “Feel Like Me”, “Call the Doctor”, and “Nobody’s Best Friend”, which will be released in 2025. If you loved the folksy pop tones of “Unready”, then drop Swan Mack a follow on her socials to keep track of her next songs!

Written By Alexa Leung

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