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- Review: "Too Close" - Leo Golo ft. ANGE
*"Too Close," the latest single from Leo Golo featuring ANGE, is a refreshing blend of afropop and indie-pop that stands out as the fourth release from his debut album. The song is anchored by a catchy chorus that effortlessly pulls the listener in, juxtaposed with rhythmic afrobeat nuances that explore new sonic territories for the artist. The track poignantly delves into the allure and complexities of unrequited chemistry, capturing the emotional highs and perplexity that comes with receiving mixed signals from someone you're attracted to. Featuring ANGE's compelling verse, "Too Close" encapsulates the bittersweet reality many face after a night filled with tantalizing but ultimately unfulfilled promises. ANGE's contribution adds a layer of raw, emotional honesty, expressing the frustration and emotional exhaustion of being toyed with. The collaboration between Leo Golo and ANGE shines through the seamless blend of their voices and shared narrative, making the song both relatable and immersive. The combination of joyous beats with melancholic undertones hits right in the feels, rendering it a memorable listening experience that balances upliftment with introspection. Leo Golo, a Barcelona native born in 2000, is a burgeoning talent in the pop music scene, known for his captivating melodies and versatile productions. His music effortlessly marries the danceable with the emotional, creating a unique sound that's both surprising and familiar. With influences ranging from Justin Bieber to Tove Lo and iconic Swedish songwriters like Max Martin, Golo's compositions are a testament to his broad musical inspiration. As an adept keyboard player and a budding producer, Golo has already left his mark through national tours and collaborations with emerging Spanish artists. "Too Close" furthers his journey of creating music that leaves an indelible impression and marks his evolution as an artist ready to captivate a global audience. Written By Megan Cao FOLLOW LEO: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "LOST MY MIND" - Jess Meilman
"LOST MY MIND" is the latest single by rising pop artist Jess Meilman, released on October 18, 2024. The anthemic track is all about willingly losing your mind for a bit. Here, she wants to let go of control and enjoy a carefree moment, stepping outside of her head. If you're also someone who is often stuck inside their own head and struggles to embrace chaos, Meilman lets you know that it is alright, and you are not alone in this experience. Blending danceable production with hard-hitting introspection, this song is the perfect addition to any playlist. Make sure to add "LOST MY MIND" to your library. "LOST MY MIND" explores Meilman's desire to relax and give herself a break from all the anxiety and stress-inducing moments of her life. She expresses this with lines like "26 years old / I just want a break" and "Catch up with my mind / Decode all my signs / I'm an enigma deep inside." In the infectious chorus, she sings, "Lost my mind / Left it in the car last night / I don't want to find it." Taking influence from contemporary R&B and with chants and harmonies like Chappell Roan and Kate Bush, Meilman crafts an earworming track that explores the universal feeling of wanting to be free. Jess Meilman is a singer-songwriter, based in Los Angeles. She was a semi-finalist for American Songwriter, along with being a JBL & Martin Garrix Music Academy Winner and United Master's Priority Artist. Since beginning to release music in 2022, she has accumulated over 5,000 monthly listeners and over 200,000 streams on Spotify. If you enjoyed "LOST MY MIND," make sure to check out the rest of her discography on streaming platforms. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Jess Meilman and her music by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW JESS MEILMAN: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook
- Review: "Love I Know" - Sofia Eleni
This song is definitely 90s coded and the Mariah Carey inspiration can be heard immediately. Sofia’s vocals are immaculate as she navigates this single. This song is the very definition of a bop as the young people say nowadays. It’s very easy listening coded and Sofia’s vocals only add to the vibes. Although the song does seem to be about going back to an ex, the way It's presented is with the optimistic lens of hope and that this decision could be a good one. That has been the case for numerous relationships both in fiction and non-fiction, but going back to an ex is mostly shunned and seen as a step backwards rather than forwards which is what people mainly focus on, moving forward in life. In “Love I Know”, Sofia sings of this person occupying her every thought and how she can’t get over the love that they had and how it affected her and made her feel. Concerning the premise of the single, Eleni states “About going against your better judgement, and fantasizing about rekindling things with an ex. With a 90s influenced Pop/R&B vibe, it’s the perfect song for late night car rides, and chill fall vibes.” So here we have an explanation for this song about returning to an ex, Eleni states that this is more of a fantasizing of going back, rather than the actual act of doing so. The “what if” aspect of things is why the song seems to approach the subject with rose-colored glasses. It’s as if Eleni is saying “Yes, you destroyed me and my peace, but the love, the vibes were real.” This explanation helps to explain what Eleni meant by saying that she’d made the decision and done what’s best for her. Eleni sings “All the days and all the nights of never being all right, I had to give you up.” This relationship was, seemingly, not a vibe and Eleni acknowledges that leaving was the best course of action. But now, she finds herself in the “what if” cycle that everyone goes through when leaving a relationship. “What if I was wrong”, “What if they just needed time”, “What if I was seeing things wrong” “What if we’re meant to be”. With every human decision, there’s always a “what if” chorus floating around in our heads. However, with this single, Eleni explores giving in to that voice and going back to a relationship that didn’t seem to be anything to write home about. Eleni is only reminiscing the good feelings that came from being with this person and minimizing the problems that were present in the relationship. It’s a fantasy that could become a nightmare, but it could very well help with silencing the “what ifs” that are dancing around in her head. Could it be a mistake? Wholeheartedly. Could it be a good thing that leads to a better relationship with this person? Also possible. Should this fantasy remain just that, a fantasy? Completely up to Eleni and whoever else is contemplating on whether or not the ending of their last relationship was for the best or not. This music forces the listener to at least do the head nod and shoulder bounce, it would have you contemplating whether or not you should give your last relationship another try. (Do so of your own resolution). Sofia Eleni is an actress, musician, singer, and songwriter. Sofia’s inspirations are said to be Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson, I’d dare to say that both of those influences are very apparent in her latest single, “Love I Know”. Eleni’s career began in theater at the young age of 10 with her also being cast as a young member of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s School of Rock- The Musical on Broadway. Eleni’s online presence consists of thousands of fans and listeners across all social media platforms. Eleni’s sound is best described as contemporary R & B also with pop elements as well. With credits that range from Broadway to film to tv and also to her own solo musical endeavors, Eleni is not new to this, she’s true to this. Eleni’s voice is the main event within her music and is, arguably, her best instrument. If you’d like to keep track of these amazing vocals and the singles you can hear them on, follow Eleni on all of her socials below! Written By Keiunna Thompson FOLLOW SOFIA ELENI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Casper" - Laila
When a chaotic romance brings a supernatural intensity, you don't want to admit you're leaving yourself open to heartbreak. Laila's new song "Casper" captures that sensibility-blinding excitement, detailing the fleeting and unreliable, but ever-so-delicious connection the speaker has discovered. The song begins with tellings of the late hour encounters, and of the way this person vanishes. In a display of vulnerability, the chorus amplifies the thrill of the connection and the hurt of him leaving, all tying back to the question "what is it you're after?" Using a ghost as a metaphor for an unstable relationship, this song is perfect for your sad girl Halloween pop playlists! The song opens with Laila's high vocals that carry a fragile openness to the singing, building a more rounded sound at the end of the verse. The track really picks up with its percussion-heavy chorus and Laila's voice in a catchy pattern of a less breathy and more intentional tone. Electric guitar joins in with the melody of the lyrics. The last line of the chorus sounds like a message left on a voicemail, with a speaking tone that lets that direct message of continual interest stand out. Resonant sound that embraces the feeling of a conversation, accelerating from soft guitar into a high and emotive pop sound. Laila is a multi-disciplinary Canadian artist with a classic pop style to her music. On top of talents as a singer and songwriter, Laila takes her talents onto the screen, having appeared in the finale of Netflix's show " Glamorous ". Her debut EP "Heart Doesn't Work Like That" sparked national buzz, airing on CBC Radio . Laila has performed at popular Toronto venues like Rivoli , and she continues to work on her music with a new project to look out for in Spring! She collaborates with other artists like Michael Danforth Edwards on "Casper", and brings an exciting pop sound with her vocal style. Check out the links below to explore her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW LAILA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Waterfalls" - Patrik Jean
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard. Even more so when this person was someone you held close to your heart, someone you once cherished deeply. Grief isn’t an easy emotion to process, and neither is it easy to describe the feelings one experiences when they are processing loss. It’s confusing and overwhelming for most people, almost like there has been an added weight to one's chest, the air in our lungs suddenly feels so limited. “Waterfalls” by Patrik Jean is about processing the emotions we endure when we experience loss in our lives. We are hit with an overwhelming and abundant of mixed emotions that mostly consist of incredulity and immense sorrow that put us in a lachrymose state that we are incapable of controlling. Or, as the song puts it, an incessant waterfall. Akin to a waterfall, the flow never stops, similar to the plethora of emotions we feel when dealing with these doleful sentiments after losing someone who meant the world to us. The raw emotions we experience, at times, can be difficult to put into words. All we can do is simply cry and mourn over our unfortunate loss. However, Patrik was able to depict the emotions so vividly. With emotive lyrics like “It’s a masquerade” and “If you could see my face behind this mask, you’d see I go out of my way to hold back,” it’s something many of us are unfortunately capable of relating to. Many of us have to conceal our emotions to proceed with life— we pretend that everything is okay when, in reality, our whole world is crumbling right at our feet and we are completely incapacitated to stop it. The music video does such a phenomenal job of capturing the true essence and beauty of a waterfall. Most of us, when we see a waterfall, we mostly think about how gorgeous it is. How the water innately crashes into a pool of its liquids, trickling down the crystals of the earth, depicting such a calming scene. However, if we take a look at a waterfall from a different standpoint, we recognize just how emphatic and demonstrative it can be. It has beauty, yes, but the image of beauty can quickly change into something that’s more sorrowful and forlorn. With the lack of sun and light, this waterfall depicts the despondency we feel when we experience loss. The angles and imagery do such an amazing job of illustrating such emotions. With the final touches of Patrik’s presence, it all blends together, creating such a sad and powerful scene as he stands in the middle of the waterfall, wearing an apathetic and disconsolate expression as the water flows above him, while he stands in silence, soaking up and basking in his suffering, embracing the ache in his chest that was caused by his grievous loss. “Waterfalls” is a song that we can hold close to our hearts, it’s a song that can offer many listeners comfort as they meet their whirlwind of emotions. The lyrics themselves serve as almost a shoulder to cry on, our hearts harmonizing with them, as it expresses what we are unable to express. Patrik Jean, the magnificent artist behind such an expressive song is a singer and songwriter based in Sweden. Patrik found his new sound by producing and creating his debut album, with “Waterfalls” being the first single from his upcoming album. In the following year, this album, titled “Utopia” will be released. Being that he produced the album himself, he was able to freely utilize his own artistic views, adding his own bold and contemplative perspective into his form of sound. It is sure to connect with the hearts of the listeners who crave a raw and open sound that allows us to change our perspective and open our hearts to music that derives from something true and real. With how powerful “Waterfalls” is, I can only expect the songs on his upcoming album to harbor even more sentiment and emotion. I look forward to hearing more of Patrik’s authentic sound! Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW PATRIK JEAN: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "cheap therapy" - sorrycarlee
sorrycarlee's song "cheap therapy" is a deeper look into the mind of someone who puts the needs of others above themself. The lyrics show another side to that friend who is always there to lend an ear, with a first-person look at someone who takes on other people's issues in order to hide from their own. In reality, this does more damage than good. The song begins with openly admitting that the speaker avoids being the focus of conversations, and circles around to the self-destructive confession: "I'm fixing friends who are breaking me". With a vulnerable message that so many can relate to, this illuminating song allows listeners to take a deeper look at how they speak and listen. This pensive pop track carries a building emotion that adds personality to the sound. Acoustic guitar plucking opens the song and becomes slightly muted when sorrycarlee's soft, confessional vocals begin. She sings quickly through the verse, very much capturing that 'enough about me' rambling attitude in the message of the song. Piano notes sound in a slow pattern of notes, descending line by line towards the chorus. Deliberately slow vocals and instrumentals in the chorus allow its simple lyrics to echo metasomatically. There is more definition in the vocals at the last verse as though pent up energy, and the song closes with layered vocals, truly taking on the jumbled emotional dependence from the lyrics. sorrycarlee is an American musician who perused an academic pathway towards psychology before reaching for her calling as a singer and songwriter. With a strong educational background, degrees in English and psychology support her rounded and introspective lyricism. Her music career successes include cowriting for artists like Maddie Zahm , Francis Karel , and Abigail Barlow . In her own songs, sorrycarlee brings an invigorating pop style to her powerful lyricism. On top of music, she is a mixed-media visual artist, and her work can be found on her social media. Check out the links below to keep up with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW SORRYCARLEE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "That Way" - Jess Ball
It’s inevitable that some friends will eventually move away. Whether it’s for their career, a partner, or simply because they’ve outgrown their hometown, it’s hard to say goodbye to someone who you’ve spent so much time with kindling a bond. Jess Ball’s latest single “That Way” underscores the cocktail of emotions you might have when a good friend moves elsewhere, and how those feelings manifest in a long-distance friendship. It’s difficult balancing those emotions towards a friend that’s supposedly “moved on” with their life, both physically and mentally. On one hand, you’re so proud that they’re pursuing what they want in life, but on the other, you’re desperately jealous of the new friendships they’re forming without you around. Although you haven’t been excised from their life, it nonetheless feels like a goodbye. A delicate discussion on what it means to be proud yet envious of your friend’s new life, “That Way” is filled with evocative lyrics and smooth instrumentals, sweeping you into its soundscape as you sing along to its relatable songwriting. For those of you who like that subtle, chiller pop sound, “That Way” is going to be your dream track. As for me, I’m a sucker for a killer bassline, and this track has it in spades. Just as the song starts, you’re greeted by this slick bassline that slowly makes way for Jess’ silky vocals, combining to create a soundscape that has tints of melancholy and rumination. When the chorus eventually comes along, the percussion and synth are ramped as the narrator poses a question to their friend while simultaneously answering it for themselves, asking, “Is it better over that way?”. The instrumentals and songwriting create the perfect blending for the song’s message, and I love the one-sided conversational feel that the track gives. The narrator wonders what their friend is getting up to in their new life, the new friends they’ve made and the paths they’ve carved, and tells the listeners of the seemingly selfish jealousy they feel at their absence; at the same time, they’re so proud of their friend and know that they should just be happy for them. But, above all else, the narrator misses them, and there is now a void where they previously lived. I really liked how the song concludes that although these complex and overlapping feelings are valid, it is still “better over that way”. “That Way” is a track that is having numerous conversations with itself, and I’m sure many listeners can relate to how the narrator is attempting to navigate the struggles of a long-distance friendship, all backgrounded by fantastic instrumentation that creates a reflective atmosphere. Jess Ball is a Melbourne-based Australian singer-songwriter whose forays into music began in 2009 at eleven years old. Influenced and inspired by artists such as Cigarettes After Sex, Olivia Dean, and Massive Attack, Jess’ soundscapes are known for their blending of pop, indie rock, and hip-hop, altogether creating a unique indie pop sound. Jess’ made waves with her 2020 single “I Found You (Neptune)” in collaboration EDX, which reached number 1 on the Future House Beatport charts, as well as number 38 on SiriusXM’s Electro top songs of the year. 2022 saw the release of her debut album “Ripe” and was followed two years later in 2024 with her debut EP “Carnal Emotion”. Her next EP “Where You Go” is slated for release in early 2025, and “That Way” is kicking off this thrilling new chapter in her musical journey as she has recently signed with London-based project Melody Music. I encourage everyone to give Jess’ fantastic discography a good listen while we wait for 2025 to come around with the release of her next EP! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW JESS BALL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | Website
- Review: "Big Duck Energy" - Oda Loves You
Oda Loves You’s latest single “Big Duck Energy” gives the term "BDE" a whole new meaning. The artist’s new track is a song that is essentially an anthem for the girls that calls out the shady boys. When you’re so infatuated with a person, it can be easy to ignore the red flags that are right in front of you. However, “Big Duck Energy” is a song that’s here to remind you that when someone shows you who they are, believe them. I also love this song because, in a way, it’s incredibly empowering. Oda Loves You wants women to know their worth and realize how strong they really are. No one deserves to be in a relationship where they’re not respected or valued. The lyrics, “Wasn’t your fault, but you chose to allow it // Give em up girl, he’s shady,” really push this message forward, making “Big Duck Energy” the new female empowerment anthem. “Big Duck Energy” is a fun, empowering anthem, but it’s also a certified bop. The song starts off with a thumping kick drum that adds a bit of mystique just before Oda’s piercing vocals kick in. Her harmonies and layered vocals were what made the song shine. Plus, Oda’s lyricism was witty, clever, and all about self-worth – which I absolutely loved. The incorporation of various beats throughout, gave the song an upbeat, pop vibe with an infectious swagger that made the track an instant favorite. In addition, if the song’s title wasn’t enough indication of what the track was about, the quack noise at the very end just might give listeners a playful hint. Oda Loves You is a Norwegian pop singer who currently resides in Los Angeles, where she is making a name for herself in the industry. The artist is no stranger to the stage, having previously spent five years performing as the lead vocalist of the Norwegian music collective Need Music. She has continued to develop her craft at the Los Angeles Academy for Artists & Music Production, where she was one of 45 talents selected to join the academy’s highly-esteemed mentorship program. In addition, Oda Loves You has also found success as a songwriter, contributing to songs for artists such as Alan Walker, HM Surf, K-391, and Marcus Martinus. A frequent collaborator of DJ/ Producer duo EC Twins, Oda Loves You has appeared on several of their songs including “Dreams,” “Liberian Girl,” and “Foolish.” Stay up-to-date with Oda Loves You and stream her latest single, “Big Duck Energy” now. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW ODA LOVES YOU: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "We Are" - Wil Deynes
Artist Wil Deynes’s “We Are” is a soaring soft rock song set among the stars, featuring a timeless melody and warm vocals. Chasing love and being afraid of the outcome is the theme “We Are” plays on. Love is a risk, but sometimes for the right person, it is a risk we are willing to take, as Deynes expresses throughout the hopeful tune. “We got nothing to lose, we came from the stars” he sings. Deynes believes the pair is like something made out of a dream, one that could come true if the other is willing to take the plunge. The track's melody is tender, and the lyrics sweet, wrapped up in a louder full band outpour of harmonious instrumentals. The uplifting tone and soaring melody denote a passion for more and the patience to see it through. “We Are” captures the essence of falling for someone you can't stop dreaming about. The track finds its place between a full band sound and soft pop rock. The melody is catchy and easy, as the instrumentals effortlessly work together. With a slower tempo and Deynes’s tender voice, the song is soothing alongside dreamy lyricism. Deynes’s voice is gentle and pure, almost coaxing his crush as acoustic strums and violins dance together in the background. Sensitive and heartfelt, “We Are” follows a dreamer through the cosmos, riding on low bass notes and consistently soft drums. Although the relationship could end in ruins, it's worth taking the ride and seeing where it may lead. Influenced by pop artists like Max Martin and Oak Felder, Wil Deynes is a singer-songwriter in the pop-rock genre. Using music as an outlet to express his emotions, Deynes crafts a sound with fresh melodies and a clear voice. Touching on sensitive subjects of love and loss, Deynes doesn't stray from anything less than authentic. Not a stranger to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt as a songwriter and musician, Deynes decided to take a step back from publicly releasing music for a few years. This came before his comeback with the release of honest tracks like “Say Goodbye” earlier this year and “We Are.” With catchy pop melodies and a warm presence, Deynes is sure to make a splash in the music industry. With “We Are,” Deynes has made his mark with the song's inviting sound and well-rounded vocal talent. You can listen to “We Are” and more below! Written By Mia Chavez FOLLOW WIL DEYNES: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Album Review: "Boys get sad too" - Aleks Grey
Norwegian artist Aleks Grey has recently dropped his debut album, "Boys get sad too", which is said to act as a memoir for the twenties , and is about all the magic and chaos of experiencing our fleeting young adulthoods. TRACKLIST You broke me angel 28 Miss you anyway Peter Parker Five minutes Please come home Someone else Sunset cigarette Hurt me Five minutes - Acoustic Aleks Grey reigns from Norway and is notorious for his signature red beanie. He debuted as an artist in 2015 with his first single "Feel Alive". He's been steadily releasing music and performing ever since, but really made his mark when he released his duet single with singer/songwriter Iselin , "Five minutes" in 2022 which gained international recognition, got airtime on BBC Radio , and listed on national radio NRK P1 in Norway. This all has lead up to the long anticipated release of Alek's debut album which we will deep dive into today! "Boys get sad too" was recorded across Pytt Studio in Norway, Ocean Sound in Norway and The Cabin Recordings in Liverpool. Songwriting collaborators include Katya Edwards , Iselin Solheim, Charlie Snyder and Elizabeth Makris , and the album was co-produced with Sivert Hagtvet and Henrik the Artist . Throughout the album there's themes of what it's like to figure out life in your 20's; from moving cities and being on your own, to making big plans that never made it through, from making friends to losing friends... this album pretty much has it all. You broke me angel We kick off the album with Aleks' 2022 single, "You broke me angel". The story goes, he walks into a bar with his friends which happens to be his ex's favorite bar - and of course she's there. All of his friends are smokers and he is not, but he rather go outside with them and have a cigarette than have to face her. It's very apparant that this person really did some damage to his heart, and there's a lot of irony in the way he calls her angel. He actually implies that smoking cigarettes would do him less harm than falling for her toxic ways again. I think we all have someone out there who we feel this way about and therefore can totally relate to this song. "You broke me angel" starts with bright acoustic guitar, and unexpectedly explodes into a radio banger pop song with a heavy beat and Aleks' contrasting somber, heartbroken vocals. 28 Track two is "28", which is the song that acts as the summary of what the whole "Boys get sad too" album is meant to be about. One minute your life is just starting, and then in a blink of an eye you're turning 28. Time has slipped away and you're still not quite where you want to be in life. You're looking back and thinking about what you should've or could've done to maybe change how things could be for yourself now, and you're finding yourself comparing your life to others you used to know. The only thing is, you can't go back in time - all you can do now is move forward. This song features stunning acoustic guitar, with gentle piano in the background. It's a highly emotional song, that finally breaks down towards the end with an outburst of drums and energy... until it settles back down with one final tear-jerking chorus. Miss you anyway "Miss you anyway" is a super fun and cute song about missing someone that you really shouldn't be missing. They weren't a positive force in your life, and the more you think about it you didn't really like having them around that much in the first place; but there was something that was still addicting about their presence - or maybe you're just a little bit crazy, and you sometimes find yourself missing them. "Miss you anyway" has a super catchy drum beat, along with a thriving variety of synths and very heavy bass to help carry the rhythm and groove. This song will have you jamming no matter where you're at or how you're feeling. It's a feel-good song to put a smile on your face, get you dancing and to poke fun at the silly feelings we put ourselves through from time to time. Peter Parker If you somehow don't know who Peter Parker is, he's the face under the mask of the very well-known Marvel superhero, Spider-Man . In Aleks Grey's song "Peter Parker", he sings of a dark time where he felt like he wasn't good enough, and his partner wasn't there for him. A lot of relationships end due to misunderstanding, and Aleks sings that if he could go back he would try again, but even superheroes need a helping hand sometimes. All he needed was someone to support him while he was going through it, and he didn't have that. "Peter Parker" leans towards being a piano ballad, with Aleks singing so beautifully and showing off some techniques. I especially loved the moments where he'd do flawless vocal flips into falsetto, so smooth and effortless. This song builds and builds right up until the very end; it's a cathartic and soul-stirring experience. Five minutes Next, we have Aleks' big breakout single, "Five minutes" which features fellow Norwegian singer/songwriter Iselin (the voice in Alan Walker 's hit song "Faded"). "Five minutes" is about how you just want to escape all the noise and stress of the outside world. You're tired of listening to the news and going outside having to face all the scary people nowadays. All you want to do is just for at least five minutes, lay with your partner, turn on your favorite song by your favorite band, and hold each other with your eyes closed while you let the rest of the world fade away. Being with them is your safe place; they're able to keep you calm and give you peace - and that's all you need in times like these. "Five minutes" features stunning piano and orchestral strings, along with a cathartic production style. The rhythm and groove is romantic in nature, is reminded me a bit of "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran . Aleks and Iselin have such a beautiful creative chemistry, and the way they so naturally blend their voices together in harmony just feels so right. Please come home There's nothing worse than fighting with someone you love with; especially when you know that you don't want to lose them, and it's all just one big miscommunication. "Please come home" is one of the brand new, never heard before songs for this album. It's about when you partner leaves after having a big fight, and you don't know if they're going to come back. All you know is you wish that they would, because you can't live without them. This song has a finger-strummed acoustic guitar, with gentle piano to accompany. Aleks backs himself up with layers of heartbreaking harmonies from low to high, giving the song a heavenly tone. As the track nears it's end, during the final refrain, the production breaks down into a magical, cinematic experience. Someone else "Someone else" is a pop ballad, filled with pure emotion and harmonic storytelling. This song is about being in love with someone who has you in the friendzone. You try so hard to make them see that you're the one who is right for them, while you're sitting there comforting them while they cry over another person who clearly isn't the one. It's such a frustrating situation to be in, because they can't see what they have right in front of them; but at the same time you can't force someone to love you. That brings in the question, why are you doing this to yourself? Should you just let this person go? "Someone else" puts piano chords at the forefront, paired with an addicting drum beat and heavy bass. This song is dynamically all over the place in the best way; you can feel the rollercoaster of emotions as you listen your way through the track. One of my favorite moments is the bridge, which feels like a bar chant while Aleks sings over and over again, "Am I just a fool to love somebody like you?". Sunset cigarette "Sunset cigarette" is a personal song about how the smell of cigarettes reminds Aleks of a person he used to know that hasn't been in his life for a long time, and the closest thing he has to remembering them still is that smell of a sunset cigarette. Aleks sings of how different things are now, but he wishes that he could've stayed in contact with this person somehow. The song starts with the first half focusing on a gentle electric guitar doing down strums. Then as the second half of the song begins, it unexpectedly bursts into this energetic electro-pop song filled with vibrating synths, heavier guitar and drums. The production style is reminiscent to Taylor Swift 's 1989 album for me. Hurt me "Hurt Me" brings on the nostalgic vibes, coming on strong as a full on 80's pop/rock banger. Aleks perfectly nails the shouty, heavily reverbed vocals paired with synths and the full band instrumentation. "Hurt Me" is about being in love with someone who knows it, but doesn't feel the same way. However, they lead you on anyways without caring it if hurts you or not. You come to realize this, and so you're ready to take on the punches and get the heartbreak over with. Although the topic isn't such a fun thing to go through, "Hurt Me" is such a fun and danceable song that makes you want to sing along. Let me tell you now, this one is going to be so good live. Five minutes - Acoustic Lastly, we end the album with an acoustic version of "Five minutes". We already know what the song is about, but this version bring a whole new atmosphere. It features just piano. You'll notice that the rhythm and groove is a little different, and the vocals are even more gentle. The harmonies are different as well at some points, especially in the chorus, they're so heavenly and emotional. You can tell Aleks and Iselin really took in the music and each other's spirit in this recording. The way it feels is so different from the original track to the point that it's almost like a completely different song and I think it was a genius choice as a final track on this album. I feel like Aleks Grey has me speechless on this one. Going into writing this final paragraph, the only thing I could think of at first was "wow". This album is so well-rounded and that is very hard to find in today's music. Everything was so solid; the songwriting, the vocals, the instrumentation, and the production. Not only that, but every single song sounded completely different from another while still sticking to a style you could define as Aleks Grey . Every song had a story that intrigued you and then it sticks with you afterwards; not only because the lyrics are fantastic, but because the music itself is crafted in a way to be compelling to your ears. Aleks uses his voice and his words to draw you in, and then he traps you with addicting melodies and grooves. Seriously, what a phenomenal songwriter and musician that deserves way more attention than he's getting. Please, enjoy this album over and over again and make sure to follow Aleks on his socials below to keep up on his journey. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW ALEKS: Instagram | Website | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Review: "KISS & TELL" - Mackenzie Maughan
KISS & TELL is an electrifyingly catchy track that just about all of us can relate to. Maughan calls out to all of the insufferable exes of the world that make the process of moving on seem a lot harder than it has to be. Singing from her own experience, Maughan’s lyrics are vulnerable and sincere, capturing the achiness of a recently broken heart. She perfectly describes the dilemma of wishing your ex the best while they try to flaunt their new relationships and make you jealous, singing, “You’re not even with me but you still hurt me.” In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about our former partners kissing and telling, but Maughan sings of the bitter reality many of us face. With impressive vocals and genuine lyrics, Maughan's music encapsulates our emotions, giving listeners an outlet to channel their feelings of frustration, heartache, and sorrow. KISS & TELL takes us on a wild journey, simulating the emotional roller coaster we ride post-breakup. The song starts fairly calm, with Maughan's somber voice reflecting on the pain of watching someone you love move on. As the chorus approaches, the instrumental grows alongside our anticipation and adrenaline, preparing us for a fiery punk-rock melody. The backing drums accompany the electric guitar and transform the song into an angsty pop anthem that makes you want to turn the volume up to the max! Even though breakups sting, we have Maughan's memorably energetic track to get stuck in our heads and help us forget those petty exes. Singer, songwriter, and cover artist Mackenzie Maughan is a Melbourne-based talent with a strong passion for music! Releasing KISS & TELL as her debut single, Maughan has already started to make a name for herself in the pop and pop-rock scene! Known for her emotive tracks, Maughan has demonstrated her range and depth as an artist by stepping away from her usual element and experimenting with a different sound! In doing so, she's created a masterpiece that fans from all over can relate to and enjoy, setting the tone for her growing popularity and success as a musician in the near future! Make sure to stay tuned for more lively content from Mackenzie Maughan! Follow the links down below! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW MACKENZIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube
- Review: "rose garden" - vera
"rose garden" is vera's new single, offering listeners a confessional look into a dwindling relationship. The speaker lends a poetic observational tone to the lyricism, and blends watchful moments with powerful symbolism. In a way, this song beautifies its somber subject, straying away from directness and allowing listeners to feel the impression of the message. With the lyrics "she'll probably laugh at your dumb jokes like I won't", there's a twinge of cynicism and jealousy, making it clear that there's someone else in the picture. With text messages "turning green" as another suspicious sign of being ignored or hidden from, the words will invest you in the plot and take you along the trail of doubt surrounding the relationship. Bold and picturesque lyrics like "all the flowers you sent me were already dead" bring forward the message that the relationship was doomed from the start, folding tragedy into the imagery of the words. In a poetic portrayal of love lost, "rose garden" will captivate you with its storytelling. The indie soft rock sound of "rose garden" compliments the story in its lyrics with a complex medley of deep instrumentals and floaty vocals. The song features slightly twangy electric guitar throughout, offering a supportive and comforting sound. Vera's high, breathy vocals solidify the observational tone of the song, with an ethereal style. There is a singing pattern through end of the verse where a high and airy tone is met by a lower vocal response. Acoustic guitar fold in at the second verse, which embraces the fragile feelings represented in the tune. The chorus descends with an increasingly down-to-earth sound and the last word echoes with speak-singing tone. Fans of sad and dreamy love songs will adore the way the vocals and instrumentals support the grace and poeticism in "rose garden" . vera is a Nashville-based Canadian artist with a strong pop-rock style. Her music has been supported by various platforms and curators, like the Zane Lowe Show and Show & Tell . She has upwards of 25, 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with her debut release amassing over one million streams. If you're a fan of the powerful lyricism and style of artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Lyn Lapid, vera's music will fit seamlessly into your emotion-heavy playlists. Making music has taken vera between New York City and Vancouver over the past few years. Check out the links below to enjoy her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW VERA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube


















