It's no secret that Taylor Swift is one of the best lyricists of our time, if not all time. She's able to be poetic and intelligent, while also staying highly emotional and relatable which is why she is loved by so many. It's also no secret that a topic she happens to write about that hits the hardest to many in her fanbase are the breakup songs. There's something about the way Taylor Swift can describe emotions that the average person couldn't possibly do. Taylor uses her words and her voice to speak for others and to say what others fail to say which is why so many people feel like her songs are about them. Taylor has plenty of sad break up songs, but the ones on this list are the ones I find to be the most devastating and gut-wrenching. Especially with her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor was able to add songs to her discography that may just be some of the saddest songs I've ever heard. And yes - don't worry - these are all Taylor's Version. If you're looking for the saddest Taylor Swift songs that are unrelated to break ups, read our Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs That Will Make You Cry article! 13. Forever & Always (Piano Version) There's something about the piano version of Taylor's song "Forever & Always" from the Fearless album that just hits different. The original version of the songs feels angry, while this version gives it more of what comes after the anger stage is over - the deep sadness, confusion, and grieving. The way Taylor sings softer and with more falsetto, even changing some of the rhythm in the melody at times to make it sound more like she's speaking adds to the emotion. You can hear her gasping for air as if she's about to cry while recording and it leaves a pain in your chest. I also love how she changes the bridge to be like how she would preform the song way back on the Fearless tour. 12. I Almost Do This is just my personal opinion, but I believe "I Almost Do" is one of Taylor Swift's most underrated songs. Some of the lyrics in this song really hurt, especially if you've ever experienced a relationship like this where you knew it wasn't good for you so you literally had to force yourself to stay away from them. Lyrics like, "I bet it never ever occurred to you, that I can't say hello to you and risk another goodbye" are the reason why this song made it on this list - along with the fact that it sounds like belongs in a romantic drama movie. 11. Say Don't Go Whenever 1989 (Taylor's Version) first came out, "Say Don't Go" instantly became my favorite vault track. My jaw was on the floor while reading the lyrics, hearing the hauntingly beautiful vocal harmonies and the iconic, Out of the Woods esque production. The dead silent pause after the bridge finishes when Taylor sings "why'd you have to make me love you? I said I love you.. you say nothing back" is enough to physically take anyone's breath away just out of absolute shock. It's so hard when you give somebody your all just for them to act like what you had meant nothing. 10. Better Man When Red (Taylor's Version) came out, everyone was so excited that we finally got to hear Taylor sing "Better Man", which didn't make it on the original version of the album and was given to Little Big Town by Taylor because she felt it was too good of a song not to share still (which she was right). Although Little Big Town did an amazing job making this song their own, Taylor brings a whole new level to the emotion and meaning behind this song in her own recording. There's nothing harder than trying to get over someone that could've been the one, if only they had cared or tried a little more. 9. Dear John There's a lot of anger and pain in the song "Dear John", and I think that's what makes it so sad. The imagery in this song is so vivid, you can put yourself in Taylor's shoes. It also hits even harder once you realize how young she was when she wrote this song. She way way too wise beyond her years at this point, but she didn't deserve what she had gone through. Although it's a really rough song to listen to, it's also very empowering at the same time as she doesn't hold back ripping this man a new one and exposing exactly who he is and what he had done to her. Now let's remember, this song is over a decade old and Taylor has reminded her fans that she is over things like this; these songs are now ours to use as our own. 8. How Did It End? Come one, come all, it's happening again. "How Did It End?" is one of the tracks on The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology and to me, is one of Taylor's most poetic songs to date. I mean, the bridge is literal poetry mastery between the words, rhymes and rhythms that make you feel like you're listening to a poem being read to you. "How Did It End?" is about how people don't know how to leave someone alone when they're going through a breakup. They want to get in your business and know all the details rather than giving you the space and privacy you need to heal. There are a lot of lyrics in this song that are tear jerking, like "and so a touch that was my birthright became foreign" and "guess who we ran into at the shops? walking in circles like she was lost. Didn't you hear, they called it all off. One gasp and then, how did it end?" - but probably the most painful moment is one many can agree on, at the end of the bridge when Taylor sings "my beloved ghost and me, sitting in a tree, D-Y-I-N-G". 7. The Black Dog On my first listen of The Tortured Poets Department, "The Black Dog" was the one song that made me burst in to tears by the time it was over. This song is so undeniably tragic and emotional. The pain behind Taylor's voice is the strongest I've ever heard out of any other song from her. The bridge is probably one of the most relatable bridges Taylor has ever written and is exactly how most people feel whenever they go through a devastating break up. The part that catches you the most, is the break in her voice at the very end of the song. If you've heard it before, you know exactly what I mean. 6. Champagne Problems Whenever the Evermore album came out, "Champagne Problems" collectively became a fan favorite song. The song is about being proposed to, but not being ready to take that next step; so you end up breaking their heart when you have to turn them down. This song also is one of Taylor's best bridges of all time which is why fans love it so much. It's builds with such intensity and emotion, and it's filled with words. Of course we can't forget the moment she sings "she would've made such a lovely bridge, what a shame she's fucked in the head, they said." We need more "I'm the problem" songs when it comes to relationships ending, and this is a great one. 5. loml You'd assume at first glance that "loml", off of The Tortured Poets Department would stand for "love of my life" - in fact, Taylor tries to trick us throughout the song that it is what it stand for up until the very last line when we find out it actually stands for "loss of my life". This stunningly heartbreaking piano ballad is no doubt one of the saddest songs I've ever heard in my life. It's about falling so deeply in love with someone who ended up not caring about you at all and they just left you to drown in your own tears. There's really no other way to explain it, you just have to listen. 4. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" is another one of those "Dear John" situations where the tone is more angry than it is sad, but the emotions are just so high and intense that listening to it makes you feel sad and heartbroken for anyone who has had to go through something like this (or if you have yourself). This song ends on one of the biggest bridges Taylor has ever written, both lyrically and dynamically. The lyrics that get me the most in this song are "You deserve prison but you won't get time" and "you are what you did, and I'll forget you but I'll never forgive the smallest man who ever lived". 3. So Long, London "So Long, London" is a song where every single line is just gut punch after gut punch after gut punch. Anyone that I've seen react to this song would say "oof" after every single line they heard. Even though Taylor doesn't like when people speculate who her songs are about, it's pretty clear who this one is about - and you can hear just how much this relationship had affected her by the end. She was past the point of giving up, and was holding on to something that would never be brought back to life. It's really hard leaving a long-term relationship even after you've lost feelings because you're just so used to having that person in your life and you don't want to feel like you've wasted years on something for nothing. 2. You're Losing Me I see "You're Losing Me" as the prequel to "So Long, London". It's when you're debating whether the relationship is worth still fighting for or not; you're not numb to it yet, and there is still some love left there. The song starts with a devastating sigh, and you know right then that this song is going to tear you apart. This song was released as a vault track from Midnights after the announcement of Taylor's 6 year relationship coming to an end. This was Taylors way of giving just a little bit of insight of what she had been going through. 1. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) This probably comes to no surprise, but not only is "All Too Well" one of Taylor Swift's best break up songs, but it's also one of her best songs ever of all time. Especially when we're talking about the 10 minute version, this song dives deep into this universe and story that is so descriptive and heartbreaking beyond words. If you're a swiftie and you've never cried while singing "and then you call me up again just to break me like a promise, so casually cruel in the name of being honest" then you'd be lying. What did you think of our list? What is your favorite break up song by Taylor Swift? Was there a sadder one you felt deserved to be on this list but it wasn't? Follow us on our socials below and let us know your thoughts! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Pop newcomer Jazzy Dale just released her latest single, “Show Me Off,” in collaboration with Dann Dib. The pop and R&B-influenced anthem feels reminiscent of artists like Raye, SZA, and Charli XCX. Here, Dale sings about how she wants to feel loved out loud in a relationship — to be shown off. She wants to be cherished, and she sings about how much she loves her partner for doing so. The track was inspired by Dale's relationship at the time with a partner that did not put enough effort in. While she felt loved, she did not feel valued in the way that she wanted. In this track, she explores another reality in which she is properly adored in a relationship, complemented with Dib's perspective on being the one who cherishes her. On “Show Me Off,” Dale and Dib express their desire and appreciation for being cherished in a romantic relationship. Dale expresses this sentiment with lines like, “Like A-List movies / Waiting to watch me like everyday” and “Ooo when you show me off / That’s all I want / Yeah, I like what you’re doing.” Dib adds to the track with a verse in response to Dale’s lyrics, as he talks about loving to show her off. Together, they form a narrative about two people that are in a relationship built on both love and adoration. The track becomes an uplifting anthem for anyone to sing along with and know that they are worth being loved so loudly and passionately. Australian alternative R&B singer Jazzy Dale put her first track, "Sneakin'," out in 2020. Since then, she has put out four more singles and accumulated over 2,600 monthly listeners on Spotify. She pens authentic lyricism about toxic relationships and heartbreaks. Dann Dib is a London-based hip hop artist who began releasing music in 2019. He now has reached over 81,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. If you enjoyed "Show Me Off," make sure to check out the rest of their discographies. You can also keep up with all the latest information on Jazzy Dale and Dann Dib by following the social media links below. Written By Sydney Gray FOLLOW JAZZY DALE: Instagram | Spotify FOLLOW DANN DIB: Instagram | Spotify

President Street's latest single, "Love Me (Like I Want)" is an incredibly catchy pop tune that playfully reflects the stresses of modern dating in the age of social media and hookup culture. It seems like dates are becoming less and less meaningful as apps like Tinder have become the norm. This casual culture can get exhausting for those looking for something more serious. "Love Me" expands on that thought with passionate lyrics set to a nostalgic pop tune reminiscent of something straight out of the 90s or early 2000s. This track is deceptively clever, as it both pokes fun at the modern dating scene and takes us back to a simpler time. Listen to "Love Me (Like I Want)" on Spotify!! From a musical perspective, this song brings the same energy as artists like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Dream. The vocals are luscious and full of artistic runs and adlibs. Underneath lies iconic synthetic drums and classic pads and keys. The mixture of heavy reverb and delay on the track is unbelievably reminiscent of the CD era. Something I really like about this song though is the subtle modern elements. At the beginning of the song, we hear the sound of a smartphone notification. It's easy to miss, but it's so clever like an Easter egg. It truly shows the amount of detail that can go into a pop song that might otherwise seem simple on the surface. President Street is a Melbourne and Perth, Australia-based pop duo that specializes in writing infectiously catchy pop hits with meaningful lyrics. The duo's vocalist Ruby and instrumentalist, Pete combine their talents to create bright, unique works of art. Named after the street that Pete grew up on, President Street debuted on Spotify in 2015 with the release of their EP, "Involuntary Actions". Since then, they have found success not only in Australia, but in the UK pop music scene as well, having been featured on 130 radio stations and BBC The Beat. The duo boasts 3 chart-topping hits on the Official UK Music Week Charts and a very successful UK tour. It seems the group is on the up and up and for good reason. "Love Me (Like I Want)" is a great creative track available on all streaming services and I highly recommend you check it out! Written By Shelbi Baker FOLLOW PRESIDENT STREET: Instagram | Spotify | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

Jotti's latest single "Like You're Mine" is a poignant exploration of lost love and the longing for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person haunted by memories of a past relationship, seeing reminders of their former love everywhere they go. The song delves into the complex emotions that arise when reminiscing about shared moments under starry skies and the subsequent struggle to numb the pain of separation. Jotti's lyrical prowess shines through as he captures the universal experience of wanting to relive a passionate connection, even if only for a fleeting moment. The recurring plea to "love you like you're mine" resonates with anyone who has ever yearned for a second chance or struggled to let go of a meaningful relationship. This relatability is further enhanced by the contrast between genuine emotions and the superficiality of online interactions, highlighting the deep-seated desire for authentic connection in an increasingly digital world. The musical composition of "Like You're Mine" perfectly complements its emotional narrative. Jotti's soulful and emotive vocals carry the weight of the lyrics, conveying a sense of vulnerability and raw honesty. The song's instrumentation creates a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere that transports the listener to those late nights under the stars mentioned in the lyrics. With a blend of pop, indie, and R&B influences, the track features a melody that is both catchy and introspective. The production showcases a delicate balance between acoustic elements and modern electronic textures, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and fresh. This musical arrangement evokes a bittersweet mood, mirroring the complex emotions explored in the lyrics. As the song progresses, it builds to a crescendo that mirrors the intensity of the emotions being expressed, leaving the listener with a profound sense of longing and reflection. Jotti, whose real name is Jot Singh, is a rising star in the independent music scene. Born on October 8, 1999, in Kansas to Indian immigrant parents, Jotti's musical journey began in 2017 when he started posting covers on YouTube under his birth name. His soulful renditions of songs by artists like John Mayer, Alicia Keys, and Jimi Hendrix quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views. In 2020, Jotti released his debut EP "Blue Dreams," which featured collaborations with renowned musicians like John Mayer's bassist, Sean Hurley. This project marked Jotti's transition from cover artist to original songwriter, showcasing his ability to craft authentic and emotionally resonant music. Now based in Los Angeles, Jotti has been making waves in the local music scene, performing live sessions and shows in Hollywood that have earned him a dedicated following. His unique blend of pop, indie, and R&B influences sets him apart as an artist to watch in the coming years. To experience the emotional depth and musical craftsmanship of "Like You're Mine," head over to Spotify in the link below and give it a listen, you can also listen to it in the official audio video above. If you would like to continue following Jotti's musical journey, stay up to date on his latest releases, and upcoming tour dates, you can follow him on all of his social media platforms using the links down below. Let Jotti's soulful voice and poignant lyrics take you on a journey through the complexities of love and longing. Until Next Time Guys! Written By CJ Taylor FOLLOW JOTTI: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | Facebook  | YouTube

In AEONA’s second single “Precious Work of Art”, she quite literally paints a picture of what it means to reflect on your life to realize that living is like creating a piece of artwork. No matter our experiences, we are a culmination of journeys and paint strokes– in the end, it is up to us to decide whether or not those colors are stains or if they are works of art. Through lovely painting metaphors and gentle vocals, this track will make you want to lay in the sun and think about all the events in your life that have made you– well, you. AEONA’s honest storytelling makes for a song that everyone can relate to and feel for. Even more, it encourages its listeners to look inward to see that they are works of art, splatters and all. When I think of paintings and introspection, my mind immediately goes to Bob Ross’ classic line: “There are no mistakes. Just happy accidents”. “Precious Work of Art” echoes that sentiment– and then some! Its soft yet energetic instrumentals build in passion as the track continues on, and all the while AEONA’s vocals wrap the entire soundscape together. The song itself feels like creating a painting, each instrument adding a small yet crucial part of the artwork; the vocals are like the final glaze, bringing forth the lyrics’ emotion and meaning. Together, they create quite a beautiful work of art. The songwriting is especially poignant. I really love how the track acknowledges the unfortunate moments in our lives as things that help create who we are, but do not ultimately define us. While the entire song has such poetic lyrics, informed by the art of painting, I particularly like how it ends with AEONA singing, “Hang me up for them to see / Hang me up for them to see”. The idea of our inner and outer selves being astounding works of art, perfect enough to hang on a wall, is such a stunning picture to imagine. “Precious Work of Art” is, at its core, a song to uplift the spirit, and I think it does that tenfold with its soundscape and message. Singaporean singer-songwriter AEONA is a quirky green-enthusiast who wears her multifaceted personality with a smile. She previously worked in an urban farm, where she gained the nickname “Plant Girl” after singing parodies to plants. Like with those plants, she seeks to nurture an environment with her music that is best suited for growing, understanding, and love. Embracing her vulnerability, AEONA isn’t afraid to make a stand against mental health stigmas and uses her art to represent the struggles of living in such a divided world. She wrote her first song at 19, basing it on her own mental health struggles, and realized that she had a talent for writing honest and heartstring-tugging lyrics that capture what it meant to grow up. Her debut single was released in 2023, entitled “Puppy Love”. “Precious Work of Art” is her latest release, and has also won championship and best lyrics in The Dream Composition 2024. But AEONA isn’t done there, so if you enjoyed the encouraging sounds of her music, drop her a follow to keep track of her next projects! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW AEONA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

“People Pleaser” delves into an innate desire to be no longer held down by your people pleasing nature. As each day passes, you feel less and less like yourself. There are few moments where you’re not solving everyone’s problems. Each text you receive and conflict you avoid weighs you down and cements your mindset. Finally, the constant mistreatment from others becomes too much for you. Not too long ago, you tolerated being walked all over. There wasn’t much room for your own feelings to be heard and present. You now desire a life where there aren’t countless requests and involuntary therapy sessions from everybody around you. Although you convinced yourself that you needed to be there for everyone at any moment, you cannot handle the never-ending exhaustion. You fully acknowledge your own autonomy and realize how long you allowed this mistreatment to go on for. Click here to listen to "People Pleaser"! “People Pleaser” is an adult contemporary and dance pop anthem that balances powerful vocals with seamless atmospheric production. The most standout aspect of this single is the impressive vocal display showcased by Rachel Newnham. During the verses, the focus is on the vocality while the instrumentation is present yet subdued. The chorus alters this and the instrumental gradually transitions into the foreground. These elements bounce off each other and make each element seem as though they are blending when necessary rather than being in competition. The bridge for this single standouts due to how much the instrumentation changes. Each note consistently drops with each vocal line being sung. This is a welcome alteration that highlights the standout instrumentation. Rachel Newnham is a singer-songwriter currently based in London, UK. Newnham has been fascinated with music from a young age, seeing influences such as her father who was a guitarist in a band. She regularly participated in musical activities during school such as being in musicals and chorus. She did not officially begin her music career until she moved to London and began creating and working with a music producer. In 2022, she was one of the premiere talents on BBC1 show I Can See Your Voice’s second season. She gained a lot of notoriety from this appearance, gaining over 15 million views on tiktok and a considerable social media following. She takes inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, and Maisie Peters. Make sure to follow her on social media and give “People Pleaser” a listen! Written By Willow Gray FOLLOW RACHEL NEWNHAM: Instagram | Spotify

A harmful love can result in feelings of betrayal and despair. Most of the time, however, many individuals who experience such a detrimental love somehow inevitably find their way back to this person. Mostly, purposefully, as we are unable to fully detach ourselves from the tangled mess of that relationship– seeking that person’s attention and love no matter how many times it would leave us broken or leave our hearts feeling conflicted. No matter how confused the fights may leave us, we cherish the moments when we finally forgive one another. Although the cycle is relentless, and it’s practically a walking nightmare– we can’t help ourselves from dreaming the same dream. “Midnight Indigo” by Roisin O’Hagan depicts a similar situation in the form of a heartfelt melody. As the lyrics describe “I hate the fight but I love making up” and “You’re a nightmare and I can’t stop dreaming”, it perfumes us with versatile sentiments, describing perfectly what we feel in situations where we simply can’t seem to let go of the person that is causing such toxicity. The song percolates a rather captivating sound. A sound that almost contradicts its expressive lyrics with a lively and buoyant sounding tone. The exquisite electric guitar rifts pulling at the hearts of its listeners, unable to stop themselves but rocking to the enchanting sound. However, the innate mellifluous voice of our talented singer, Roisin, has the innate talent to sing such sincere lyrics with vehement emotion, giving listeners the true essence of a song that tells a story of true and raw sentiments. As the chorus plays, we can’t help but sing along, her melodious voice omnipresent as it channels and inflicts recollection that relates to the emotion that the influential lyrics set. This song gives off a particular vibe, and despite the lyrics being sure to bring back heartbreaking emotions, listeners are still able to play this song in a setting that is quite the opposite, a lighter setting. As I listened to this song, I found myself nodding my head to the beat, completely unaware of the lyrics, allowing myself to listen to the song with an open mind. That was until Roisin’s beautiful voice opened up, and began to skillfully depict a scenario in the form of an addicting tune. Roisin O’Hagan, the talented artist behind the song “Midnight Indigo” is a singer and songwriter from the United Kingdom. Roisin mostly resonates with genres like indie, pop, rock pop, and soft rock, her delicate yet powerful lyrics pairing up nicely with such genres. Roisin had recently changed her direction with music, spending about a year or so writing and recording new music and new sounds– finding out what had resonated best with her singing heart. “Midnight Indigio” was released on June 18 of this year, only just a few days ago! Roisin had been frequently updating her followers and supporters on social media about the new music that she would be putting out, and it clearly indicates just how serious and enthusiastic Roisin is to be sharing new music. Roisin frequently uploads videos of herself singing, and harmonizing with her guitar, which shows just how passionate she is about singing. As Roisin continues to put out new music for her listeners, finding her new sound, please continue to support her! I can’t wait to hear more of her music and see more meaningful lyrics she will be putting out in the near future. Written By Rosalyn Sanchez FOLLOW ROISIN O'HAGAN: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator

“Just One Look” is your quintessential meet-cute song. Shed’s new track talks about meeting a girl at first sight and quickly falling in love. Honestly, it sounds like a story that would make a great plot for a romcom. It’s a super fun, upbeat pop summer song that will definitely get stuck in your head. In “Just One Look,” Shed incorporates lyrics that showcase someone who is clearly smitten, but more than that, his lyrics show intentionality and attention to detail that would allow the listener to feel even more connected to the song. “I feel my knees get a little bit shaky // Seeing you walking my way // You sat down at a table, right by me // As Sinatra started to play // You turned your head and looked out the window // Sippin’ on a pumpkin spice,” accurately depict that ever-familiar feeling of liking someone and noticing even the most subtle of details. Shed’s “Just One Look” is the kind of song you want to listen to as you're driving down the street with the windows rolled down. With its catchy guitar melody and infectious drum beat, the artist’s latest single is the perfect summer vibe. Shed’s vocals also perfectly match the song’s upbeat feel. Midway through the chorus, Shed taps into his higher register, showcasing his vocal range, while also taking listeners on both a sonic and lyrical journey. His ability to effortlessly switch into his higher register reminds me a bit of Shawn Mendes, who is also known for switching between his head and chest voice. Paired with the song’s catchy lyrics, fun melodies, and killer vocals, “Just One Look” has all the ingredients of a pop hit. Grant Shed is definitely a new artist to watch. The singer-songwriter grew up in a musical family and has been performing and making music since he was two-years-old. Shed is also an accomplished instrumentalist, playing the guitar, drums, and piano. His ability to master multiple instruments has allowed him to take control in the studio as the sole vocalist and instrumentalist on his records. His debut single “Fall In Love,” was released in 2022, and since then his songs have continued to draw listeners in for more. While his career is only just beginning, it’s clear that Shed is an artist that we’ll be hearing from for years to come. “Just One Look” is now available on all music streaming platforms. Written By Giselle Morales FOLLOW GRANT SHED: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Meg Chandler is here with the second single, “This House” off her debut EP! In this track, Meg paints this vulnerable, intimate picture of a difficult period of her and her family’s life, filled with trauma and turmoil. Through this difficult time however, they were renovating their house, which is how the title was born. Her family was being built from foundation back up, just like her house was. Meg uses metaphors such as “the windows are leaking/there’s holes in the ceiling/this house can’t take anymore hits” vividly describe her personal life. In the chorus, she questions her future of her family and her house, asking “if I died tomorrow/would this house hold itself up?” She remembers all the times she treasured, reminiscing on the days her family used to play in the flowerbeds. But now, “the rooms have all been emptied” and “the walls have all been painted red.” Despite the trauma that plagues her, her family, and her house, there’s this feeling of growing strength throughout the song, proving that a family can be rebuilt again. “This House” is a luscious, moody folk pop track. The track, inspired by the aftermath of her father’s track, has emotions oozing throughout the production and her vocals. The song is introduced with sweeping synths that shrink and grow through the course of the song, while a plucked acoustic guitar line takes center stage sonically once Meg starts singing. In the chorus, a drum beat is introduced, but the track still retains its grounded feeling and chill vibe. The interlude after the second chorus features this twinkly piano piano line accompanied by Meg’s echoes. After this, the production is boiled down to just a piano and her vocals before swooping in for the last grand chorus. Being able to condense such deep trauma into a song that is only 3 minutes and 30 seconds long is a difficult feat, but Meg and her producers did it with such grace and brilliance. Meg Chandler is a 23 year old singer-songwriter from the dreamy countryside of Shropshire. She grew up surrounded by music, with her music-enthusiast parents always playing their favorite records. Her music is inspired by the tunes she grew up with, taking influence from indie and folk music with a hint of pop. Her music is reminiscent of artists such as Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers, with vulnerable lyrics and tender vocals. Meg made her debut in 2022 with her single, “Woodland”, and has since garnered support from BBC Shropshire, BBC Hereford + Worcester, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6, which has gained her notoriety across the UK. Additionally, she just wrapped up a tour around England. Although Meg is early on in her career, she has already proved herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Written By Lauren DiGiovanni FOLLOW MEG CHANDLER: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

When deciding what kind of theme an artist wishes to base their song around, it takes a lot of tough consideration. That being said, I greatly respect artists who write about incredibly raw, emotional, and impactful life experiences that they may not wish to relive. Scharliina recently released her new single, “Beauty and the Beast”, and it’s incredibly emotional. The song is about her experience with domestic violence, and it’s probably one of the most emotional and dark songs I’ve reviewed so far. The lyrics were both beautifully, yet carefully, written. I can imagine how difficult it must have been for Scharliina to not only write this song, but to then release it out into the world. But she did so to try and help others who are also struggling with the same situation. This song is hauntingly beautiful, and the production only brings it from a 10 to an 11. Scharliina not only wrote this song, but she produced it herself too. Yes, her voice is incredible. However, I want to focus my attention on the production she worked so hard to perfect. And perfect it, she did. You may have caught onto the silent cries carefully placed in the background toward the end of the song. It was painful to listen to, but I can only imagine how painful it was to record. I think Scharliina is a genius for making this move, and it only leaves me with a deeper respect for her and her art. Scharliina is a 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from Finland. She began releasing music in 2021, with her debut single, “Running.” Since then, she has gone on to release a handful of other singles, many dealing with difficult topics surrounding trauma. Scharliina is also an actress and model! Fans may recognize her from her most recent role in The Abyss. And to only add to her list of accomplishments, Scharliina is also the founder of a non-profit called the “Little Girl Project”. It’s an organization that aims to tackle the issue of child sexual abuse, and is only one more thing that fills me with deep respect for her and her music. “Beauty and the Beast” is a song that I’ll be reflecting on for a while. If you or someone you love is suffering from domestic violence, you can call the national hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233). Written By Isabel Mays FOLLOW SCHARLIINA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Deep Cut by AVEY brings us the familiar feel of indie and rock all in one. While AVEY brings us upbeat music, we also gain the understanding and acceptance of deep emotions. We first experience these emotions right off the bat when the artist says "Baby's got a deep cut / Make it dance for you / Baby stop keep up / Before it consumes you." We can gather that the artist is referring to the feelings at hand that are taking over their mind and thought process. There's an understanding that the artist is grappling with their thoughts in order to process their intense feelings of grief. Towards the end of the song, the artist says "Screwing my mind straight / Swallowing my mistakes / Been doing my head in / I'm over it / I'm over it." This line ties the song together, making it clear that there is a need to process, and move on. When you start the song, you're met with upbeat music from the drums, electric guitar, and even the keyboard, which makes the beat sound similar to that of The 1975 or Panic! At The Disco. The mood of the song seems much happier than the topic at hand. While the artist is dealing with heavy emotions, they present them to us using a rather cheery beat. The artist's voice does a fantastic job of tying all of the pieces together with the right pitch. Altogether, the song conveys both grief and how to push through, while also keeping us on our toes and ready to dance. Before starting her own solo career, Avery O'Brien had great success with her band Harlequin Gold. Once she decided to go solo, she began working on her indie alt project AVEY. End Game is the first single from her five song EP, that was released back in 2022 which helped spark listeners' love for her music. AVEY draws inspiration from artists like Bon Iver, Holly Humberstone, and The 1975. When asked about Deep Cut, AVEY said "Deep Cut was written shortly after my father-in-law passed away. It's about wrestling through the stages of grief like its a person and the battle you fight to pick yourself back up again." AVEY is sure to bring a fresh twist on indie rock, something that'll knock your socks off. Written By Destiny Rundquist FOLLOW AVEY: Instagram | Spotify |

Break-out Los Angeles singer/songwriter Gracie Abrams has released her second full-length album, "The Secret of Us". Mostly co-written and produced with Aaron Dessner, "The Secret of Us" features 13 tracks along with songs like the hit single "Risk" and "us." which features Gracie's friend and long time inspiration, Taylor Swift. TRACKLIST Felt Good About You Risk Blowing Smoke I Love You, I'm Sorry us. (feat. Taylor Swift) Let It Happen Tough Love I Knew It, I Know You Gave You I Gave You I Normal Thing Good Luck Charlie Free Now Close To You Gracie started releasing music in 2019 and took pop music fans by storm when her song "i miss you, i'm sorry" went viral. Gracie since then released 2 EP's, her debut album in 2023 titled "Good Riddance", and now "The Secret of Us". She went on tour as an opener for Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour last year and was nominated at The Grammys for Best New Artist. Gracie is known for her introverted personality and soft, raw voice. Her style blends tones of pop, indie folk and alt. rock to create a sound that many music lovers can get into. She's an incredible lyricist as well, and often gets compared to Taylor Swift in whom she also collaborated with on this album for track 5, "us.". Let's dive in! Felt Good About You Opening up the album, we have the song "Felt Good About You". It's about that moment when you realize you're better off without someone; and you're still a little disappointed that it didn't work out because there was a time where being with them did feel good. There's a stunning guitar riff in this song with an effect that almost makes it sound like it's being recorded underwater. It's a dazing, hazy soundscape that is beautiful but messes with your mind a little bit - kind of like the relationship Gracie is singing about here. Tambourine helps pick up the energy and gives the song more of Gracie's classic folk vibes that we know and love. Risk "Risk" acts as the leading single, released just a little less than two months before the album. It was the first song written when the writing for this album began. Starting off with a catchy, ornamented acoustic guitar progression, "Risk" becomes an instant banger. The song is about catching feelings for someone that you don't even really know yet; but you're so invested that you'd risk anything just to be with them. The song picks up the energy as it goes on and has a stomping beat. The groove, vocals and melody give this sense of anxiety, and Gracie does a really great job and emanating that "oh my god I don't know what to do with my feelings right now" type of situation. There are these moments where she shouts that take the mood to a whole new level. This song comes with a music video, which I was really surprised with. We see Gracie come out of her shell here, a lot more than we've ever seen before. Blowing Smoke When you hear someone use the saying, "they're just blowing smoke", that usually means that someone is wrongfully praising someone in order to get their approval. In Gracie's song, she's singing of a guy who just carelessly takes advantage of girls; explaining that those new girls may tell him what he wants to hear, but she's been there and now can see right through him. She calls him out on all his wrongful doings with lyrics that make you say "ouch" - but hey, he clearly deserves it. "Blowing Smoke" has a pulsing rhythm with acoustic guitar. The gentle, ringing keys that stay consistent throughout the song make the track stand out. I Love You, I'm Sorry The title of "I Love You, I'm Sorry" seems to be an ode to Gracie's breakout track from 2020, "i miss you, i'm sorry" which is still Gracie's most streamed song of all time. Fans are calling "I Love You, I'm Sorry" the sequel to "i miss you, i'm sorry", which Gracie has confirmed in an interview with ETalk. This song in particular, you can hear a lot of Taylor Swift influence in the way Gracie structured her melody and in the shouty background vocals. The lyrics here are really deep and honest, and are about admitting that sometimes she can be the problem too. us. (feat. Taylor Swift) Track 5 is considered the epicenter of this album. I guess you could consider it the "title track", as Gracie has said that this is the song that sums up what the album means to her. "us." features Gracie's long-time idol and inspiration, Taylor Swift whom she opened for on Taylor's infamous Eras Tour. Gracie sat with Taylor in her New York City apartment in the early morning hours after a night of cosmos and wine, writing this song together at a piano, using their master lyricism skills to create this masterpiece of a song. Yes, this is the instance where they accidentally caught Taylor's kitchen on fire, if you've heard the news! "us." is a heavy, emotional, cenematic experience that is hard to explain. It's just something you need to hear to understand. Between the layering of the vocals, the poetic nature of the words, and the colorful, ethereal instrumentation, "us." has earned it's place as the theme song for "The Secret of Us". I almost feel like it could've been the closing track. Let It Happen "Let It Happen" seems to be about knowing someone probably isn't good for you, but you end up falling for them anyway. You find yourself changing things about yourself just to impress them, even though you know better. This song has Aaron Dessner writing all over it, with his signature guitar riffs and piano. The song slowly builds dynamically as the tension and emotions build as well. Gracie's lyrics stand at the forefront on this one, giving it a very folklore / evermore type of vibe. The chorus has an infectious melody so beware, because it will get stuck in your head. Tough Love Out of nowhere, "Tough Love" brings in some shock factor when it instantly starts with a speedy, electronic beat. It didn't take long for this to become one of my favorites. Gracie starts singing a quick, anxiety inducing 2 note melody and it's an experience that makes you want to both dance and cry. The lyrics are brutally honest, and Gracie is not holding back on anything she's feeling; and let's just say, this song has a BRIDGE with water rushing rapidly underneath. I Knew It, I Know You "I Knew It, I Know You" is filled with raw harmonies and acoustic guitar. As far as I know, this song is unrelated to "i miss you, i'm sorry" and 'I Love You, I'm Sorry", but it's title and wording makes me feel like it might be; especially when she sings the lyrics "I can't pretend that I'm sorry when I'm not sorry". It feels like way later on in the future, but this relationship still haunts and impacts her greatly. After the highly intense bridge, we get a tempo change that gives you a whole new listening experience but really adds to the emotion and depth of this song. Gave You I Gave You I "Gave You I Gave You I" is about when you give your all to someone just for them to treat you like you mean nothing to them. I'd say it's probably the most experimental song on this album when it comes to production and style. There's a consistent, dark tone that is occupied by synths but there's still moments of folk guitar. It manages to sound minimalistic, yet busy at the same time - like the cluster of anger and feelings Gracie sings about here. The lyrics are the star of show in this one, so be prepared to feel like you got stabbed in the heart. Normal Thing "Normal Thing" is a gorgeous, gentle song that features Gracie's classic, whispery vocals and stunning piano with strings. The song seems to be about literally falling in love with a movie star who doesn't even know who you are; or, figuratively speaking, comparing being in love with someone to being in love with a movie star; aka, they always look good in dark lighting, they'll make you cry by the end of the show, and you know that you'll see their face again even if you don't want to. Good Luck Charlie I know what you're thinking; is this song about the Disney show? I hate to burst your bubble, but it is not - and that has been confirmed by Gracie. However, the song "Good Luck Charlie" is a stunning, slow and emotional song about an ex of Gracie's best friend, Audrey. This song has a classic, almost vintage feel to it. This song is a message to all those men out there who are too afraid to stand up and do what they need to do in order to get back the love they lost. If you truly love someone, you'll do anything for them! So get out there, and prove yourself. Free Now The final track (other than the bonus track) is "Free Now", a song that takes a step towards a sound we've yet to hear on this album. It's very raw in it's instrumentation, very classic. It starts out slow, almost like you're sitting in a jazz club. Then it builds, and you realize that it's a rock song; and like most Gracie songs, it has lyrics that bite. However, after witnessing the heart break, you realize things are finally okay when Gracie expresses that "all I feel is free now". Everything she felt in the past has now been laid to rest, and we can thank Gracie for using music as her outlet for that because now we this amazing album. Close To You "Close To You" is considered a bonus track, but was released as a secondary single before the album release. It's the only song on the album where Aaron Dessner doesn't have any credits, but that's because it's a song Gracie originally had written when she was only 16. In fact, it was co-written with New Zealand producer, songwriter and musician Sam de Jong. It's topic seems closely related to "Risk", where you're catching feeling for someone that doesn't even know you but they ignite this deep desire in your heart and all you want to do is be near them. The soundscape of this song is absolute pop perfection and will no doubt get stuck in your head with it's extremely catchy, repetitive hook. The silly, laid back music video below features Gracie with her very best friend, roommate and collaborator, Audrey Hobert who you will see in the writing credits and hear in the background vocals throughout a big handful of songs on this album! Audrey also directed the "Risk" music video, her impressive directorial debut. Let's face it guys, Gracie Abrams is no longer our hidden gem. The secret is out and Gracie is finally getting the exposure and attention she has always deserved. Specifically with "The Secret of Us", Gracie is experimenting with different styles and sounds that you wouldn't expect from her, but keeping her folk pop roots in hand. Her lyricism is maturing and becoming even stronger. She has found her musical soulmates with Aaron Dessner and Audrey Hobert; it's so clear that they were meant to work together and I couldn't see it being any other way. "The Secret of Us" is on it's way to being one of the best albums to be released this year, and Gracie deserves it! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.