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Imani Graham's latest song "Need You Too Much" is the ultimate anxious-avoidant attachment anthem with endless replay value. "Need You Too Much" combines an addictive melody with vulnerable, honest lyrics to create one unforgettable and deeply relatable listening experience. The song tells a story that many of us with big emotions are all too familiar with: falling in love and self sabotaging from fear before things can fully pan out. "Need You Too Much" is a song that revolves around love, but shouldn't be mistaken for a love song. The song unveils all the feelings of someone with an anxious-avoidant attachment style as they navigate through love. The hypervigilance, overthinking, and preemptive apologies can be felt through the lyrics, and it all stems from the hidden fear of needing someone too much. Graham pours her heart out into the lyrics and creates a space for listeners to do the same. During the bridge, the lyrics encapsulate the song's entire vibe and meaning with ease. The lyrics, "I made a mess of a good thing / Finding problems where there are none / That's the problem when your heart breaks / It's never the same as it once was" and "I'm at the end of the runway / But I'm not sure I'm taking off / Crash and burn into nothing / Cause I'm scared that I need you too much" hits deeply at the soul, whether you personally relate or not. Graham's incredible and deep lyricism created an undeniably moving song that directly shows how powerful music can be. With the days getting hotter, "Need You Too Much" can be the perfect addition to your summer playlist this year. All of Graham's songs have this confessional vibe that makes you feel deeply aware and alive, and "Need You Too Much" is no exception. Its indie-pop sound is catchy and upbeat, a gentle contrast to the vulnerable, somewhat somber lyrics. That contrast is what makes the song so unique and unforgettable after listening to it. There is a clear sense of yearning through the steady beats and rhythmic, lively guitar strums that plays off the feelings of love. But then there an underlying moodiness that captures the deep-rooted anxiety and attachment fears. "Need You Too Much" is a flexible song that can match whatever mood your are in at the moment. It could be played late at night in the privacy of your own bedroom as you reflect or journal and tap into buried emotions. I could also imagine the song playing over the radio on a drive with windows down and the sun high in the sky as you crash out to the music. Wherever you listen to it, "Need You Too Much" is sure to remain in your head as a favorite, just as it has been for me. Imani Graham is a 25 year old singer-songwriter from New Jersey. Graham is a rising independent artist and producer who puts her feelings and experiences into her indie-pop songs to share with the world. With deeply personal and honest lyrics, her songs can serve as the soundtrack to many life experiences, from love and relationships to growing up. Graham's distinct music and artistry has gained her recognition and a devoted fanbase. One of her previous songs, "Used to Make Sense," was featured on the Netflix reality TV series Calabasas Confidential. Graham also opened for singer Nep for several dates in March during her tour. Imani Graham is a rising star in the industry and an indie-pop sensation, so be sure to follow her below to stay updated with her future projects and releases! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW IMANI GRAHAM: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Leaving the comfort zone can feel like a storm, but in Lihi’s latest single “Us,” it’s one more changing season. That fading love waivers like a dying fire. Lihi sees the dark enveloping the room, and it turns into a choice between stacking more wood to the flames or buttoning up a cardigan for the cold. Lihi’s lyricism is bittersweet, with a childlike wonder and observance of the world. “I used to think all the pieces would match/ And glue them together as if they would last,” she sings. The end hurts, but Band-aids are tossed and scars fade as people grow. Lihi sings with a soft-spoken voice. The fear of suggesting an end to the relationship slips through the shyness. The electric guitar strumming moves slowly, as slowly as time goes, waiting for the next message. It rings like the misty, sprinkling rain, anticipating the clap of thunder. Lightning strikes in the chorus. The guitar breaks into a distorted roar and the kick slams through the speakers. Folk-roots and strings soothe the inevitable storm like an olive branch. Despite the dreary chords and dreaded situation, Lihi lets the melody float to the crack in the clouds, where sunlight slips through to reach your skin. “Us” surely leaves you drenched in emotions, but with a small certainty of peace to feel refreshed. The Liverpool-based singer-songwriter, Lihi, creates pop music with a blend of soft rock and folk textures. She started in Bangkok, writing songs at age eleven. When she was thirteen, she released her first single. Through her father’s illness and attending international schools, Lihi developed a deep sense of empathy that bleeds into her vulnerable lyrics. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW LIHI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music | YouTube

Jennifer Jess delivers a confidence anthem in her latest single “Ultraviolet.” She leans into the romantic cliches—how time can heal, the hope of forever, and “two ships passing in the night.” But it’s what reminds us that so many people survive heartbreak. It’s what makes the exciting movies that travel through the let-downs and onward to the single protagonist with their arm out the window. Knowing oneself leads to the rom-coms that introduce the one, with all the love letters, fresh bouquets, pottery dates, and dance scenes under the disco ball. Jess opens the door to fantasy, asking us to get lost with her. Jess’s cinematic soundtrack-worthy single floats with synth pads that twinkle and shimmer. Hints of the glockenspiel intertwines into the magic, as if pulling listeners to look into a crystal ball. The future’s uncertain, but Jess assures that a happy ending will follow. The thumping bass sets the familiar rhythm of chasing pavements or sitting in the passenger seat, watching the street lights pass the window every block. Snares break in, smashing through the veil that splits reality and the space where dreams are found. Jess’s single is a slow-burn. It eases into the energy like the sunset that sinks into the horizon, allowing the neon signs in the shop windows to take the spotlight. The pop singer-songwriter, Jennifer Jess, is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her pursuit of and passion for music began when she was a child. This longing led her to major in vocal performance in college. Jess released her debut single “Blue” in 2019, leaning into the theme of heartbreak filtered through a catchy melody. She streams more music like this on Twitch TV. Check out the links below to keep up with Jennifer Jess. Written By Taylor Sheridan Lempke FOLLOW JENNIFER JESS: Instagram | Spotify | X (Twitter) | Facebook | YouTube

Andie Yagher's "wild" shows how the right romance can be liberating. It details a love free from judgement, whether its foregoing the makeup or dancing with "two left feet". Poetic lyrics draw comparisons between the speaker's love interest and the weather, with words like "You capture June with that good-time walkin' sunshine style" leaving a lasting impression of positivity in a way that evokes nature's beauty. Further enveloping listeners in the all-consuming emotions of a growing relationship, the speaker explains: "this life is more alive." This track is a testament to the free, invigorating, and unbridled spirit of falling in love. Fans of Maisie Peters will love this storytelling blend of airy, intimate vocals and uplifting instrumentals. Vocalizing and bright electronic instrumentals invigorate this track with an immersive dreamy electropop feeling. At the same time, fast-paced pulsing keyboard chords build a gentle energy of anticipation to "wild". High, breathy, and melodic vocals are confessional, immersive, and will make you want to dance along in their hazy lovestruck voicing. With gentle percussion and layers of singing and chords, the sound of this song is enchantingly expressive and resonant. Andie Yagher is a contemporary pop artist whose music blends folk and country elements. As a Los Angeles native, her singing, songwriting, and entertainment talents blossomed from a young age. With formative experiences at Hollywood's National Young Playwrights Festival, studies at Sarah Lawrence College in film and theatre, and more recently an abroad study at the British American Dramatic Academy, her deeply poetic style is informed by a combination of artistic education and authentic experience. This year marks her debut EP, Pickup Game. Check out the links below to keep up to date with her music. Written By Hanna Kowal FOLLOW ANDIE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok

As much as we may wish otherwise, life is truly unpredictable. There is no map or set guidelines left out for us to follow, so we have no choice but to pave our own paths. That can be a terrifying and unavoidable adventure for everyone. In dee holt's latest single "figure it out," she focuses on finding the beauty in that experience. There is a lot of uncertainty when uncovering new paths and arcs of your life, but dee holt uses "figure it out" to dive deeper into her own desires and do some soul searching. The lyrics are both confessional and deeply relatable, and will definitely hit everyone in their vulnerable spots. However, even with the song's lyrics openly discussing uncertainty and some hidden anxiety, it feels empowering and comforting in its relatability. Lyrics such as, "Cause baby I'm a mess now / And I keep on stressing / Someone help me / Try to figure it out / How to turn it around around around," could serve as a mantra for so many people's lives, regardless of their background. Oftentimes, we are shown images of perfection and ease, when reality is a lot more messy as we search for our purpose, next steps, and how to figure everything out. "figure it out" is a song that is short but sweet. Throughout its entirety, it maintains a gentle sound that is capable of calming your system while listening. dee holt's soft vocal tone only further adds to that vibe. It creates a listening experience that feels almost as if your are floating on the clouds, far away from any stressors. With summer in full swing, "figure it out" would be the perfect song to listen to while relaxing on the beach enjoying the sound of the waves and dee holt's sweet voice. The song also feels somewhat nostalgic while listening. "figure it out" is a nice blend between indie pop and bedroom pop, and reminds me of the invigorating, distinct music heard during the pandemic era of pop music. It also would belong perfectly on a soundtrack or playlist for a TV series, possessing this unique and natural sound that would be fitting for a main character in a coming-of-age series. From singing along to her dad’s guitar in VHS home videos and performing at family gatherings, to studying music and art, dee holt’s life has been saturated with creativity from the very beginning. But despite all the external affirmation of her musical talent, she never thought about making a career out of it. After forming a creative bond with Montreal producer Benjamin Nadeau, dee released her first two independent singles at just 18. After landing on Spotify’s beloved Lorem playlist, she caught the attention of Nettwerk Music Group. Her 2022 debut, "When I Close My Eyes," garnered millions of streams, rave reviews, and a massive Spotify billboard in downtown Toronto. As she moved through subsequent releases like 2023’s "i’ll be there," dee steadily refined her instinct-driven approach to songwriting while establishing her presence on major stages, including standout performances at Montreal Jazz Festival and Sommo Fest, among others. With her 2024 EP, "loving in the dark," she stepped into a bolder, art-pop identity. Yet, through it all, dee’s maintained a personal and creative authenticity, with each expression a true extension of herself. Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW DEE HOLT: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Everyone likes guys who are nice, but nice guys are a totally different story– and yes, there is a difference. "Mr. Nice Guy" is Siena Larsson’s latest single and the first song from her debut EP, telling us all about a certain Mr. Nice Guy that seems to check all the boxes until he doesn’t. He’s attentive, always texts you back, takes you out for dates and appears to actually be interested in you… until you realize that it’s all an act. You say no, and the claws come out. With a fun, funky bassline and cheeky lyrics, Siena crafts a track that pokes fun at those nice guys while telling a story that many, many women have heard before, and have even experienced themselves. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of these guys’ comments, then this song is for you. It’s a story as old as time: a guy being nice not because he’s actually kind, but because he wants something from you. “Mr. Nice Guy” hits every point perfectly, characterizing the ‘nice guy’ archetype without missing a single time. I love how cheeky the lyrics are– Siena paints a pretty picture of a man who is everything you’d ever want before the realization hits that it’s all just pretend. “Like Jekyll and Hyde,” Siena sings about the nice guy, that sweetness turning into vitriol the moment he knows he’s not getting what he wants. Combine all of this fun (though truthful) songwriting with the track’s amazing bass and sass and you’ve got a song that’s great to sing along to and relate to, all at the same time. Siena Larsson is an Australian singer-songwriter who’s turning all her emotions into music. To Siena, writing music is like free therapy, creating art as a way to navigate through the confusing world that is being in one’s twenties. She chronicles the relationship drama that comes with being young, from the good to the bad to the really bad. With a similar sound to Maisie Peters and Olivia Rodrigo, her tracks feel confessional, fun, and relatable. Her debut single “Collateral Damage” dropped back in 2018, and she’s since released a wide array of other tracks. “Mr. Nice Guy” is the first track of her upcoming debut EP, and if you loved it, be sure to give her other songs a listen! And don’t forget to drop Siena a follow on her socials! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW SIENA LARSSON: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook

Singer-songwriter CAPPA makes a triumphant return with her first single of 2026, “Say You Love Me.” “Say You Love Me” is a light indie-pop tune about the confusing in-between of friends and lovers. The track is airy and delicate with luscious vocals from CAPPA and a soft instrumental palette. CAPPA excersises her strength as a songwriter here. “Say You Love Me” paints the picture of a relationship full of mixed signals and a desperate yearning for a person we have all felt before. It is so rich that there is a cinematic quality to the song. “Say You Love Me” is an undeniable indie pop song, with its warm, invitng sound and emotionally honest lyricism. “Say You Love Me” is an easy, nostalagic listen. CAPPA cites the early 2000s as a major inspiration for her music, and that shines in “Say You Love Me.” The song is a perfect mix of old and new. The chorus is a sparkly 2000s-era explosion while the production is chock full of electro and indie-pop details that make the track feel fresh. “Say You Love Me” is irrestiable; the type of song to blast in your car and sing along to as long as you can. “Say You Love Me” is the first single for CAPPA’s upcoming EP, set to release later this year. And if the track is any indication, the EP will be an unmissable listen. CAPPA, whose real name is Carla Cappa, is a Pennyslavian singer-songwriter who has loved music since she was 7 years old. She quickly started gaining attention with her single, “Hush” in 2015 and her cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs” a year later; the latter of which has over 9 million streams. Since then CAPPA has only grown more and more prominent. Publications like Entertainment Weekly and Billboard alike have praised the artist and her tracks have been used in television and adverts, alike. Her songs can be heard in commericals for Victoria’s Secret and HAUS Laboratories, and highly popular shows like Riverdale and Selling Sunset. CAPPA has over 90,000 verified listeners on Spotify and tens of millions of streams across the internet with tracks such as “Feel Like,” “Life Again,” and her feature on the SNBRN track, “Colder.” CAPPA is already highly successful, and yet she is still just getting started on the new heights her career will reach. You can listen to “Say You Love Me,” along with the rest of CAPPA’s discography on all streaming platforms now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW CAPPA: Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud | Facebook | YouTube

Photography: Christian Teufel Editing: Emma Teufel In what Emma Teufel describes as a song "Dedicated to: All of the DILFs out there", her newest single "Scared?" is about encouraging an older man to date her. She expresses how much she wants to pursue a relationship with this person, but he is rather hesitant, which is frustrating for Teufel. She changed her dating preference from men her age to older men, only to experience the same immaturity and uncertainty she dealt with previously. Although there are comedic elements to "Scared?", the lyrics still hold truth to how many people don't take romance and other people's feelings seriously. In an Instagram post, Teufel wrote that "Scared?' is her last "super pop song", a descriptor that perfectly fits the production style of this single. The upbeat, bubbly synths and beats make this an incredible summer anthem about the complexities of love. "Scared?' also keys in on different distinct elements of its production, such as reversed synths and glittering keyboard notes in the background. Vocally, Teufel has a spectacular singing voice, which effortlessly compliments the overall musical vibes of this song, supplemented by the harmonies and melodies. Emma Teufel is a musician based in Southern California, and is specifically from Thousand Oaks. Her studio career began in October 2024 with the release of her debut single "Parking Lot". She has since put out other fantastic songs in addition to "Scared?" and her debut, including, but not limited to, "Now I know.", "Delete", and "Enemies". On her YouTube channel, she has released several visual and lyric videos for her music, further representing her extensive creativity as an artist. In addition to this, she has hinted at taking a different direction in her music, which also shows she is a virtuoso. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW EMMA TEUFEL: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube

Creative Direction & Photography: Mia Barnes Styling: Jordan Kelsey Hair: Mel Dominguez MUA & Makeup: Gilbert Soliz, Mac Cosmetics, MAC PRO Production: Magic Creative Works, @karlibombbomb, Ruslan Kim Lighting Director: Paul Gilmore Digital Technician: Michael Cardiello Production Design: Mallika Rajapakse Art Director: Ivan Fomin Talented musician Bebe Rexha has released her fourth and newest studio and visual album "Dirty Blonde". T R A C K L I S T Although the New York native and virtuoso started off as the lead vocalist for electronic band Black Cards and a songwriter for other musicians, it wouldn't be too long before Bebe Rexha become a global pop star as a solo artist. Her collaborations have been worldwide hits for more than a decade, as well as singles such as "I'm a Mess" and "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy", and her EPs I Don't Wanna Grow Up and All Your Fault parts 1 and 2. In June 2018, she released her debut album Expectations, and her sophomore record Better Mistakes in May 2021. Her eponymous third album came out in April 2023, and now Dirty Blonde in June 2026. Hysteria What better way to start off an album than with an electropop dance track? The opening song of Dirty Blonde combines all the musical styles Rexha has been known for throughout her career, but is still able to put a distinct twist on it with the modern production paired with her strong vocals. The lyrics of "Hysteria" perfectly compliment the synths that energetically wallop around in your headphones, as Rexha sings about partying and meeting someone out that she wants to dance and have fun with. She encourages this person to meet her vibes as the night gets crazier. Tokyo The line "kiss from a girl in Tokyo" is the central theme of the second track of Dirty Blonde, "Tokyo", aptly inspired by being kissed by a girl in Tokyo. The nightclub-esque songwriting and production continue from the previous track, with Rexha retelling a night she experienced in the famous, eccentric city, as bass and synths and drums that you would hear in the speakers at a popular club play. The beat drops add to this, and you can imagine the spotlights and smoke machines flashing everywhere with every second of this electronic banger. New Religion "New Religion" can be interpreted as an explanation from Rexha as to why she has developed a new sound for her fourth record. She expresses her love for loud music, going out, taking advantage of the dance floor, and how these things bring her joy. She feels like she is where she belongs, in spaces where she can make and listen to dance music and bring back the original purpose clubs had, which was to groove and have fun. The song sonically incorporates "Insomnia" by Faithless, and Rexha adds her own twist that lights up the dance floor she's singing about. $.H.I.T The fourth track of Dirty Blonde features another unique combination of different elements. In the choruses of the song, Rexha sings in a high pitch, and then transitions to rapping in the verses; its like she's a feature on her own song. A track like this shows that not all music played at a club is upbeat dance music, but also trap and experimental, depending on the overall vibes and atmosphere. This exploration of nightlife creates a distinct and intriguing concept for Dirty Blonde as an album, further showing Rexha's many skills as an artist. Çike Çike As Rexha sings about the journey to a nightclub, the synths of the English and the Gheg variety of Albanian track "Çike Çike" are muffled to sound like hearing music from outside before the bouncer lets you go through the entrance doors. Rexha references her Albanian heritage in the lyrics, production, and visual for this song, incorporating production from "Hou Çike" by West Side Family, a rap group from Albania. i like you better than me "i like you better than me" shares the truth of how social media has affected many people when it comes to how they perceive themselves. The culture surrounding it allows people to alter the way they look and appear as picturesque as they want, causing others to envy them and grow insecure, especially since there are many who critize those for not being the "skinniest" or the "prettiest". Rexha sings about how she is experiencing this same thing, and feels bad that she can't let go of these emotions that cause her to not feel good enough. Drink And A Little Love The seventh track of Dirty Blonde sounds like the dance remix of a country pop song, but its an original piece by Rexha. A callback to one of her past hits "Meant to Be" featuring Florida Georgia Line, "Drink And A Little Love" starts out acoustic but then continues the bass-heavy, clubbing theme of this record halfway through the track. Rexha writes about how she is taking in all of her current emotional complications with life and expresses her need to take a break and relax, just so she can catch up with everything going on in the world. One Day The production of "One Day", although still fueled by the dance genre, does delve more into the pop category, making this song another amazing genre-bending track on Dirty Blonde. Musically choreographed with guitar chords and raw drums, Rexha sings about a former significant other and how this person lost her, whether by breaking up with her or not treating her right. She says that her ex made a big mistake either way, as they had a very good, solid relationship that shouldn't have ended. Time "Time" is a culmination of all the sounds and production styles that have been used throughout Dirty Blonde up to this point. It begins as a slow guitar ballad, and transforms into an alt pop song before introducing a trap beat, then closes off with the intense synths of a club song. Supplemented by distinct vocal effects, Rexha reminisces on a past relationship, but then realizes that it wasn't as good as she remembers. She carries regret that they were together, singing lines such as "I wasted all my best years on you". The Way I Want You Another assortment of different instruments and vocals are utilized in "The Way I Want You", similarly to its preceding track. Rapping, electric guitar chords, and hyper beats make their own, dignified appearances throughout this song, as emotions caused by unrequited love make their way to the lyrics. The love interest Rexha sings about doesn't return the same feelings and effort to their relationship that she does, making it feel very one-sided. She is in love with her partner, who she says doesn't feel the same way. Nobody’s There More cool splicing effects are used to create the party vibe of Dirty Blonde in its eleventh track "Nobody's There". Rexha sings about a girl who follows the beat of her own drum. She doesn't concern herself about those who disagree with her lifestyle and how she chooses to live it, and what she does creatively; she is happy doing what makes her feel happy. Night Falls The twelfth track of Dirty Blonde sounds exactly like its title - stars twinkling in the peaceful, dark sky is what you visualize when you listen to the reverberated and isolated synths of "Night Falls". Its like a pop lullaby reflected on a calm sea under the fluorescent glow of the moon. Rexha's vocals echo through the night as she feels left out of love. She longs to be with someone who can be the best person for her, but she feels lonely, and expresses that there is no one to turn to in regards to her love life. Sad Girls (feat. David Guetta) Everyone on planet Earth knows "i'm Good (Blue)", Rexha and David Guetta's iconic remix of "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" by Eiffel 65, and Guetta has joined musical forces with her once again for the final track of Dirty Blonde, "Sad Girls". Known for his upbeat and passionate dance music, Guetta provides the backdrop for this song as Rexha sings about coping with melancholy feelings by dancing, the central theme for this record. As a very effective storyteller throughout her entire career, Bebe Rexha uses her excellent songwriting skills to make a one-of-a-kind album, incorporating the hardships of life with the freedom that dancing and music provide. The involvement of varying sound effects, singing and production styles, and instrumentation throughout the album shows how musically-diverse she is in every sense of the word. Her vocals on all the tracks of Dirty Blonde are spectacular, and they greatly help convey the emotion of all of the lyrical and musical content. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW BEBE REXHA: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the highly-anticipated third album from Olivia Rodrigo, has been released to mass praise and features many firsts for Rodrigo and fans. While the newest evolution of Rodrigo’s artistry may be here, it’s a natural level-up from Guts and Sour, both expanding Rodrigo’s discography and Rodrigo’s self-awareness. While some may have been expecting a full love album, Rodrigo continues to surprise each and every time she releases an album. While Girl So in Love may not be everyone's expectations, Rodrigo's versatility and her growth within her artistry are apparent throughout the album, both strengths that make her third record her best yet. TRACKLIST drop dead stupid song honeybee maggots for brains u + me = <3 my way purple the cure begged what's wrong with me less expectations cigarette smoke Throughout her career, Rodrigo has found herself at the focus of love speculation and relationship drama in the tabloids, as her debut single, “Driver’s License” focused on the fallout between her and Joshua Bassett, her co-star from High School Musical:The Musical: The Series and ex-partner. So when her private-but-known relationship with Louis Partridge had fans imagining what their marriage would be like, it was no shock that when the news of their breakup hit social media timelines that fans were speculating as to whether Rodrigo would push the album release back, as Girl So in Love was rumored to be full of love songs about Partridge. Fans thought wrong. You Seem Pretty Sad for A Girl So in Love is Rodrigo’s first attempt at a conceptual album, following a relationship from the first date to the fallout of the breakup. Split into two parts, Girl So in Love and You Seem Pretty Sad, Rodrigo’s songwriting throughout the album tells a cohesive story, with foreshadowing, motifs, and feminine intuition that litter the songs within the release. drop dead The first single off of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the kick-off to the Girl So in Love section of the album, and the first track of the whole album, “drop dead” finds Rodrigo at the beginning of a relationship. The honeymoon phase, daydreaming about the future, whatever the listener's preference of name is, Rodrigo finds herself reliving a daydream within her new relationship and hoping the night she describes in the song never ends. When listening to “drop dead,” Rodrigo’s romanticization of her partner comes into full-force for the first time in the album, but it certainly won’t be the last. Encapsulating the excitement of a first date, “drop dead” is perfect to dance out jitters while getting ready for dinner with someone new. stupid song “Stupid song” is the newest single off of You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and with it the escalation of feelings Rodrigo shares for her partner becomes apparent. Not being able to find the words she wants to express her feelings within any love song, Rodrigo decided to take matters into her own hands, writing “stupid song” to get her words right. Both an escalation of her feelings and an escalation of Dan Nigro’s production within the song, “stupid song” catches both adrenaline and Rodrigo’s point of view within her relationship. A declaration of love and feelings, “stupid song” is, at one point, going to end up within a romantic comedy. honeybee “Honeybee” has become one of my standouts from both the Girl So in Love section and the album as a whole. Initially hyped by Rodrigo as one of her favorite songs from the album, there’s a want to believe in love after listening to “honeybee.” Described by Rodrigo as a first dance song for newly-weds, there’s a captured naivety within “honeybee” that becomes apparent throughout the rest of the album, and while this naivety brings a linger of hurt on later listen-throughs; yet, at the same time, Rodrigo finds the balance within naivety and beauty of innocence—something that’s not yet ruined is something to be celebrated, not filled of fear. maggots for brains “Maggots for brains” is upbeat, synthy, and tells the beginning of an anxious-avoidant relationship. While Rodrigo goes throughout the Girl So in Love section retelling the best parts of the relationship, “maggots for brains” starts raising red flags that Rodrigo can’t find within her rose-tinted glasses. A “sad shell of a woman” without her partner, Rodrigo starts to feel incomplete without her person; however, when Rodrigo tells it, there’s a certain glow about the world when she and her partner are together. Without them, the world’s dull and everything’s boring and moldy. Getting to the point where Rodrigo is wishing for a tragedy so that she can see her partner, listeners can start to pick up both emotional dependence and Rodrigo’s lost sense of self that’ll continue throughout the album. u + me = <3 While this may be my lowest-ranked song within the album, don’t let that distract you from how this song is still great. Rodrigo fills the song with different romantic gestures typically seen in movie montages that expand the relationship timeline, something that’s cheekily cliche and made me swoon while listening to You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love for the first time. While some may have questioned the title at first (me included), Rodrigo fits it seamlessly into the chorus, sounding like she’s narrating the doodles on the corner of her journal. Reminiscent of carving initials into a tree with a heart surrounding them (much like the album’s cover), Rodrigo finds herself both a romantic and a living movie-trope. my way A complete turn-around of subjects, Rodrigo changes the subject of the song to someone other than her partner. “My way” turns out to be about a girl who seems to be romantically interested in her partner. The dreaded girl best friend is a stereotype within relationship drama, yet, Rodrigo finds herself dealing with one herself. “My way” finds its way into a genre of songs that tells other girls to buzz off, much like Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” and Paramore’s “Misery Business,” but Rodrigo’s entry into this subject is all her own. Rodrigo's versatility throughout her last eras follows her into Girl So in Love, a trait not to be overlooked. purple The transitional piece from the Girl So in Love section to the You Seem Pretty Sad section of the album, Rodrigo not only addresses the growth within her relationship but also references her own past, where her last two eras were centered around the color purple. While centering on how much the relationship has grown from "drop dead," from Rodrigo having a favorite florist and grocery store in her partner's town to coats and toothbrushes now coming in doubles, Rodrigo goes throughout the song infected by the way her partner sees the world, combining their red to his blue to make purple; however, Rodrigo starts to mention the color black in the outro of the song, questioning if she were too attached and if the relationship feels flat. This transitory track not only shows the cracks of the relationship through the lyrics, but also throughout the production of the track, setting listeners on edge as the enter into the second half of the album and the relationship. the cure The start of the You Seem Pretty Sad section of the album, the second single released off of the album, and one of my top songs from the album, "the cure" hurts in a way that shouldn't be possible. Rodrigo's self-awareness becomes the crutch of "the cure," centering in on her own problems that was thought to be solved by the right kind of love within a relationship, but coming to the realization that she needs to be the one to stitch herself up rather than her partner. A progression of power mirroring overthinking and the spirals one may face within a relationship if not secure, "the cure" serves as the albums emotional thesis and serves as the perfect anthem for those fighting against anxious-attachment styles to become more secure within their relationships. begged "Begged," premiered at The Echo during a secret show and debuted to the public on Saturday Night Live on May 2nd, captures the feeling of trying to be patient while struggling when a partner tries to learn. A heart stopper on the tracklist, "begged" creates an all-too-familiar feeling of running the risk of waiting for someone to be better while you suffer. While Rodrigo holds onto hope throughout the relationship, her partner's carelessness starts dwindling it away. While that this may be a good relationship, Rodrigo is left unsatisfied when she has to beg for the good experiences within her relationship to happen. what's wrong with me My personal favorite song off of the album, "what's wrong with me" centers on the feeling of guilt for being depressed while being in a happy relationship. Not only does Rodrigo captures complexity of "needing" to be happy within the song beautifully, this song also has her first feature within any of her discography. Who is this feature? Well, it's simply Robert Smith, co-founder and lead vocalist of The Cure, a band that's mentioned throughout the rest of the album. The guilt and depression captured through different snapshots in the lyrics hit close to home, as Rodrigo puts her vulnerability first throughout the album, hoping that her partner isn't what's wrong, but it's looking like it is. less "Less" comes in at the relationships end, trying to recreate the moments in which they were happy, only to be confirmed that the relationship is taking away from the couple's happiness rather than adding to it. Armed with the knowledge that the relationship is ending soon, Rodrigo wishes that her partner loved her less so that it would hurt less than it did. The peak of You Seem Pretty Sad, Rodrigo acknowledges the end of the relationship and her partner's actions throughout it, actions Rodrigo acknowledges as noble throughout the song. The fallout of the relationship falling apart is something that I wish no one experiences, but there's a beauty in the way Rodrigo captures it, with the hope that the problems will be fixed on their own and the relationship will fluctuate back to happiness again. expectations While "less" may have been the end of the relationship, "expectations" has listeners meeting Rodrigo prioritizing herself after the relationship. While it may have taken a couple of months, Rodrigo finally feels secure within herself and prioritizes her own sense of self over any guy. A jumpscare of happiness within the You Seem Pretty Sad sections of the album, listeners should be warned of the whiplash of going from "less" and immediately into "expectations." Listeners should also be warned that they may be helpless to jump around and find "expectations" to be the self-help anthem of the summer. cigarette smoke While "expectations" may have lead listeners to believe Rodrigo was completely over her ex-partner, the hurt still remains. "Cigarette smoke" finds Rodrigo struggling to find herself not hurting from the relationship she shared throughout the album. With callbacks to both "begged" and "honeybee," Rodrigo finds herself both blaming her ex-partner for their actions and herself for letting it happen. Begging for her time back, Rodrigo finds herself suffering through reliving the emotional intensity of the relationship, knowing that her ex-partner will never see her sorrow. A painful closer for You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, the memories shared between Rodrigo and the listener throughout the album grow dark with each new song listened to, not only bringing together the full album, but tainting the Girl So in Love section of the album with the knowledge of what's to come for Rodrigo's relationship. While Rodrigo may have found herself within a relationship that looked perfect on paper and within the tabloids, what the general public didn't know was Rodrigo's loss of self and the journey to get herself back would be the emotional centerpiece of this album. Both an album about romanticizing a relationship during the honeymoon phase and the loss of happiness when anxious-avoidant tendencies start to come into play, Rodrigo has created her best album to date. Written By Abby Mornhinweg Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | LinkedIn *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

Dark-pop queen, Saylem has released her most recent single off of her brand new EP, "ifeelstrange". Singing of being something more than your body and transcending into a higher power, "ifeelstrange" is a about leaving your physical being. When speaking about the subject of the track, Saylem shared, "Suffering countless heartbreaks and disappointments, they (Saylem) decide it’s better to rip their own heart out and leave what’s left of their humanity behind.” "ifeelstrange" has an assertive, dark-pop production with electronic and rock components to give it the energy and drive it takes to give that extra sense of darkness and haunting flare. Saylem sings confidently with a bit of distortion, adding even more edge to the tone of the song. With instrumentals written by Japanese producer TOKI, this powerhouse of a song will have you banging your head and singing along. Although the initial backstory is about heartbreak, there's a sense of empowerment in this song that is hard to shake. One of the things I love the most is the bridge when Saylem suggests other songs of hers to listen to within the lyrics. Saylem is an Orlando, Florida based dark-pop artist, known as the alter ego of singer Jackie Skillet (from pop/rock duo Bad Valentine). Starting in 2021 with their first EP, "Curiosity Will Kill You", Saylem is known as a deep, cinematic project that progresses and tells a story with each release. Gaining traction in 2022 with their single "Pulse", Saylem went on to work with names like Wake Up Hate and Becko. "ifeelstrange" is the title track of their latest EP, featuring six tracks, each acting as a chapter within Saylem's story. If you loved this song, make sure to check out Saylem's links below and listen to the full EP! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW SAYLEM: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube

Relationships built with emotional dependency can be the most damaging. You hold cling to small acts of affection like they’re the last bit of oxygen. Without that person, you don’t know how to breathe and it’s a toxic cycle that feels impossible to break. Bri Scully released her new single “I Still Love You” about the grief of breaking that cycle. With inspiration from artists such as Holly Humberstone and Maisie Peters, this song is just as fun as it is heartbreaking. The beat has you up dancing in your room while the lyricism opens the floodgates. It’s for the ones who miss someone they know deep down that they shouldn’t. Click Here To Listen To "I Still Love You"! Bri shared that “I Still Love You,” is for the ones who want to be chosen, the ones who are expected to be strong and the one’s who loved and got hurt in the end. She takes you on such an introspective journey throughout the track acknowledging the constant fight to try and save someone who doesn’t want it. The battle between delusion and reality when you truly think you can fix him despite knowing the odds aren’t in her favor. “Wanted to be the one to fix you.” There’s fear of abandonment twinged in the chorus mentioning daddy issues and the need to be a caretaker for this person. Bri opened up the diary pages allowing us to feel everything she felt alongside her. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one who misses someone they shouldn’t. Bri Scully is an indie-pop singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Throughout her childhood she grew up in South Florida filling journals with stories, poems and songs. Writing was her safe space but she never began to share her words until the pandemic hit. Once Bri moved to LA, she started working with producer and co-writer, Brandon Lew, who helped bring her music to a whole new level. Her music is known for its introspective lyricism and raw honesty. Since her debut single “It’ll All Be Over Soon,” she has been honing in on her sound. Bri Scully is a must add to any sad girl pop playlist you have so check out the links below. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW BRI SCULLY: Instagram | Spotify | YouTube