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At just 17 years old, Zoey Madison is making her debut statement as an artist. Her single, “Electric,” off her EP of the same name, is a bold, pop-R&B fusion. The song is about a love that is lightning in a bottle, and sonically, it follows suit. “Electric,” fittingly, dazzles as a pop song. The track is an instant earworm. But more importantly, it captures the magic of falling in love for the first time. With its fun, sparkly sound and Zoey’s undeniable presence, “Elecetric” is undeniable. The fact that Zoey Madison is only 17 is both wildly impressive and a key factor in what makes her music so special. “Electric” has an exciting, youthful energy that only someone her age could muster. As a singer-songwriter, Zoey is strongly influenced by R&B titans like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Ariana Grande. Zoey has a gift for taking cues from her influences and making music that remains entirely her own. The result is music that is completely timeless, as seen in “Electric.” “Electric” really shows that Zoey is a strong storyteller. The track portrays the stages of love in a way that transports the listener to their own memories. “Electric” is one-of-a-kind. Zoey Madison is a singer-songwriter from New York. She is a classically trained vocalist with a four octave range. She studied at The Berklee School of Music and has already reached immense success in her career. Zoey has worked with industry legends including Kenny Ortega and Kristin Chenoweth. On Spotify she has over 10,000 monthly listeners and 20,000 streams. With the drop of her latest EP, Electric , Zoey has proved herself as an up-and-comer to look out for. You can listen to “Electric,” along with the rest of Zoey’s discography on all streaming services now. Written By Lauren Nolan FOLLOW ZOEY: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok   | YouTube

Heartbreak City’s track “What’s it Gonna Be!” is giving glowing neon skies and classic 80s and 90s nostalgia. If you love a throwback, then this track has all of that– and then some! With charged synth and pulsing passion, “What’s it Gonna Be!” will have you dancing all night to its addictive soundscape and smooth lyricism. It’s the kind of song that’s best listened to while the windows are all down, your hands feeling the wind, as you and your friends are all singing along. As part of their debut album, the track is quintessential Heartbreak City, creating a world within their music that invites you to take a dip into its bold and vibrant soundscape. Lovers of retrowave, look no further than “What’s it Gonna Be!” This synth-soaked track is like if the 80s and 90s met modern synth-pop, combining to create a sound that is both current and a total throwback. It’s a hard thing to nail, but I think Heartbreak City truly captures that feeling of endless nostalgia while also having a style that is rooted in today’s pop scene. “What’s it Gonna Be!” speaks to that quite well with its romantic and dreamy lyricism decorated in card game imagery. I loved every little poker reference in the song, especially the line that goes “Show me your diamonds, clubs or spades / ‘cos hearts is all you ever play”; the wordplay here is just so clever and witty, and the rest of the track is written similarly so. With its dynamic and undeniably fun soundscape combined with its songwriting, “What’s it Gonna Be!” is a one-of-a-kind track that manages to balance the past with the present to create something absolutely amazing. Heartbreak City is a synth-pop trio that’s blending the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s with soaring pop melodies. Their lyrics are packed with emotion and their soundscapes are effortlessly bold, firmly placing the band amidst other modern synth-pop revivalists. Some of their acclaimed singles include their 2025 debut “Horizon”, as well as “Sleeping Awake”, “Spencer Street”, and “Pamela”. They’ve earned tons of fans across the UK and beyond for their artistry, passion, and outstanding production. Their debut album “Heartbreak City” dropped in 2025, and its focus track “What’s it Gonna Be!” captures everything that Heartbreak City is as a band with irresistible hooks and a driving chorus. If you loved “What’s it Gonna Be!”, be sure to check out the rest of the album it’s on, as well as dropping Heartbreak City a follow! Written By Alexa Leung FOLLOW HEARTBREAK CITY: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook

Nia Ashleigh's song, "All the Same," is an unforgettable heartbreak anthem with a unique perspective. "All the Same" tells an often overlooked tale of internal conflict. Overthinking can seem harmless, but those thoughts can begin to weigh on your mind and emotions. This can eventually turn the once internal conflicts into external conflicts. Nia Ashleigh uses her lyrics to share this experience, which is undoubtedly relatable to many people in different situations. When overthinking shifts into an anxious spiral, it can be hard to see reality over your internal fears. Nia Ashleigh is very vulnerable with her lyrics, showing how self-doubt, insecurities, and overthinking can worsen your fears, make you seek reassurance, and shy away from connections that could be beautiful. She conveys this with lyrics like "I keep getting defensive / Now I'm passive and aggressive / Could put my pride aside, but won't let you see me cry / Find it safer to be self destructive" and "I need you to reassure me that you'll be / With me in the present / When happy's in the past tense." "All the Same" opens with a piano that releases melancholy notes that match the vulnerability of the lyrics. The song is a heartbreak ballad that takes you on an emotional journey throughout its entire four minutes. Nia Ashleigh has a smooth sounding voice that adds another layer of emotion to the song. Her voice is unforgettable, and the song's entire sound is comforting. Even with the rawness and sadness of "All the Same," it still feels warm in its own unique way. Nia Ashleigh's voice is calming, while the song's relatability gives listeners a sense of reassurance. "All the Same" encourages listeners to become more introspective and aware of their emotional world. When anxiety is high, this song feels like a way of calming yourself, especially if your thoughts are running wild. Emerging from Newark, New Jersey, singer-songwriter Nia Ashleigh is here to pull on heartstrings. She has gained widespread recognition through her mesmerizing covers on social media, amassing a dedicated following of over 1M across Instagram and Tiktok. She has also received special nods from Lady Gaga, SZA, Sara Barallies, and H.E.R just to name a few. Nia's universal sound blends Pop, R&B, and Musical Theatre, showcasing her versatility and depth. She has a natural talent and raw emotiveness that gives her the ability to translate love and heartache into unforgettable melodies. Nia represents hope, love, and classic sensibilities reimagined for the modern day pop princess. Follow Nia Ashleigh below to stay updated on her future projects and releases! Written By Kyler Griggs FOLLOW NIA ASHLEIGH: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Transport yourself to a mental dance floor with the new single “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” from Matthew Orgel. Orgel refuses to hold back on this track, immediately throwing listeners into a full-on party by the play button’s first hit. Flirty and energetic beyond comprehension, “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” mixes pop excellence with creative elements such as a funk-induced bassline and ferocious, undeniable rhythm. Upon your first listen, it’s clear that Orgel can make people feel good and thrive through his music. Dipping into electro-pop that reminds me of artists like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Robyn, and more, Orgel is displaying both a wide, talented range and the ability to tap into purely fun musicality. Beautifully calculated and displaying a natural passion for artistry, Orgel’s given title of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” itself is a clear reflection of the song’s nature, alluding to its sensual lyrics and detailed storytelling. With the combined release of “THE THRILL OF IT” alongside “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, Orgel is releasing his music intentionally and intricately, cleverly communicating to listeners what his next move may be.  With a fun, yet nostalgic and moody energy that draws you directly to dance, Orgel’s “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” both creates movement in and care for listeners. This track is a safe space, inviting all to come forward and plunge themselves into creativity, acceptance, and desire. With the implementation of synths that carry full-bodied, warm power and beats that leave you hooked, this is a song you crave to be never-ending. It wraps you up in its glossiness and pop punctuality, painting a sweet and irresistible picture that encourages people to live in the moment and take a chance on a risk.  “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, rather than placing shame around the subject or allowing to leave a sour taste in listeners’ mouths, Orgel demonstrates openness and creativity without limiting himself. It’s evident through his detailed, energy-laced songwriting that this is material that Orgel is excited over. With a musical career known for capturing life with clarity and honest, heartfelt songwriting, I am thrilled and beyond curious to see Orgel’s next move following the release of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT” and “THE THRILL OF IT”. Matthew Orgel is a Long Island, NY-born & raised artist. He began his musical journey at the age of four, playing piano, and shortly after, he started singing and writing his own songs. Driven by his early passion for music, Orgel was led to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he is now pursuing a degree in songwriting. In his musical approach, he involves meaningful, emotionally sincere lyrics and melodies that leave a lasting impression on audiences.  His overall aim is to inspire people and make them feel good through his music, while also creating authentic, memorable experiences. With the recent release of “FORBIDDEN FRUIT”, Orgel has emphasized his excitement over the track and the direction he’s headed in. With a musical foundation consisting of technical flair, emotional authenticity, and quality storytelling, Orgel’s talent and presence are undeniable and something you do not want to miss out on.  Written By Madison Spies FOLLOW MATTHEW ORGEL: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | YouTube

TOO SEXY TO BE SAD By LEW Cover Art // Photographed by Whitney Otte TOO SEXY TO BE SAD is LEW’s second installment since her edgy rebrand from country to alt-pop. The four-track project follows her early 2025 release, Dead Inside , which earned its spot as one of my favorite releases of the year. While the last EP had a more rock-influenced sound, TOO SEXY TO BE SAD contains more pop-influenced elements, showcasing the singer’s natural ability to genre-bend. LEW is a phenomenal artist with impeccable vocals, clever songwriting, and catchy hooks, making her one of my favorite artists of the modern era. Track List TOO SEXY TO BE SAD WAIT ON ME BORING PHANTOM LIMB. Lauren Weintraub, now releasing music under LEW, is a multigenre singer-songwriter born in Boston, now based in Los Angeles. When she started her music career in 2014, she moved to Nashville, releasing country-pop songs. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and several country music festivals. In 2023, I had the honor to see her as a supporting act for Tenille Arts at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. I went in completely unknowledgeable about who Lauren Weintraub was, but I left a fan of the phenomenal singer whose voice gave me goosebumps – something that doesn’t happen to me often. The artist has received impressive achievements, including a nomination for “TikTok Songwriter of the Year” at the 2022 iHeartRadio Awards and being named a HITS Magazine “One to Watch” in 2022. This year, LEW headlined a tour and was a supporting act for Marielle Craft. TOO SEXY TO BE SAD LEW kicks off the album with the infectious title track, “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD.” In the empowering pop anthem, LEW brushes off heartbreak, declaring that she is a catch and is above being hurt by this man. She knows her worth and refuses to let him bring her down. She tells him: “I’m too sexy to be sad // Too pretty to be mad // Too hot for all of your this and that // I'm too funny not to laugh // Too good to love you back // I don't need your drama.” Alongside cheeky lyrics LEW is known for, the song features a dance-pop soundscape that listeners cannot help but dance along to, while maintaining her edge. “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD” is the perfect introduction to her new wave of music. WAIT ON ME The second track transitions to a sultry pop soundscape, matching the cheeky lyrics. “WAIT ON ME” begins with a smooth bassline that lulls the listener into the track. Then, LEW’s infectious voice starts the verse, introducing the fun storyline. Throughout the song, the singer tells her muse to commit. Rather than the stop-and-go they are putting her through, she encourages them to go all in. In the hook, she sings: “1, 2, 3 I'm waiting, don't wait on me // Don't wait, just say you need me.” She is falling for her subject, but is tired of men who play games. The artist confidently tells them not to wait for her move. They just need to jump BORING “BORING” is perhaps the epitome of a perfect pop song. LEW’s infectious vocals, the relatable self-destructive lyrics, and the catchy instrumentation blend to craft an unforgettable track. The bouncy dance-pop production is reminiscent of early Dua Lipa while upholding LEW’s individuality. Throughout the track, she explores the ugly truth of modern dating. Men are vicious, leaving women high and dry. But sometimes, you can get lucky and find one who sends “text me when you’re home, honey” messages. However, LEW admits that she misses that “little dangerous with the head rush.” She wants the excitement and unpredictability of dating a “bad boy” because, well, the good ones are just plain boring. PHANTOM LIMB The final track is a fast-paced breakup song that utilizes vivid imagery to describe a brutal breakup. LEW’s ex-partner is like a phantom limb. This phenomenon occurs when an amputee experiences pain or other sensations where their limb used to be. Similarly, LEW knows her partner is gone and not coming back; however, she sometimes still feels them there. They linger in her heart, creeping in when she least expects them. The clever lyricism brings her suffering to life, making the audience understand how deeply she longs for this person – even if she knows they were bad for her. LEW is one of my favorite artists due to her authentic and creative lyrics, stunning vocals, and genre-bending talent. “TOO SEXY TO BE SAD” may be small, but it packs a lot of punch. The four tracks explore themes of confidence, longing, heartbreak, and desire. LEW knows how to draw in a crowd through unforgettable melodies and relatable lyrics. Her artistry keeps fans on their toes, making them crave more from the versatile artist. Follow LEW on all socials to stay updated with all new releases and announcements! Written By Karlee Skipper Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.

If someone hurts you, just remember… IT COMES BACK! BANA’s newest release, “Ripple Effect” shares this exact message. As she carves out her place in UK’s pop world, she blends her cultural influences with a contemporary electronic underground sound. This song is very empowering anthem, with the understanding that healing comes with the pain. You can easily power step down the hall and feel like a boss. Also a great song to play in the car on FULL BLAST! Once you turn this up, you’re not going to want to turn it down. To start, the percussion sets the tone with a funky synth pacing the song smoothly. The crispy percussion throughout is the star of the show, however. Once the chorus hits, there is a snap that adds so much dimension to the song to perfectly execute the beat. Her vocals are perfect as well, with enough reverb to sound angelic and raw. You can hear it in her voice, how much effort and heart is put behind her words. The electronic elements towards the end, too! It creates such a great punch before the fade-out. Even though not many elements are used, this song is gorgeous! BANA is a singer/songwriter based out of Kurdistan . She is known as the pop princess of Sulaymaniyah, the regions capital of culture. At the young age of 16, she entered the Kurd Idol TV singing competition, where she intended to be the only English singer. After a quick change of plans, she ended up singing two songs, one in English and the other in Kurdish. She became an overnight success, where she soon after broke into the Kurdish music industry. She released many songs and a debut album over the five years, yet when the opportunity presented itself, she moved to London to record some singles in English. She weaves in the pop music to her roots, mixing the local instruments and heavy beats within. While facing potential controversy back home, BANA stands tall and proud of her achievements, wanting to continue her path as a role model for young Kurdish girls. Out of the studio, she is an avid advocate for women’s rights in her home country as well, making her not only a breakout pop star, but a culturally significant figure. If you liked this song and would like to stay on the lookout for more BANA, be sure to follow her using the links below! Written By Nevaeh Scott FOLLOW BANA: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

In a new single released November 21st, Italian singer songwriter Karhys discusses the feeling of growing confidence in your quietness. Explained as “a gentle dream pop anthem for introverts”, Karhys’ song “Hush” is soft and ethereal, matching the way she views her own mind. She feels as if the world “rewards loudness”, but she is finally okay with being soft and quiet. Introverts are often taught that to be truly seen and heard, they have to speak up and change who they are, but “Hush” says the exact opposite. She says it is more than okay to be quiet, and finds security in finally liking her soft side. The soundscape of this song is calm and dreamy, with sparkling synths and an easy beat. In the first verse and pre-chorus, Karhys explains her personality, how she is more in the background and has to pep-talk herself into speaking her mind. She seems to be discussing it in a negative, embarrassed manner, but then ends the verse with “So I don’t get why this / Would be seen as wrong / Cause it’s not?”. This then leads into the chorus, where she explains finally realizing that she doesn’t need to stress over her personality and if it is “right”. In the chorus, she sings, “Hush, baby baby / Don’t you ever doubt yourself / Just you wait and see / We’re in this together”. She no longer feels the need to doubt or discredit her quiet side, she knows eventually she will be loved just the same for it. Carmen Chirico, also known as Karhys, is a Maltese-Italian singer, songwriter, and producer based in Milan, Italy. Having trained as a classical pianist and studied to get her Master of Music degree in piano performance at age 19, she found her start through classical music. She began to secretly write her own songs and sing them to herself in her bedroom, breaking away from classical and into the pop / singer-songwriter world. Since then, she has grown into a multi-album artist, along with a slew of singles and one EP. She is known for her “soothing vocals”, and yet finds a way to travel through different genres within her various projects. Make sure to follow the social medias below to stay tuned for more music from Karhys. Written By Tessa Maddaloni FOLLOW KARHYS: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

Fergus Hogan’s debut single, Run It Back, is an upbeat pop rock song about the chaos of wanting someone you can’t let go of. It describes the insatiable feeling of needing to be with that person and literally doing whatever it takes to get them back. Love is truly that powerful whether it’s first love, tenth love, teenage love, elderly love. As humans, we love with all our hearts and that makes it harder for us to let go of someone that doesn’t want to be with us anymore. Fergus really hit the nail on the head with this one. I also feel the need to mention that he has a cool name. Run It Back is very catchy and I love the way he expresses his love for this person through lyrics like “I’d rather be your slave. My heads under water. Do what it takes to run it back” and ”Getting desperate. I’m invested. Feeling trapped in second guesses. A new approach is up in smoke.” It’s got all the big hooks, energetic production, and emotionally raw lyrics you expect from pop music. Coming from a very young artist, you would think it would be immature or silly, but it’s actually a strong debut with a lot of personality and I would recommend it to pop fans. Fergus Hogan is a pop rock singer, songwriter, and performer hailing from Gold Coast, Australia. He has been writing and performing from a young age. He is inspired by artists like One Direction , George Michael , and Shawn Mendes . His overall sound is a blend of acoustic and pop. It’s polished with warm vocals, heartfelt lyricism, and energetic beats. He wants to be a beacon of hope for Gen Z by making music that’s hopeful, honest, and unafraid to feel so that people feel connected and vulnerable in an age of isolation and cynicism. Be sure to check him out! Written By Jazz FOLLOW FERGUS HOGAN: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Margaux Regan has returned with her new single, “Obsessed.” A country-inspired pop single, "Obsessed" sees Regan writing a playful twist on anxious-attachment and how infatuation can become a toxic obsession over time. Full of humor and sarcasm, “Obsessed” finds Regan setting up different meet-cutes that seem organic, saying that “we [got to] stop meeting like this.”  Channeling old school Taylor Swift, Regan goes through the song with a lightness in her voice as Regan finds her own songwriting voice in the indie-folk space. With “Obsessed” being a love letter to both Sabrina Carpenter and Carrie Underwood, Regan leaves listeners laughing and on the edge of their seats for more singles. “Obsessed” is so much fun. With witty and self-aware lyrics co-written by Regan and producer Ian Holmes, “Obsessed” finds its footing in the contrast between the production and lyrics. A soft, country song led by acoustic guitar and heavy drums, “Obsessed” plays with its production, capturing the soft feelings of a crush forming while having its lyrics being a dedication to obsession and doing anything to make a crush a partner. This contrast usually doesn’t hook me, but Regan finds the perfect balance between the sarcastic and the soft. “Obsessed” may be Regan's final offering before her debut EP, but I dare to say it’s my favorite song by her yet. Margaux Regan is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter based in London. The French-Irish artist found herself loving music through artists like U2, The Cranberries, and Sinéad O’Connor. In pursuit of this love, Regan moved to London to pursue a B.A. in songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance. With inspirations like Zach Bryan, Lizzy McAlpine, and Dolly Parton, Regan’s discography, while small, keeps listeners hooked with each new song. Regan’s debut EP, After Thought , arrives January 26. If listeners would like to keep up with After Thought ’s release and new concert dates, they can find new updates on Regan's social media, linked down below.   Written By Abby Mornhinweg FOLLOW MARGAUX REGAN: Instagram | Spotify

"+1" confronts holding on to a relationship out of the comfort of being desired rather than because of love. Settling instead for the dutiful relation of being a plus one, the singer requests, "for a few hours, please be mine." Preferring to keep her true realizations buried rather than accept the truth that "I am just a plus one that you call when you’re alone," the artist pleads with her placeholder, "Why won’t you let me try to be everything that you want and need," or, at least, "can you stay till the morning." B. Miles does a stellar job conveying the desperation of a yearning to be someone's everything. So much so, that one is willing to lose themselves in the process of seeking that validation expressed bluntly in her lyric, "If you want fake, I can fake it right." An effect of inserting a VHS into a player sets the stage for B. Miles's single "+1." Miles's voice sings like honey spreading over a smooth blend of loose percussion, subtle saturation, and a fuzzy sonic atmosphere. The textures of sound lend themselves to the emotional and contemplative lyrics Miles wrote for the single. She creates a whimsical eeriness through the swirling sounds of lofi-adjacent modulations that appear heavily in the introduction and throughout the track. This track exists in a soft spot of Miles's discography, musically and lyrically exposed. It's been ten years since New York-based artist B. Miles released her first EP, "Twenty Fifteen." In her own words, Miles says, " Most of what I’ve written over the last decade feels like smoke leading me back to the same flame." About her new album "Time Doesn't Heal. It Hides." she states, "The songs I’ve written since seem to fold into that EP, like they were always part of the same story...Together, these songs form an album that tells the story I’ve been circling for a decade.” The artist's sound has been described as “a bridge to pop music’s future” (Ones To Watch), "universally addictive" (Nylon), and "giving us the language when our emotions are hard to explain" (Refinery29). B. Miles is unafraid to dive headfirst into her past, taking listeners along to uncover hidden truths. Written By Azalea Withrow FOLLOW B. MILES: Instagram | Spotify  | TikTok  | Facebook  | YouTube

Being an over thinker is living with a brain that chronically overthinks and spirals. The constant fear that you’re too much for anyone to stay. You see the patterns and know you’re at fault for your own wreckage but it’s hard to step away from old habits. Goof released their new song “ZOMBIE” that puts a witty twist on agonizing thoughts. The chaos of mental health and the line between what happens in their brain versus reality. It’s an apology laced in sarcasm that is just as catchy as it is brutally honest. If you’re a fan of dark humor and prone to falling into your own head, this track if for you. “ZOMBIE” is a high energy alt-pop track with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and guitar-driven melodies. It lays bare the messy pain of battling your own mind while just wanting to be loved. “I hate my brain, I think even a zombie wouldn’t like the taste.” Goof uses the hook as a metaphor to express how rotten their thoughts truly are that no one would want to accept them. It’s an inner conflict that is irrational at the end of the day because we all are loved even if we don’t think we deserve it, but that doesn’t make it easy to toss the thoughts out. Your mind may feel like the enemy, but remember you’re still alive. Mental health is a common struggle, but it’s song like these we can find peace in knowing we aren’t alone. Goof is an alt pop artist, raised in Chicago but now based in Nashville. They blend biting humor, emotional clarity and big melodies into their work creating a unique sound. Their debut single “Rewind Halloween” was released in 2021 and they have follow that with eight singles and their debut album “Seasonal Fantasy.” Along with the release of “Zombie” is a full-production, comedic music video on YouTube. It is such a creative way to bring the song even more to life so go check it out. If you’re a fan of Chappell Roan’s theatrical edge and Sabrina Carpenters lighthearted wit, then Goof is a must listen artist for you. Check out the links down below to follow Goof’s artistic journey and to stay up to date on future releases. Written By Emylee Herring FOLLOW GOOF: Instagram | Spotify  | Facebook  | YouTube

I have had a special place in my heart for Kelsea Ballerini since her “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat” EP debuted in early 2023. Last year, she released her fifth studio album, “Patterns,” which dominated my Spotify Wrapped and elevated Ballerini’s already impeccable songwriting abilities. These two projects have a touch of magic that has gotten me through so many of the trials and tribulations that come with being a woman in her early twenties, and have set the bar for what I expect from all of Ballerini’s projects through the roof. Her newest EP, “Mount Pleasant,” was released on November 14, 2025, and includes 6 tracks. It is short and sweet, with a runtime of only 15 minutes, exploring complex feelings of envy, longing, and regret when reflecting upon one’s life path. Ballerini exposes her deepest insecurities and gets honest about comparing herself to her peers while also trying to stay rooted in who she is.  Tracklist I Sit in Parks People Pleaser Emerald City 587 The Revisionist Check On Your Friends I Sit in Parks “I Sit In Parks” is the first single from “Mount Pleasant,” and it instantly sets the stage for the rest of the album as she speaks to feeling envious of her perception of another person’s life, while also trying to find gratitude for where she is.  The song follows Ballerini as she sits in a park and watches a family at a Saturday picnic. She idealizes this scene, longing to swap places with the mother she is watching. In the same breath, Ballerini is also aware of how lucky she is to have achieved success in her career, and she wonders if the woman she is watching wants to swap places with her just as badly as she does. “I Sit In Parks” continues to follow the concept of listening to one’s body clock while pursuing other ambitions. It asks the age-old question, “Can we ever really have it all?” As a woman who does not want children, the dream of motherhood that Ballerini speaks to doesn’t resonate with me as it might with others. However, while I may not feel connected to the root of this song, I can relate to that longing of finding “the one” and wanting to build a life with them in the midst of chasing other dreams. We are all trying to “have it all,” even if that “all” looks different for each person. No matter how young or old we may be, we have all felt like we are running out of time to achieve the life we want.  People Pleaser While I may not relate to “I Sit in Parks,” I do  relate to “People Pleaser” more than I would like to admit. This track follows instances where Ballerini has abandoned her true self and her happiness to make things more palatable for others. Clocking in at only 2 minutes and 12 seconds, this song is short and straight to the point. The part that stuck out to me most in this track comes during the bridge, as Ballerini sings, “Right now I just wanna scream // but that would be dramatic of me // Right now I just want to leave // But I guess that I’ll stay, he likes me today.”  These lines instantly take me back to “Welcome Mat,” which got me through a bad relationship and subsequent breakup.  The entire song is a call out for me, but this part in particular is a gut punch to us self-aware people pleasers. Though we may be able to recognize where we are going wrong, we have to learn the lessons over and over again before we gain the strength to break the cycle.   Emerald City “Emerald City” is by far the most controversial song on this record, as it confronts the ugliness of jealousy in a relationship as Ballerini compares herself to her partner’s former lover. It is a bit of an uncomfortable listen, as the feeling of envy often is. Even the most healthy relationships can include moments of insecurity, and Ballerini admits that this is something she must overcome in herself for the relationship to progress. However, she does ask her partner to affirm their devotion to her and give her grace as she attempts to overcome this emotion. One line that listeners have especially picked up on is, “I always liked my naive innocence, ‘til I heard she got around // Now I’m green.” The toxic side of her jealousy is on full display here, and many fans have expressed disappointment at the element of slut shaming that is present. While some argue that this part was Ballerini’s way of exposing her own cattiness in the midst of envy, others argue that this line feels immature and should have stayed in the drafts. 587 “587” is a somber track that reflects upon the end of a relationship. It highlights the smallest details that only two people who meant the world to each other would know about, such as the color of his sheets and her lipstick stain on his wine glass.   It chronicles the difficulties of a long-distance relationship, as they would fly to each other with excitement, only to end up fighting as soon as they were together in person. The distance between them now is more than the 587 miles between the locations, and it is too great a distance to traverse. This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being right on the cusp of accepting that things are over, but still daring to look back just in case there is still a sliver of hope left.  The Revisionist “The Revisionist” is a simple, piano-based track that puts Ballerini’s vocals front and center. In another feat of lyrical storytelling, Ballerini reflects upon the choices she’s made in her life that she might like to go back and correct with the help of “the Revisionist.”  Beginning from childhood memories, Ballerini recalls small moments of childhood naivety, from accepting her cousin’s dare to go downhill on a skateboard and ending up with lifelong scars, to touching wet paint when her mother told her not to. The lyrics then explore deeper topics, such as Ballerini losing her virginity with a first love before she was ready. While reflecting upon that experience, she also wonders how she will tell her future daughter about it, and what wisdom she might impart. It is a brutally honest track that puts her past missteps in the spotlight, and while she has no choice but to own her past, she would still erase them if she could. This tentative acceptance mirrors the feeling from “587,” as Ballerini moves forward while still looking over her shoulder. Check On Your Friends “Check On Your Friends” is a reminder to do just that; while your loved ones may seem to have it all together on the surface, you never actually know what is going on inside. This song is a love letter to female friendship and taking care of the ones you love. It feels like the little sister of Ballerini’s tracks, “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO)” and “I Would, Would You.”  The end of “Check On Your Friends” reintroduces the melody of “I Sit In Parks,” bringing the project back full circle. While I do not feel as connected to this project as I do to “Welcome Mat” and “Patterns,” and likely won’t return to it as often, I still enjoyed Mount Pleasant. It is very sonically cohesive and explores topics that Ballerini hasn’t touched before. This EP will surely feel comforting for those in the same life stages reflected in tracks like “I Sit in Parks” and “Emerald City.” Ballerini has always had a knack for writing lyrics that listeners can project their own experiences on, and this project is no exception. Written By Tessa Brainard Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.