These 5 singles all have differing sounds, but what ties them together is that the lyricism is well-developed. It follows four original tracks and ends with one cover that uses musicality to completely change the vibe. With a range of hyperpop, country, punk rock, and more, there’s sure to be something in your range!
Manic Year – Music
‘Music’ is another great example of Manic Year’s quirky musical style that takes on a hyperpop basis with some hip hop influences. The opening robotic spoken sample pokes fun at the idea of internet fame and its glorification as a musician. Also, the beepy synths in the instrumentation sound almost like they’re out of a video game, and the energy rises and flows in an entrancing way. The main vocals have an electronic production and seem to bounce between spoken word and more melodic moments. Lyrically, it explores nostalgia, reminiscence, change, a want to make music, and a want to get to somewhere new.
chloe florence – Log Off
‘Log Off’ is a calming, atmospheric indie pop track with soul-filled vocals and electronic instrumentation. The vocals in this track are astounding. They’re soft and almost whispered, but the production allows them to take the forefront in power so that their full tonality range can truly pop. There’s almost a pulsating sound to some of the synths, and they float around the stereo for an experience with depth. Additionally, the percussion rests softly in the mix to give great rhythm while letting the other aspects of the music to stand out. Lyrically, this track gets into the need to get off the internet for a while. It’s about experiencing the moment for what it is while doing so naturally.
Karly C – You’ve Seen Heaven
‘You’ve Seen Heaven’ is an emotional country ballad that was created to recognize and remember the life of Karly’s late aunt. The vocals in this track give a deep emotional touch as the lyrics explore memories had and memories that could have been had moving forward. It’s deep and emotional, but the full band sound breathes life into the piece. In general, this piece takes grief and makes beautiful art that anyone who’s been through loss can hopefully find solace in. Musically, the full band sound in it is a perfect backdrop for the dynamics in the vocals and how they ebb and flow to the feelings portrayed.
Matilda Grace – Not Your Ex yet …
‘Not Your Ex yet …’ starts with sweet and soft piano with vocal “ahh”’s matching a gorgeous soft vibe. So, when the bass and fuller vocals punch in, it hits even harder. This track has a bit of a pop punk twang with a more pop-centric basis, and the vocal jump between punchy and more softly melodic is great. The instrumentation focuses mostly on the bass, and with little instrumentation at moments, it keeps a great bounce that becomes even more powerful in the chorus. The lyrics explore being in a relationship with someone who was bad to past lovers, though the signs were ignored. However, the narrator is expressing an awareness of toxicity while feeling undermined by the other party.
Jack Horton – Operator (Jim Croce Cover)
Jack Horton’s rendition of ‘Operator’ does the original justice by taking its warm acoustic sound and turning it into more of a piano ballad. The piano instrumental basis serves the track well, as strings and soft percussion slowly build around it for a sound that fills out over time. Additionally, Horton’s raspy baritone vocals are delivered with a lot of emotion and dynamics. Then, the production allows everything to stand out as crisp. This is a cover that proves that an entire song can be evolved by changing its instrumentation and vocal style.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Andrew Hawkes
