Lizzy McAlpine releases 'Angel': A fourteen-track exploration of grief and friendship
The folk artist's fourth studio album features extended compositions and lyrics that focus on the maturity of personal relationships.
By Tariq Carter ·
Lizzy McAlpine has released her fourth studio album, titled 'Angel.' The record contains fourteen tracks that examine themes of grief, longing, and the intersection of romantic and platonic love. The project follows her previous work, 'Older,' and continues her focus on personal growth and lyrical reflection.
McAlpine began her career posting original songs and covers on YouTube and SoundCloud. She self-released her first album, 'Give Me a Minute,' in 2020. Her second album, 'Five Seconds Flat,' gained attention through social media, particularly with the track 'Ceilings.' Singles such as 'Pushing it Down and Praying' and 'Spring into Summer' further expanded her audience.
The new record maintains the profound lyricism and vocal range associated with McAlpine's earlier work. The instrumental elements feature unique guitar rhythms and melodies that create a calming atmosphere. The track 'Over Country' uses a nostalgic guitar pattern to evoke a sense of longing for loved ones located far away.
'Mason's Song' centers on a long-lasting friendship in McAlpine's life. The song runs for five minutes and features a repetitive guitar melody that symbolizes the consistency of that friendship over the years. In 'I Have a Friend,' McAlpine describes a healthy partnership where the other person serves as both a lover and a close friend. The lyrics emphasize how this dual dynamic brings life to every aspect of her experience, noting that there is no place without his love to make it home.
The track 'Anybody's Fool' explores the aftermath of a romantic breakup. McAlpine sings about knowing the separation was for the best while acknowledging that the feeling of wishing for the previous dynamic lingers. The song highlights the security and freedom found in no longer being emotionally invested in a partner. The lyrics suggest that the weight of high emotional investment can be exhausting, and its removal brings relief.
The album's production involves extended compositions. All fourteen songs last at least three minutes, with longer pieces including 'Over Country,' 'Our Strange Ways,' and 'Mason's Song.' The consistent gentle folk patterns and calm melodies define the record's sound. This approach contrasts with her previous album, 'Five Seconds Flat,' which displayed a wider dynamic range of upbeat and ballad-like songs.
A consistent theme across 'Angel' and 'Older' is the sense of individual growth. McAlpine's storytelling style resembles journal entries, detailing what she has taken away from her experiences. Her ability to reflect on both positive and negative events creates a personal and haunting quality to the music. The intertwining of guitar patterns, confessional vocals, and reflective words results in a mature outlook on life's ups and downs.
The album is structured for repeated listening. The emotionally heavier songs often reveal new layers with additional plays. The production choices and lyrical content invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and experiences. McAlpine's artistry continues to focus on appreciating the full spectrum of human emotion through a mature lens.
Source: The Miami Hurricane
