Written by Davis McClure
Lizzy McAlpine is back and… healed?
The ‘Pushing it Down and Praying’ star returns with a new perspective on love, life, and peaches in fourth studio album, ‘Angel’.
The beginning of the Angel era started when the first single “The light in the painting”, dropped in July.
“If somewhere there is a heaven, this is as close as I will get.”
In the track, McAlpine explores love in a secure light, which may come as a shock to those who were bumping her last album, “Older (and Wiser)”, which was filled with anxious-avoidant anthems like “Vortex”.
The single proceeded with the antithetical “Ugly things”, which soundtracks the window watching of a breakup. Watching someone you thought you knew act in ways that make you question their true colors; but ultimately hoping they come back anyway.
“All thе ugly things will come back around.
Wish they made mе not love you.”
Throughout the album, McAlpine sings of love in all of its complicated forms. Newfound, lost, imaginary, she covers it all. If you’re looking for a cozy track to cuddle up with, “Mason’s song” won’t disappoint.
Finally able to think about your ex without crying? Give “Two elevens” a ring.
“There was love once, there was fire
We had something, that’s all that matters”
If you’re not quite there yet, you might want to get “A car wash and a new pair of pants.”
“You wanted my name to be yours
But you hate that they’re all saying something
Now that you are not mine anymore.”
If you experience a little deja-vu when listening, you’re not crazy. McAlpine revealed on the “Switched on Pop” podcast that she “accidentally wrote a Nick Drake song.”
That song is “One Of These Things First.” Mcalpine said her label eventually decided the songs were too close, so she reached out to Nick Drake’s estate. Drake is now credited as a composer and writer on the track.
In “Peach”, McAlpine finds her free will in the kitchen, letting a peach spoil her supper. Near the bridge, there’s a feeling of catharsis, as McAlpine repeats the same simple sentiments, almost as if you’re listening to her come to this realization in real time. The song contrasts her very human experience of eating a peach to her boyfriend touring the country playing a show in Ohio. The track shows McAlpine’s relationship to fame and the autonomy she has gained through making her art.
For the sweetest sentiment to ever song, tune into “Over country.” McAlpine sings of long distance love as something that stretches over and covers the land between. Listening feels like a toasty campfire and a break from the smoke following you.
“Someone loves me, over country, over hills and dams
Over fires, over wild horses in the sand
Someone loves me over what he does not understand.”
Per tradition, every 13th track on a McAlpine record serves as a nod to her late father.
In “The Crowd”, she sings of her childhood memories fading, and living to make her dad proud.
“Everything I do, I do so I can make you proud.
Everything I do, I make it big so you can hear the crowd.”
The chorus serves as not only a nod, but also a mantra to the singer’s relationship with creating art.
And finally, in title track Angel, Mcalpine sings of a love she’s always waited for. One that makes her feel all of her senses. One that wouldn’t lead her to write “Staying.” This love feels more than just human, but supernatural.
“Angel from another world holding me
Traveling a distant star, home and free
I have always been here waiting
Just to be your lover.”
Overall, Mcalpine made a record to snuggle up to, something I never expected. But like most of her discography, I recommend headphones, a cup of coffee, and a brief convo with your ex.
Rating: 4.5/5
Current Favorites: The Crowd, Over country, Two elevens.