Lizzy McAlphine is known for writing lyrics with emotive yet thought-provoking words. She used this talent when directing the short film accompanying her sophomore album five seconds flat.
She carefully chose 14 songs that reflect the turbulent nature of a relationship breakup and explore different aspects of it in each song.
McAlpine’s acoustic instrumentation–accompanied by melodious woodwind and string harmonies–delivers an emotional honesty missing in her previous works. While before, her lyrics seemed forced and inauthentic; now, it feels genuine and authentic to her own experiences.
The song centers around its protagonist’s inability to control her emotions and sense of emptiness, leading her to describe herself as “just a shell” due to toxic relationship behaviors. Finally, she ends by yearning to become more whole versions of herself while lamenting why people can be so cruel.
McAlpine’s storytelling pulls you in until the unexpectedly gripping twist ending, captivatingly conveying relatable emotions through her unique dark approach. This track serves as an excellent preview to McAlpine’s album‘s overall sound; unlike “Ceilings”, its songs cover themes like emotional violence, stagnant relationships and grief giving listeners a deeper insight into her past experiences as told through McAlpine herself.
Lizzy McAlphine enters an almost daydream-like state on “Ceilings,” her acoustic guitar-backed ballad about love. As she contemplates all the moments that make life worth living – from sitting beneath plaster ceilings together, to simply being raindrops on one another’s skin; Lizzy makes everyday activities seem extraordinary as she describes how good it feels being with them.
She expresses the internal conflict of wanting to express herself but fearing it might break apart the moment they’re currently experiencing. With its relatable lyrics and heartbreaking content, you’re sure to be moved enough by it to shed a few tears of your own while listening.
Lizzy has quickly gained notoriety through collaborations with Noah Kahan and FINNEAS as well as the release of her short film. A third album by Lizzy will hit shelves sometime around 2024; we can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us next.
Lizzy’s gentle vocals traverse new melodic territory during “Pancakes at Dinner Time”, while her band provides an intricate musical backdrop that captures the feeling of an uncertain romance. This track is both beautiful and emotive – perfect for reflecting how hard relationships can be to maintain.
Lizzy McAlphine forges her own path as an artist, forgoing commercial concerns in favor of simply being herself. Her haunting music speaks volumes about raw emotion rooted in personal experience; Lizzy represents authenticity can be found even in seemingly ordinary circumstances. “Drunk Running” captures this feeling of discovery most effectively; its bittersweet lyrics touch upon dependency, memory and alcoholism in one of her latest albums, Older. No doubt the bucolic home-movie styled lyric video for “Relationship Breaker” has garnered so many views online; almost everyone can relate to its message of trying to escape something that’s harming you while trying to maintain appearances for those close to you.
McAlphine’s folk-pop songs, punctuated with strings and soothing acoustic guitar accompaniment, elucidate the complexity of human emotion. Her third album Older released on April 5 is an engaging journey through its ups and downs.
McAlphine had to come to grips with commercial success at some point during her three years writing and rediscovering herself as an artist for “Older”, yet eventually realized its lack of importance to her. Although difficult, she decided against succumbing to quick musical virality which has eluded so many modern artists.
McAlphine’s lyrics convey raw and unfiltered emotions in “Ceilings,” while her soothing vocals bring an element of vulnerability and empathy – making this album well worth repeated listens in today’s age of fast-paced, disposable music.