Lizzy McAlphine Has Grown Up

TikTok viral sensation McAlpine McAlpine offers us all a lesson on navigating life. Her new video for Older — a short film to accompany the songs from “Five Seconds Flat” — shows just that.

She now prioritizes vocals and storytelling over industry-specific fame; yet has not lost touch with how to reach her audience.

Lyrics

As a child, nothing made my day better than hearing someone tell me they loved me – it was always such a satisfying and comforting feeling inside! Here’s Lizzy’s version of those first love feelings – she makes you melt!

This track explores the complexity of self-blame when involved in an abusive or toxic relationship, where logically it wasn’t your fault yet guilt still remains present. Many can relate to this dualistic reality – making this track an impactful representation of toxic relationships.

McAlphine’s third album, Older, features this catchy tune as its most beloved offering. A confessional record filled with wandering folk melodies and soft vocal harmonies, its appeal grows upon repeated listens. Released April 5th 2024 and her major-label debut.

Music

Lizzy McAlphine rose to fame via TikTok through her song, “Ceilings”, but has since expanded her musical horizons. Her 2024 album Older showcases a more reflective side, reflecting upon a romantic relationship in ornate chamber pop bildungsroman fashion.

There’s no mistaking the authenticity behind the record, with songs like the Americana-influenced “I Guess” and cinematic strings on “Drunk Running.” Despite her meteoric rise to fame, Berklee School of Music alumni Emily Warren managed to remain grounded while creating this album and avoid the trappings associated with Gen Z viral hits.

McAlphine still boasts an audience that includes young listeners; however, this album will resonate with older listeners too. Her dusky yet emotive vocals pair perfectly with songwriting that explores vulnerable lyricism while drawing upon baroque pop. As such, the result is an album which tackles mortality, love and relationships as well as other universal topics which everyone can relate to.

Video

On May 1st evening at Fenway Park’s pregame chaos, girls dressed in floral maxi skirts and leather jackets could be seen waiting patiently to enter Boston’s House of Blues so they could see McAlpine live.

McAlpine has become an instantaneous household name due to the success of her viral TikTok hit, the sped-up version of “Ceilings.” But she has not allowed it to change her creative direction or aesthetic in any way.

McAlpine layers her intimate indie-folk style on Older with widescreen instrumentation to stunning effect, from its confessional vibes and soft Americana touches like “I Guess” or cinematic strings in “Broken Glass,” creating an album which shines with authenticity that never more clearly than in its lyrics. Older is an irresistibly lush offering which unafraidly expands beyond genre boundaries that once defined McAlpine.

Tour

Lizzy McAlphine first made an impactful first impression through TikTok and virality of her songs, eventually touring with Dodie, appearing on Jimmy Fallon and Ellen, as well as working alongside Phoebe Bridgers, Jacob Collier and Finneas.

But she has managed to remain grounded despite her rapid ascension to stardom. On her sold-out tour, Five Seconds Flat will take fans into her intimate creative space that inspired its creation.

McAlphine’s strategy works, as her crowd of thousands sways unison and recites back her lyrics with all the energy of a school choir. It is proof of how powerful McAlphine’s music can be when she allows her authentic songwriting to shine; such an openness translates into an engaging performance which leaves listeners with feelings of growth and maturity – “Older” specifically providing an apt thematic focus of growth and maturity.