Pale Waves, the indie-rock band from Manchester, has recently released their fourth studio album titled “Smitten.” This new album marks a significant shift in their musical style, moving away from the intense, gritty guitar work and defiant themes of their 2022 album “Unwanted.” Instead, “Smitten” showcases a cleaner alternative pop sound with lyrics that delve into nostalgia and the complex dynamics of young love.
Heather Baron-Gracie, the band’s lead singer, shares her personal connection to the album’s central themes. She explains, “When I fall in love, I fall deeply, and it’s fascinating how someone can go from being your everything to a complete stranger.” This introspection not only highlights the emotional depth of the album but also reflects the band’s growth and self-exploration through their music.
“Smitten” demonstrates Pale Waves’ versatility and their knack for engaging with new styles of musical expression while staying true to the emotional essence that has always been at the heart of their work. The album is set to captivate its audience, inviting them into a reflective, youthful world.
The album’s leading single, ‘Glasgow,’ holds a special place for Baron-Gracie, who considers it her favorite. She describes it as a poignant reflection on the necessity of ending a relationship that no longer benefits those involved. “It’s a song that both breaks my heart and fills me with euphoria,” she says, capturing the dual emotions that permeate the album and create a nostalgic, coming-of-age vibe.
Following ‘Glasgow‘ is ‘Not a Love Song,’ starting with muted guitar synths and a crisp snare drum snap. The lyrics use anaphora effectively, with lines like “I’ll be your sweet disposition that you wanted so bad / I’ll be the reason that your father gets so f*cking mad,” adding a playfully bitter tone. A haunting guitar melody plays throughout, emphasizing the theme of heartbreak with the repeated line, “This is not a love song, we don’t end up together.”
Another track, ‘Gravity’, starts as a bubbly ode to infatuation but reveals deeper layers of unrequited love, particularly in lines like “couldn’t let her know she’s all I think about / she loves Jesus, so that always stopped us.” The song ‘Thinking About You‘ slows down the tempo and features layered harmonies reminiscent of early Girl in Red and The Cranberries, with Baron-Gracie asking, “Tell me, tell me, do you remember? Did the feelings linger?”
The fifth track, ‘Perfume‘, draws from The Cranberries and The Cure, creating an 80s-inspired song that explores intense infatuation with lyrics like “My mother says that when I want something I never let go / Call me obsessed but I don’t mind just as long as it’s all mine.” This song reflects the album’s deep dive into the highs and lows of young queer relationships, marked by passion and resilience.
‘Last Train Home’ serves as the centrepiece of the album, unfolding as a slow-building track that culminates in a powerful crescendo towards the end. This song stands out as a refreshing departure for the band, highlighting their ability to embrace a broader range of styles and demonstrating a greater level of versatility.
In ‘Kiss Me Again,’ the band explores the dynamics of a casual but intensely joyful relationship. Lyrics like “call it pathetic or poetic” and “want attention and your touch, oh let’s not think too much,” capture the essence of this fleeting romance. Baron-Gracie’s delivery of the chorus, “It’s going nowhere!”, contrasts her words with a jubilant vocal tone, highlighting the transient joy of the relationship.
The song ‘Miss America‘ beautifully showcases the candidness that defines its lyrics. In this track, Baron-Gracie opens up about her present romantic relationship, expressing her gratitude and deep appreciation for her partner. Her language is direct and unembellished, which lends a heartfelt and genuine quality to her expressions of love and affection. The simplicity of the words enhances the sincerity of the sentiment, making it a profoundly pure and beautiful emotional declaration.
As the album nears its end, ‘Seeing Stars‘ brings a warm, nostalgic feel, with Baron-Gracie expressing awe in the line, “She hit me so hard I was seeing stars.” The final track, “Slow,” poses the question, “Am I dreaming?” This song creates an ethereal atmosphere with fading guitars and lingering vocals, encapsulating the album’s themes of love, dreams, and emotional complexity.
“Smitten” is a charming collection of songs that, while cohesive and atmospheric, could benefit from slightly more variety. Nevertheless, the album transitions smoothly, offering a distinctive, dreamy sound that effectively resonates with listeners, leaving them immersed in a reflective, enchanting musical journey.
This is an album that should be in everyone’s ones record collection
Review by Karen Edmond
