by TISH MELTON
Alternative singer-songwriter Faye Webster’s fifth studio album is a 40-minute almost equal combination of lyricism and musicality. Her often short-lived lyrical moments remain reserved and repetitive, but somehow still effective as her love for funky instrumentals and intense dynamics becomes more and more evident.
Thinking About You
The album’s opening track is satisfying and soft; following groovy rhythm guitar, Webster leaves room to breathe with plenty of instrumental breaks in between her confessional verses.
(“I’m asleep in the moment you’re holding my head / but I want you now, you’re asleep when you’re dead.”)
Although Webster’s repetitive lyrics make it abundantly clear where her headspace is (“I’m thinking about you / I’m thinking about / thinking about you”), the oftentimes vague lyricism of the verses leave the listener wondering–to put it plainly–what in the world she is trying to say.
Despite this small flaw, this six-minute track sets the tone for the rest of the album.
Webster is back with a new spark in her musicality and use of instrumentation to pair with her vulnerable lyrics.
But Not Kiss
In an immediate departure from the previous, more reserved track, Webster starts this track in an almost angry tone.
(“I want to sleep in your arms / but not kiss / I long for your touch / but don’t miss.”)
As she discusses her frustrations with seemingly paradoxical words, Webster relays the idea that she wishes she could get back to the physical intimacy and comfort of her past relationship without the chance of getting hurt again.
At the end of the song, she surrenders to the fact that things will never be the same, while still extending a hand if this person ever wants to come back into her life.
(“I hope you’re okay but I won’t ask / If you’re in a good place, I won’t mess with that / but I’m here when you need, I always have.”)
Lego Ring (featuring Lil Yachty)
With muddy electric guitar and a feature from a popular rap artist, this track has to be the most unusual on the record.
Webster takes lead vocals from the beginning, with Lil Yachty’s infamous autotuned ad libs creeping in from behind the whole song. Webster sings about wanting back into her seemingly destructive relationship, claiming she won’t end up hurt. (“I want a Lego ring / I won’t hurt my finger.”)
Yachty seems to be singing back to her, egging on her promise that getting back into a relationship is a good idea. (“Always together like string beans / your left hand up in every pic / cause your Lego ring is sick.”)
With this track, Webster remains herself, emphasizing her love for unusual dynamics even more. The tempo alternates between slow, steady rhythms to fast, sporadic melodies until the song comes to a complete stop two minutes later.
The Mainsheet 