By Danica Ward
Staff Writer
Oct. 23, 2020. Five years ago during the height of the pandemic. It was a time when solemnity and loneliness plagued the lives of many. But for Adrianne Lenker, frontwoman for indie folk band Big Thief, it was a time of reflection and appreciation for life.
“songs,” Lenker’s sixth solo LP release, acts as an antidote for all of the world’s ailments. With an 11-song tracklist, produced by record label 4AD, Lenker proves that music really does heal all.
Recorded in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the album has a raw, demo-esque quality that makes it feel like you’re lounging in a chair listening to your friend play the guitar. Tracks like “come” and “not a lot, just forever” were recorded on a portable walkman cassette, and “my angel” starts with a two-minute long guitar interlude, highlighting even more the informal sound quality of the album.
“songs” feels like a hug, in the simplest terms. Not only is Lenker’s guitar playing completely masterful, but it evokes such strong emotions that seem to melt away pain. Though tracks like “forwards beckon rebound” have been social media-fied, appearing in the background of various video edits across platforms, the album still seems niche and hidden, just like the cabin that it was recorded in.
In addition to the gentle but powerful acoustic guitar, the tracks are supplemented with rain sounds, creaking floorboards, wind chimes and even ad-lib from Lenker herself.
The messages of “songs” seem to have transcended time, resonating just as well now as they did when first released. “anything,” as an example, perfectly highlights the complex emotions that the album encapsulates. Lenker sings to a past love, asking “Weren’t we the stars in Heaven? / Weren’t we the salt in the sea?” and explaining, “I was scared, Indigo / But I wanted to.”
Motifs of tumultuous relationships, childhood memories and tinted nostalgia permeate throughout the tracklist. “half return” is a personal favorite, with the lyrics. Lenker writes, “Standing in the yard, dressed like a kid / The house is white and the lawn is dead.” The repetitive nature of the guitar throughout the song almost ramps up these bottled emotions, and Lenker beautifully symbolizes the loss of childhood innocence or happiness that is a canon event for every person.
In an interview with the magazine Loud And Quiet, she stated, “I almost feel like I’m trying to describe this same thing that I’ve had since I was like, eight.”
Another favorite of mine is “come.” The song starts with only the sound of rain falling down the windows and puddling on the floor. The guitar strums in carefully with a long instrumental intro. Of course the lyrics are yearning and solemn, but the chords Lenker uses along with the ambient sounds are really what make the song special.
One of the most popular songs off the album is “not a lot, just forever.” Lenker repeats the titular phrase, adding on “intertwined, sewn together.” The melody is tentative, and invites the listener to lay back and reflect.
Overall, “songs” is really the perfect album to play during any moment of negative feeling. Whether it’s laying in bed in the dark, sitting outside in nature, or listening while going through family photos, Lenker’s “songs” continue to provide a safe haven for natural reflection and communal longing.
