Lizzy McAlpine | Older Review

by Bea Willis

Lizzy McAlpine’s latest offering, Older, is a sonic exploration of the passage of time and an introspective journey into self-awareness. Beyond the album’s immediately appreciable musicality, McAlpine presents a sophisticated and noticeable evolution of emotional and intellectual growth that rewards deeper listening.

In Older, McAlpine sings about experiences; she even philosophizes them. The track “You Forced Me To” is a poignant critique of compulsion and free will within personal relationships. Her lyrics turn what could be a simple lament into a profound questioning of autonomy and manipulation. The subtle string arrangements and her vulnerable vocal delivery amplify these themes’ existential weight, making it a song and a meditation.

The orchestration throughout the album deserves a particular mention. For instance, “Like It Tends To Do” uses a minimalist piano motif that reflects the inevitable, often unnoticed, drift of relationships and life itself. The simplicity of the arrangement invites listeners to reflect on the spaces between the notes, the unsaid words, and the roads not taken. This track, among others, showcases McAlpine’s ability to use silence as a powerful narrative tool.

Another standout is the song “March.” Here, McAlpine uses the metaphor of relentlessly and sometimes mechanically marching as a symbol for progress and monotony. The military snare drum in the background juxtaposes sharply with the lyrical content that speaks to an almost Sisyphean struggle with personal growth. It’s in this blend of the mundane and the existential where McAlpine’s songwriting truly shines, asking the listener to find meaning in repetition.

The album culminates with “Vortex,” which aptly encapsulates introspection and memory’s swirling, often disorienting nature. The song’s structure—circular and repeating melodies, crescendoing to a seemingly unresolved climax—mirrors the lyrical themes of cyclical thoughts and the incessant search for clarity in chaos.

In Older, McAlpine shows a new dimension as a songwriter, having evolved into a philosopher of the modern age, using her music as a vehicle to explore and question the human condition. It’s a significant work that challenges and enchants, leaving us eager to hear how her philosophical and musical explorations will evolve in future projects. McAlpine continues redefining what it means to be a contemporary songwriter, each being a chapter in a grander narrative on the human experience.

Older

Release Date: April 5, 2024

Label: Indigo Blue/RCA Record

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.