Maggie Rogers Is Healing Herself (And The World) On ‘Surrender’

Posted On August 2, 2022

Samantha Colleran, August 2022

I had very high expectations for Maggie Rogers’ newest album, Surrender. Coming fresh out of Harvard and a (kind of) post pandemic world with a new perspective on life, Maggie was ready to dazzle the world with a new sound and deeper lyrics than ever before. With the release of the first single, “That’s Where I Am”, it was evident that Maggie was stepping into a new light. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for the journey of listening to this album, so I’ll walk you through it. 

Maggie has described this album as “feral joy”, and it’s the best way to describe every emotion you feel when listening. You know you’re in for a real treat when “Overdrive” kicks in, the album’s stellar opener. It’s evident from the jump that Maggie is getting more personal, sharing more of herself with the world. “I’m tearing at the seams, can’t believe that it’s gotta be this hard/ You told me that I was all you could see, but you kept me in the dark”. 

“That’s Where I Am” follows, and we feel a sense of hope. Inspired by 10 Things I Hate About You, Maggie shares a love story she’d been holding onto for a while, and it came together in a ten minute burst of inspiration similar to “Alaska” from her debut album, Heard It In A Past Life. It’s a reminder that everything will work out the way it’s meant to, even if in the moment things seem to be going against you. One of the most powerful lyrics on the album is contained in the second pre-chorus of this song, “You never touched me, but I felt you everywhere”. “Want Want” follows a similar hopeful suit and highlights the importance of giving into pleasure. It’s knowing exactly what you want and no longer running away from your desires. 

“Anywhere With You” is one of those songs that truly fills your entire body, it rings in your chest and fills your entire heart with an indescribable feeling. It’s feeling so much love for someone and wanting to give everything to and for them. You’ll feel the bridge run through your veins as the instruments swell and Maggie’s voice shakes with emotion. Written and recorded in one take, “Horses” is a song about coming to terms with what you truly need in life; surrendering , much like “Want Want”. “Be Cool” is about the friends that kept Maggie sane during the pandemic. As long as you have the anchor of friendship to ground you in life, everything will be okay. Whether you need a summer to be a teenager, a night of Britney rattling your speakers, or some time to feel that invincible feeling most young people have where they feel unstoppable, it’s alright as long as you have friends to save you from yourself and wrap you up in love. 

“Shatter” is another song you feel in your entire body. It’s hopeful and desperate at the same time; there’s a slight change in the world, and the uncertainty of it all builds up in the bridge as Maggie belts out “I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared”. The instrumentals are reminiscent of a different time, being young and flying like you won’t ever collapse. It’s a strong moment on the record, and a total shift from anything Maggie has ever done. If I were to recommend any song for a first time Maggie listener, this would be my suggestion. 

“Begging For Rain” is a quieter moment on the record which calls for a pause on life. Sometimes when the world gets a little too much, all you can do is beg for a lull in the chaos, a moment to simply exist without any worries. Following this beautiful track is the song that completely shattered me, “I’ve Got A Friend”. My first time listening to this album top to bottom I felt myself teetering on the edge of crying my heart out, but kept it together. “I’ve Got A Friend” broke the dam and I was a goner. I still can’t listen to it without weeping. It’s a simple little number about friendship, and it reminded me of my best friend, Jonathan, who has been with me through it all. I’m filling up simply while writing this, but this song is a reminder of the little things that make a friendship and the details of a person you’ve come to know inside and out. I don’t think there will ever be a time in my life I listen to this song and finish it with a dry eye, and I can’t wait for Maggie to tour in North America so I can experience this song live. 

“Honey” is a guitar driven track with heavy drums that’ll rattle your bones and keep you on your toes. It’s a little spiritual, questioning why we’re here, our purposes, and what happens when we’ve passed on. “Oh, I believe we’ve all been here before/ That time’s a memory and it’s an open door/ But tell me what happens when you’re on the other side/ Is there a party somewhere? Or is it a fucking riot?” Maggie sings on the second verse. 

“Symphony” is a mystical track that kicks in right before our closing track, and it’s one of the tracks that’s a bit more Heard It In A Past Life sounding. It’s airy instrumentally with gorgeous lyrics about being grounded in the moment with someone you care about. “Different Kind Of World” is the most beautiful way to close out the album. It’s a song for peace, for trekking on with new friends and carrying on while the world is in a weird place. Becoming a Grammy nominated artist, touring the world, coming off of that high only to be forced into lockdown for an indefinite amount of time, and getting a degree at Harvard, Maggie has grown so much as an artist and a person, she’s a different girl. Although simple in its delivery, “Different Kind Of World” carries a lot of weight lyrically, it’ll leave your heart feeling healed and your cheeks covered with tears. Trek on, remember the people and the relationships you hold close to your heart, and surrender to every desire you have. 

This album has already become one of my favorite 2022 releases. Writing about this album is truly special; Heard It In A Past Life plays a significant role in the start of this blog, so getting to share my thoughts about Surrender on here a couple of years after writing a series of papers for a college course has felt like such a full circle moment. Maggie, thank you so much for this album. It’s already so special. I can’t wait to make endless memories with these songs. 

Did you think I would leave you without my top three tracks?

Sam’s Song Selection

1. “Shatter”: This is one of the most perfect songs I’ve ever heard. The vocals are raw, the chorus is beyond catchy, the instrumentation is reminiscent of so many songs I love so much, the buildup of the bridge hits your chest and spreads through your entire body. I can’t wait to scream this at the top of my lungs when Maggie tours. 
2. “I’ve Got A Friend”: Any song that can evoke an emotional reaction is one that has to make my list. This song is a perfect reminder of the little things about friendships that make them special, and there aren’t many songs like this one out in the world. 
3. “Honey”: After my first couple of listens, “Different Kind Of World” was in my top three, but “Honey” has taken over quickly. The instruments are so perfectly orchestrated, the lyrics are deep and powerful, it shows a new side of Maggie and I adore it. 

If you’ve listened to Surrender, let me know your favorite tracks! If you haven’t listened yet, why are you still reading this post and not running to your favorite streaming service to listen to this album top to bottom?