Sunday Sounds: November 15, 2020, “Only Friend”

Posted On November 15, 2020

Samantha Colleran, November 2020

This Sunday brings “Only Friend”, one of my favorite songs by Wallows, and a song that’s been in my current rotation of songs. If you haven’t hopped on the Wallows bandwagon yet, let me introduce you to this band with the opening track of their debut 2019 album Nothing Happens. “Only Friend” is one of the most interesting songs I’ve ever listened to, mostly because it ties the whole album together, “If you were able to play the record on repeat, it’s as if it never stops. It’s like a loop, really… that you’ll go back through those thoughts; everything’s a cycle” drummer Cole Preston said in an interview prior to the album release. 

Talking about themes of isolation and losing the people, or person, closest to you, and wondering if they need you in the same ways you need them, “Only Friend” is a song that hits a little too hard right now. Especially now with the limited amounts of human interaction and being stuck at home for school, of course with the main form of communication during the day consisting of online lectures and texting close friends that are also busy with their days and may not have the time to constantly talk (“You’re signing off again/ But you’re my only friend”). The feelings of loneliness are hitting people more now than they did during the beginning of the pandemic, and this song captures those feelings perfectly. 

The song sounds nostalgic, I can’t explain it but there’s something about the guitar riff that reminds me of the past and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because if the world were normal right now this song would be associated with good times with friends despite the sad lyrics, maybe it would be added to my “songs that defined college” playlist. Who knows. Despite the nature of the song, I love how if you’re listening in tracklist order this song flows so perfectly to the following track, and I love how the guitar riff comes back for the end of the album. 

You can listen to “Only Friend” below, and let me know your thoughts on the song or even the whole album if you’re a Wallows fan!