WILLOW Effortlessly Takes On A Punk Vibe On Her New Album ‘lately I feel EVERYTHING’
Samantha Colleran, July 2021
WILLOW has been in the music industry for a really long time. At nine years old I was headbanging like my life depended on it to her debut single “Whip My Hair”, and about eleven years later I’m still headbanging to WILLOW, but this time it’s to her new album lately I feel EVERYTHING, her official dive into the world of pop punk. After hearing the official lead single “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l”, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to hear more. lately I feel EVERYTHING dropped on Friday, July 16, and I haven’t been able to turn it off since then.
Of course with features from pop punk legends Travis Barker and Avril Lavigne, this album was bound to be incredible. However, in 26 minutes, WILLOW proves that she’s a leading force in the resurgence of one of the greatest genres ever despite following a more R&B style over her previous three albums. WILLOW cites her inspirations like Paramore, My Chemical Romance, and her own mother’s heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom (check out WILLOW’s cover of their track “Bleed All Over Me”). Although she doesn’t completely follow in their footsteps; she puts her own spin on the beloved pop punk sound and you’ll find it hard to 1) turn off this album and 2) choose a favorite track.
With a heavy focus on guitars (WILLOW is an excellent guitar player) and of course the sprinkling of Travis Barker’s easy to recognize drumming style, you’re launched into the inner workings of WILLOW’s mind. From the more serious tracks like “don’t SAVE ME” and “naïve” with open discussions of mental health and anxiety, to the more lighthearted moments such as the 30 second interlude “F**K You”, we see how complex and all around stellar WILLOW’s music truly is. I genuinely think this is one of the best pop punk albums I’ve heard in a while, and it’s easily one of the best releases of 2021.
Sam’s Song Selection
This was genuinely so hard to choose. I’m still not sure if I’m set on this top three, but for now…
1. “don’t SAVE ME”: As someone who often struggled with asking for help in the past (I still do, but I think I’ve gotten a little better), I could definitely relate to the whole “Gotta fight my own battles to get stronger” mentality WILLOW sings about. I also love the instrumentals on this track.
2. “G RO W” (ft. Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker): I love songs that are about healing, but the fact this song talks about the process of growing and healing is something so different and I love how WILLOW’s voice sounds a lot more happy on this track. Avril is also a badass and by default, that makes this song badass.
3. “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” (ft. Travis Barker): Call me basic, but I have not been able to get this song out of my head since it first came out. There’s something about it that’s so captivating; is it the guitar? Is it how cool and effortless WILLOW sounds? Whatever it is, it’s addicting and I need WILLOW to stay on this rock kick for a while because it suits her so well.
You can stream lately I feel EVERYTHING on Apple Music, Spotify, or any other streaming service! If you’re like me and haven’t been able to stop listening to this album, let me know your favorite tracks in the comments! If you haven’t listened to this album yet, what are you still doing here?
Can’t wait to check it out!
It’s short but so well put together, I love it!!