Interesting to consider that both damn and saltspring are my favorite song on this album! And hurt is such a strong closer. Also all the other songs are good too!
I was listening to this album again on a drive and I just think it’s great! I took three notes (by way of dictating to my Smart Watch Voice Assistant — keep your eyes on the road!!)
I have a theory that the “young adult”-ification of media also applies to contemporary songwriting (this is a qualitative descriptor not a value judgement). Very melodramatic songwriting, clear messages about young adult feelings like love and lust and figuring yourself out, etc. Very broadly culturally accessible stuff. I don’t think in broad strokes this is new but there’s a resonance to me with these qualities taking over all storytelling media. I think Helena is a complex writer and does not… More