By Eves Lynch
Do you ever feel nostalgic for those slow dances at high school proms in early 2000s movies? You know, the kind where everyone awkwardly sways to a love ballad while trying to figure out if they should go for a hug or a handhold? If you’re a fan of the dreamy, synth-filled pop of the late ’80s and early ’90s, brimming with both romance and the ache of heartbreak, then Smitten is the album for you.
Pale Waves has evolved significantly since the release of their debut album, My Mind Makes Noises. The band has explored various musical styles, with their most recent album, Unwanted, showcasing a gritty pop-punk sound. Now, they are transitioning into an alt-pop style heavily influenced by the ‘80s and ‘90s, drawing inspiration from artists like The Cure and The Cranberries.
Smitten captures the highs and lows of queer love, with lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie using her own experiences and her diary as inspiration for the album. Whether it’s the bittersweet heartache of ‘Glasgow’ where she explores the emotional tug-of-war between euphoria and sadness, or the raw vulnerability and infectious energy of ‘Perfume,’ the album fluctuates between giddy romanticism and deep reflections of love and loss.
Pale Waves have discovered an authentic and cohesive sound with Smitten, allowing their musical identity to shine through. The production is rich with shimmering synths and infectious guitar riffs, which create an inviting atmosphere throughout their tracks. Standout songs like ‘Thinking About You’ and ‘Miss America’ exemplify this captivating style. ‘Gravity’ strikes a remarkable balance between catchy pop elements and deeper, more emotionally charged lyrics. This song delves into the complexities of love and desire, offering a nuanced exploration of these universal themes. Baron-Gracie’s vocal delivery is noteworthy; it beautifully combines raw emotion with a delicate touch, enhancing the impact of the song’s message. Her voice carries the weight of the lyrics, drawing listeners into the intimate and often loud world of romantic daydreams that she masterfully crafts. This blend of sound and sentiment invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences with love and attraction, making Pale Waves’ music both relatable and enchanting.
Pale Waves are entering a new era, with their sound evolving as they discover their true musical style. I look forward to seeing what the Manchester band has to offer in the coming years. Much like Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Freddie Mercury, Pale Waves are becoming the queer icons of their generation. They provide a voice for LGBTQ+ youth around the world, whether it’s through Baron-Gracie’s shared experiences of queer love or Ciara Brown, their openly transgender drummer, navigating the music industry as an openly transgender man. Queer visibility is crucial, and being a voice for young queer people is essential. In addition to their musical excellence, this album creates a safe space for queer youth to express themselves.
There is much to enjoy on this album, specifically the story telling aspect of each song. It gives me a sense of nostalgia, almost reminiscent of the early 2000 music I grew up listening to – The Cranberries, The Cure, Florence and The Machine. I was fortunate enough to see them in Sheffield a few months ago when they were touring this album. It was interesting to see how these songs sounded live, because sometimes they can sound completely different. But it was refreshing to see that the songs were just as good, if not better, live.
I recommend this album 100%. Pale Waves did right to leave their pop punk days behind and although the punk era was good, it’s time for the band to discover their own sound. They are certainly doing that with Smitten.
