Lizzy McAlpine: New album 'Angel' explores grief and platonic love
The fourth studio project from the singer-songwriter features 14 tracks focused on personal growth and consistent guitar work.
By Malik Salazar ·
Lizzy McAlpine has released her fourth studio album, titled “Angel.” The project focuses on themes of grief, longing, and various forms of love. The record continues the lyrical style that has defined her career to date.
McAlpine began her career posting original songs and covers on YouTube and SoundCloud. She self-released her debut album, “Give Me a Minute,” in 2020. Her second album, “Five Seconds Flat,” gained wider attention through social media, with the track “Ceilings” finding an audience.
The new record contains 14 songs. Every track runs longer than three minutes. Several pieces extend significantly beyond that baseline, including “Over Country,” “Our Strange Ways,” and “Mason’s Song.” This structure allows for a slower, more deliberate listening experience.
Guitar work anchors the album’s sound. The instrument features unique rhythms and melodies that create a calming atmosphere. In “Over Country,” the guitar pattern evokes a sense of nostalgia and distance. The song suggests a longing for loved ones who are far away.
“Mason’s Song” uses a repetitive guitar melody to mirror its lyrical theme. The track centers on a long-lasting friendship in McAlpine’s life. The consistent instrumentation over the five-minute duration symbolizes the stability of that relationship over the years.
The album also addresses romantic dynamics. The song “I Have a Friend” describes a partner who serves as both a lover and a close friend. McAlpine sings about how this dual role makes the individual special. Lyrics such as “There is no place without his love to make it home” illustrate the idea that this person brings life to all aspects of the singer’s world.
The track “Anybody’s Fool” examines the aftermath of a breakup. McAlpine sings about knowing the split was necessary while still missing the previous dynamic. The song acknowledges the freedom of no longer being emotionally invested in that specific person. The lyrics reflect the relief of removing that weight, even if the connection was enjoyable.
The production maintains a gentle folk style throughout. The musicality lacks the dynamic contrast found in earlier works like “Five Seconds Flat,” which mixed upbeat songs with ballads. This consistency creates a uniform mood across the 14 tracks.
A theme of personal growth links “Angel” to McAlpine’s previous album, “Older.” The lyrics reflect a mature outlook on life experiences. The singer uses a confessional tone to describe what she has taken away from various events. The album functions similarly to a written journal entry.
The record encourages repeated listening. Some of the emotionally heavier songs gain impact with additional plays. The production thought and lyrical detail reward listeners who return to the tracks more than once. The album presents a personal and reflective perspective on love and loss.
