This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.
Kimbra, widely known for her collaboration on the 2011 song “Somebody That I Used to Know,” is not only a talented artist, but a feminist. Her newest album “A Reckoning” was released in January 2023 and covers complex situations that many of us have faced or will face at some point in our lives. A common theme explored throughout the album is letting go of resentment towards past relationships in order to move on and heal. Through her lyrics and songwriting, Kimbra gives advice to women struggling in love and life advice to empower them to move ahead. Here is a track-by-track breakdown.
- save me – this beautiful song is about wanting to escape your feelings and surrendering your power to the Earth to become a better version of yourself. Kimbra’s soft vocals show her vulnerability, which heightens the emotions behind this track.
- replay! – noticeably different from Kimbra’s discography, this upbeat song incorporates techno elements mirroring the theme of compulsive thoughts, which Kimbra stated was intentionally chosen to portray feelings of anxiety and panic. The lyrics tell a story about replaying difficult memories of a past relationship, but Kimbra encourages facing these feelings to move past them.
- gun – this song is also different with its use of synth sounds and a unique rhythm. It’s one of my favorite tracks on A Reckoning. Kimbra wrote this song for women who have faced oppression through the corruption of society especially for new female artists in the industry. The title reflects the violence that many women face, but the message of the song is to reclaim your voice.
- the way we were – this complex track takes inspiration from 80s anthems and explores the way many people romanticize the beginning of relationships even though things have changed. She discusses the difficulties of knowing when to walk away from a situation that prevents you from growing.
- new habit – we often look for distractions after the end of a relationship which can come in the form of an intense crush. However, as she points out, returning to these old patterns is a way to avoid your feelings rather than facing them head on, which she urges you to do instead.
- GLT – this acronym stands for Girl Like That and begins with a funny yet unfortunately common voicemail from a toxic man wanting to cut things off after previously sending mixed messages. This song discusses the pressure on women to conform to traditional stereotypes, but advises you to celebrate your unique identities instead to empower yourself.
- la type – my favorite track on the album is Kimbra’s first experimentation with rap/hip-hop and features amazing verses from rappers Tommy Raps and Pink Siifu. The catchy chorus discusses the stereotypes associated with the industry and specifically LA culture. For Kimbra, who does not fit into this type, this song is all about rebellion and standing up for yourself when others want you to change for their benefit.
- foolish thinking – this song is different from the rest of the album because it is written for Kimbra’s future daughter. The lyrics are moving as they reflect Kimbra’s desires to protect her child from the world, but she realizes that this is impossible, and she must instead love and support her through hard times.
- personal space – sometimes personal space is necessary in order to grow as a person, as Kimbra points out in this track. We especially need alone time in a relationship to prevent co-dependency and “reclaim one’s selfhood.”
- i don’t want to fight – A Reckoning closes strong with this track about how anger can spiral out of control sometimes and we lose sight of what we’re fighting about in the first place. Kimbra explained that she wanted the album to finish with the message of letting go.