Nessa Barrett released her debut studio album, young forever, on October 14, 2022 to much fanfare. She has been praised for her lyrical talent, penning songs that tackle tough topics like struggling with mental health, being manipulated in past relationships, and grappling with her newfound faith. On November 18th, Barrett released 5 more songs in young forever’s extended edition, all of which expand upon the album’s theme of fighting for survival.
1. deathmatch
The song’s fast pace matches Barrett’s racing thoughts as she fights her own self-doubt and degrading thoughts. She describes the conflict with herself as unrelenting, locked in a battle she’s afraid she might lose. “Every time I try to reason/ She don’t listen to a goddamn thing,” she sings, “When you’re dealing with a demon/ It ain’t over ‘til you kill the queen.” Captivatingly catchy, “deathmatch” is a song that you can leave on loop, getting lost in its racing pace and blasting bass.
2. do you really want to hurt me?
The song stands as a desperate plea to a loved one, with Barrett asking if her lover really wants to make her cry. “Precious kisses, words that burn me/ Don’t you know that lovers never ask you why,” the song’s only verse begins, “In my heart, the fire’s burning/ Don’t you know that lovers shouldn’t make you cry?” Short, slow, and absolutely heart-wrenching, this song will dredge up the emotions of heartsick listeners everywhere.
3. god’s favorite
Barrett has been very open about her close friendship with Cooper Noriega, who passed away earlier this year. She said that he would invite her to church and that she became a religious person after his death. She marvels at how far she’s come, remarking that God must have a plan for her to save her this many times. “I was prayin’ late at night, just please don’t let me die/ But it takes someone truly special to always survive,” she sings. Slow and introspective, the song provides listeners with an interesting look into Barrett’s past and current life progress.
4. 505
Barrett’s take on a song originally released by the Arctic Monkeys, “505” is the perfect fit for the singer’s alternative style. The song focuses on being hooked on a lover, desperately wanting to go back to the beginning of a relationship even as it’s ending. “Not shy of a spark/ The knife twists at the thought that I should fall short of the mark,” she sings, “But I crumble completely when you cry/ It seems like once again you’ve had to greet me with ‘goodbye.’” While Barrett’s version doesn’t stray too far from the Arctic Monkeys’s version in regards to pacing and style, the song suits her so well you might forget that it’s a cover at all.
5. noose
Barrett has also been very open about her struggles with mental health and her past suicide attempts. “noose” captures the thoughts that run through one’s mind as they slip into despair, and I recommend listening with caution, as it could be triggering for anyone who struggles with such thoughts. “Pinching myself so I feel alive/ Knife in my hand, murder on my mind,” she laments, “They can’t hurt me when I die.” It’s an accurate representation of suicidal thoughts, but the purposely uncomfortable feeling that the song evokes may cause some to leave this song off of their playlists.