Just a few weeks ago, rising indie artist Lizzy McAlpine announced a new album, titled Five Seconds Flat, set to release on April 8, 2022. Her music has risen in popularity over time landing her more than 200k followers on Instagram.
But if you want to say you listened to her music before it was mainstream, I generated a list of songs to get you started.
- “all my ghosts”
This single off of her new album reminisces on a past relationship, detailing how she can’t escape reminders of him in her hometown. She references such simple moments like drinking Slurpee’s at 7-Eleven and spilling Mac and Cheese, making a perfect song to reflect on your high school and college experiences.
Standout Lyric: “We walked in comfy silence, footsteps down familiar sidewalk.”
- “In What World”
The closing track of her latest EP finishes with a piano ballad. Lizzy reflects on a relationship that was full of love but not necessarily romantic love. This slow and peaceful song fully encapsulates her confusion and longing for something real.
Standout Lyric: “In what world do we exist not separate but as two?”
- “When The World Stopped Moving”
Lizzy captures a snapshot of the many feelings felt through a pandemic, specifically not having your person there as the world shatters into pieces.
Standout Lyric: “Cause when the world stopped moving like it did last week, I just wanted you to hold me.”
- “Headstones and Landmines”
In a song about mourning and death, Lizzy uses tons of imagery to describe the feeling of losing a loved one. Her songwriting skills jump out in this song in particular.
Standout Lyric: “And they hug from six feet, but it doesn’t help. And nothing works but time.”
- “Stupid”
This song uses such a simple word to describe such a complex matter. After ending things with a partner, she misses them without even trying. They had such a distinct past with each other that’s hard to let go of.
Standout Lyric: “You know me so well, even if you don’t know my favorite type of cereal.”
- “Bored”
Thomas Headon and Lizzy teamed up on this upbeat track. The two riff back and forth describing how the relationship is fizzling out without knowing the other feels the same way.
Standout Lyric: “I don’t hate the way I’m yours, I’m just bored.”
- “Nothing / Sad N Stuff”
This is arguably my favorite Lizzy McAlpine song. The combination of lyrics and music fits so perfectly together. The song describes the feelings in the thick of a breakup but what makes this one stand out is the instrumental build-up during the bridge.
Standout Lyric: “I’m not sorry that I loved you ’till I couldn’t breathe.”
- “I Knew”
“I Knew” is a perfectly not-so-perfect love song. Lizzy describes small moments and cadences that show love but, sadly, she realizes that doesn’t mean someone is in love. Give it a listen to fully understand.
Standout Lyric: “I said I would never forget this, then I never did.”
- “Pancakes for Dinner”
If you’re looking for the actual perfect love song, give this one a try. In her most streamed song on Spotify, she vulnerably voices her feelings and describes little moments she wants to experience with someone special.
Standout Lyric: “I wanna eat pancakes for dinner, I wanna get stuck in your head.”
- “Daisy”
In this Great Gatsby reference, Lizzy writes one of the most tender and vulnerable songs in her discography. This beautifully written song is one of her first to be released and features some of her best lyrics.
Standout Lyric: “If she knew, I need her by my side to breathe.”
BONUS TRACK:
Just two days ago, Lizzy released another single from her new album Five Seconds Flat titled “reckless driving” featuring Ben Kessler. She compares her mindset in a relationship to driving carefully while her partner “drives” recklessly.
Standout Lyric: “You’d rather die than take your eyes off me.”
Give Lizzy’s music a listen and keep an eye out for her new album so you can gatekeep her while you can!