I have a deep, deep love for music that feels cinematic and spacious. Songs that bring up emotions so specific and raw that I never even knew they existed. Caroline Polachek is one of those artists for me. Her insane vocal range, along with her unique production that makes her music so vibrant, she’s an artist that always feels like such a treat to listen to. Here are my top five songs from her discography, and how they make me feel.
- “New Normal”
From the first listen, the country influence immediately got me. The way more technical elements are slowly introduced throughout the song is captivating. The song recalls a journey, and the song feels like a happy but peculiar new beginning to me. It almost feels like an Alice in Wonderland situation. This song is bouncy and curious, and I love it so much.
- “Hey Big Eyes”
If you listen to any Caroline Polachek song, please listen to this one. This song feels like an ethereal new love, and it is everything I am about and more. The chorus is addicting, and the vocal arrangements feel like a hug from above. This song feels royal and sweet and it definitely makes you feel like you are floating. I am obsessed and I will never stop being obsessed.
- “Look At Me Now”
This song quite literally sang me to sleep every night in the year 2020, even my Spotify Wrapped picked up on that (like it literally told me that I listened to this song every night, LOL). This song feels like the realization of your worth, the notion to look back on moments you have overcome, and how they have quite literally shaped you. I have not cried to this song yet (surprising) but I have been close to it many times. It gives staring at your ceiling at night, being nervous, yet excited about your life vibes.
- “The Gate (Extended Mix)”
Okay, this song I have cried to, hard. This might be the most gut wrenching and gorgeous song I have ever lended my ears to. The extended mix includes all of these extra vocal runs and instrumental arrangements, so if you really want to get into it, PLEASE give this version a listen. This song gives me feelings of awakening to realizations, but in the most peaceful way imaginable. Plus, it was used in the Dior show from Men’s FW22, so clearly it’s giving luxury. Oof, love with all my heart.
- “Breathless”
This song is an ethereal jam. Wow. When I put this song on, I can’t help but feel pretty and jumpy if that makes sense. It is the embodiment of angelic energy, and I can’t explain it in any other way but that. Who knew ethereal music could be so hype? Also, the melody really reminds me of “What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire movie, so extra points for that? LOVE!
In conclusion, please listen to Caroline Polachek if you haven’t already, or if you haven’t already paused reading this article to pull up her discography on your streaming platform of choice. It is healing, it’s gorgeous, and it is a new sector of ethereal music that makes me so excited. Definitely worth the listen!