Lizzy McAlpine : Older Review

In the ever-evolving narrative of Lizzy McAlpine’s discography, Older offers a reflective and introspective body of work, distinct in its maturity and depth from her preceding albums, notably 2022’s five seconds flat. McAlpine, who has been on a clear upward trajectory since her debut, continues to push the singer/songwriter’s awareness of her artistry, delving into more personal and nuanced territories with Older. These fourteen songs, written over a three-year span marking McAlpine’s transition into adulthood, are a voyage through the complexities of growth, heartache, and self-discovery.

Older is built around raw emotion and lyrical candor, setting itself apart from McAlpine’s earlier works. The album’s inception, marked by the song “Older,” was pivotal for McAlpine, signifying a harmonic convergence of her personal evolution and artistic vision. Produced alongside Mason Stoops and featuring contributions from notable talents like Ryan Lerman and Tony Berg, the album encapsulates McAlpine’s journey of introspection and self-acceptance. It’s an intimate portrayal of her wrestle with identity, packaged within the minimalistic yet profound production choices that favor live recordings, enhancing her music’s authenticity and emotional resonance.

Songs like “The Elevator” and “Come Down Soon” introduce the album with delicate orchestration, showcasing McAlpine’s classy musicality. Tracks such as “All Falls Down” juxtapose infectiously upbeat arrangements with introspective lyrics, creating a compelling contrast that highlights McAlpine’s ability to navigate the complexities of emotion and sound. The album’s rawness is further exemplified in “Drunk, Running,” where a narrative steeped in cyclical themes of time and reflection lies beneath layers of lush instrumentation.

Older is not without its imperfections. Certain tracks suffer from abrupt conclusions or underdevelopment, leaving listeners yearning for more. “Movie Star” and “Staying” tease with their potential but feel prematurely cut off, while “Vortex,” despite its eventual climactic brilliance, meanders too long in its build-up. However, these moments of unfulfilled promise are few and far between, overshadowed by the album’s overall excellence.

The thematic heart of Older lies in its exploration of temporal dissonance and the visceral experience of navigating life’s ebbs and flows. McAlpine’s songwriting shines throughout, her lyrics a vessel for the raw and unvarnished truths of her experience. Songs like “Broken Glass” and the eponymous track “Older” resonate with a poignant clarity, reflecting on the inexorable passage of time and the scars of love and loss.

Despite venturing into the well-trodden paths of the singer-songwriter genre, McAlpine distinguishes herself with a palpable authenticity and a voice that commands attention. Her collaboration with contemporaries and the nuanced infusion of various musical influences elevate Older beyond genre constraints, presenting a richly layered auditory experience.

Older is a reflective and mature work that, despite minor hiccups, showcases Lizzy McAlpine’s undeniable talent and profound growth as an artist. It’s a journey worth embarking on, offering a glimpse into the soul of one of today’s most authentic songwriters.