"Lucid Dreaming" starts off with claustrophobic images: "Prism of light through the tunnel / infinite alleyways." To mirror the tunnel theme, the song begins with train sounds, which, according to Jay's bio, represents the subways she takes to and from New York on her daily commute. She then switches to other interesting images in the chorus: "Sunscreen and cigarettes / Smells like childhood / Birthdays, sunshine, silhouettes... backward innocence."
Although these references are purposefully vague, the idea of lost innocence and the guilt that comes with it, crops up throughout the album. Jay's chill, melancholy vocals, and the minimal instrumentation, help reinforce this theme. In "Reliance," for example, she compares trivial and important oversights: "Thought I made the bed this morning / When I got home, I realized I didn't / I forgot to say 'I love you' again / Careless like the sheets in the mess I left."
Jay uses other inventive metaphors in the song “Monster,” where she compares her anxieties to a passive-aggressive stalker. The track begins with the sound of a ticking clock to accompany the words, “Set another timer in my head. / If any thoughts vie for my attention, / I have a minute before they barge in.” The idea of hiding from her thoughts and fears connects the song’s two sections, which stand on their own like the movements in a classical piece. The piano-driven first section fades into some intriguing ambient synth sounds. The second section expands upon the first, making her fears more concrete by calling them a monster. This metaphor, though, isn’t all serious, as Jay quips, “I asked [the monster] to go away. / She respectfully declines.”
Other than the pretty and heartfelt “Inner Critic,” the remaining songs on Awake Sleeper tend to get lost among the stronger ones. “Call My Name” might be catchy, but it’s overshadowed by the more memorable “Critic” and “Monster” that follow it. Although Amy Jay pulls off this chill, contemplative style well, it also comes with the downside of several songs blurring together. Still, in an era of shallow and disposable music, Jay’s willingness to be raw instead of commercial shows her integrity as a storyteller.
- Review date: 2/10/22, written by Andie Hardee of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
Stryper Announces Unplugged Acoustic Tour! Fri, 26 Apr 2024 23:43:00 EST |
Aaron Cole Releases New Album, "Sorry, I Changed" Fri, 26 Apr 2024 23:40:00 EST |
Delilah Welcomes Natalie Grant to "Love Someone: A Podcast with Delilah" Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:13:00 EST |
Limoblaze Releases New Single "One Day" with KB Amidst His First US Tour Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:13:00 EST |
Nate Parrish Lets Us Reassure Those We've Lost, "I'm Alright" Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:33:00 EST |
Unspoken Shares "What He Says About You" Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:30:00 EST |
for KING and COUNTRY releases "Unsung Hero" Movie Soundtrack Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:25:00 EST |
DAD TIRED FOUNDER JERRAD LOPES EXPANDS POPULAR MINISTRY WITH DEBUT CHILDREN’S TITLE Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:07:46 +0000 |
“Anything Goes” by Andrew Kerhoulas of Brother K Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:54:00 +0000 |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |