Turn Out The Lights
Like most, my first experience of Memphis singer-songwriter Julien Baker happened through the opening lines of her groundbreaking debut single Sprained Ankle: "I wish I could write songs about anything other than death." These words met me at a most vulnerable point and ensued to gradually devastate every fiber of my being. Baker’s way for crushing words only affected me further with the rest of her debut album. To say the very least, Baker established herself as a modern-day poetic prodigy who writes in a mode of exquisite sadness, with a transmissive language of pain, suffering and hope for all to hold onto.
Having said that, listening to her latest project Turn Out the Lights exceeds astronomical expectations as quite the mesmerizing experience. …show more content…
Needless to say, Baker’s heavily reverbed direction causes the raw nature of her vocals to resound through the chambers of aching hearts. Accordingly, It is impossible to not stumble in sorrow at the sheer vulnerability of Baker’s voice. Although one may not completely resonate with Baker’s documented pains, experiencing even a fraction of her agony is enough to leave you battered and bruised inside.
Self-reflection is where Baker predominantly resides lyrically, tackling in careful language, the complex truths about the human experience. This is not easily digestible by any stretch; tugging and tearing at old hear scars is where Baker excels. As she did in her last album, Baker documents her ongoing struggle mental illness, substance abuse and faith. However, this time, with Turn Out the Lights, we witness Baker with unwavering conviction that she’s the sole perpetrator of her cyclical state. Her lost voice croons in sadness, complacency and confusion while uttering in confidence, “I know that I’m …show more content…
There is sadness. But can I get better? Is it worth getting better? A tortured darkness lurks beneath “Appointments,” adding evocative textures beneath piano chords while Baker’s searching voice sings of missed therapy meetings and a deteriorating relationship. In light of this, Baker assures herself that no matter how much she might ruin the good things in her life, her solace is within God and His
Having said that, listening to her latest project Turn Out the Lights exceeds astronomical expectations as quite the mesmerizing experience. …show more content…
Needless to say, Baker’s heavily reverbed direction causes the raw nature of her vocals to resound through the chambers of aching hearts. Accordingly, It is impossible to not stumble in sorrow at the sheer vulnerability of Baker’s voice. Although one may not completely resonate with Baker’s documented pains, experiencing even a fraction of her agony is enough to leave you battered and bruised inside.
Self-reflection is where Baker predominantly resides lyrically, tackling in careful language, the complex truths about the human experience. This is not easily digestible by any stretch; tugging and tearing at old hear scars is where Baker excels. As she did in her last album, Baker documents her ongoing struggle mental illness, substance abuse and faith. However, this time, with Turn Out the Lights, we witness Baker with unwavering conviction that she’s the sole perpetrator of her cyclical state. Her lost voice croons in sadness, complacency and confusion while uttering in confidence, “I know that I’m …show more content…
There is sadness. But can I get better? Is it worth getting better? A tortured darkness lurks beneath “Appointments,” adding evocative textures beneath piano chords while Baker’s searching voice sings of missed therapy meetings and a deteriorating relationship. In light of this, Baker assures herself that no matter how much she might ruin the good things in her life, her solace is within God and His