Lizzy McAlpine releases deluxe album ‘Older (and Wiser)’
By: Madison North
Earlier this year, Lizzy McAlpine released her highly anticipated album Older, where listeners were treated to her most exposed music yet. Since then fans have been begging for more, expanding upon the Older universe and the stories within it. Well, ask and you shall receive. On October 4, McAlpine shared a deluxe version titled Older (and Wiser) and it’s safe to say we have not stopped crying since.
We are propelled into the deluxe album with the track “Method Acting (Demo)”. McAlpine’s voice has this unteachable honesty to it that matches the raw sound and lyrics of the voice memo-style song. With gut twisting lyrics such as, “You say you’d rather live unfairly if it keeps me in your life,” she explores the pain you feel being caught up with a person that cannot let go, even when you’ve hurt them. From there, the heartache is just getting started. We move into the only single, “Pushing It Down and Praying,” a song centered around the longing and frustration of having the one who seems to be perfect for you, yet wanting someone else.
“Soccer Practice”—my personal favorite—shows the frustration in chasing after someone you know is not good for you, yet imagining just how perfect your life could be together, despite it being unrealistic. Hauntingly, McAlpine sings: “I’m waiting for someone who will make me say no to you,” and it feels like an absolute punch to the gut (that being said I did have this song on loop the entire day it was released). “Force of Nature” has an impressive ethereal feeling to it, you truly feel like you are on a journey of self discovery, honing in on the focus of the song; finding who you are after a breakup.
“Spring Into Summer” has been the most anticipated song from Older (and Wiser), McAlpine has been performing this track during her tour, leaving fans anxious and excited for the completion of this journey. The song is comparatively more positive sounding, however it still ties into the common thread of her other works: the constant yearning despite knowing that it’s not right for you. Older has been one of my favorite albums to be released this year and this deluxe version is no different. These five songs feel like the perfect completion to this journey and story. Throughout this album, we have seen McAlpine open up in a way that we haven’t seen in her previous two. It feels like there is no fear, everything that needs to be said is said. Older (and Wiser) displays the painful and confusing emotions present in complicated relationships. Admitting to yourself that nothing good will come of circling back to old ways can truly be one of the hardest pills to swallow, especially when it feels like there is this constant pull. Overall, Lizzy McAlpine’s honesty and power shines through her magnetic lyrics that hit you like a train, they pull you in like the tide leaving you wanting more. Personally, I cannot wait to see what she does next and I cannot recommend this album enough.