The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.
New Zealand singer, songwriter, and producer Princess Chelsea recently released a new album titled “Everything Is Going To Be Alright.” She is most famously known for her hit song “The Cigarette Duet” featuring Jonathan Bree. From her 2011 debut album, The Cigarette Duet music video reached 83 million views and recently became more popular after becoming a trending TikTok sound. While her sound has progressed throughout the past decade, “Everything Is Going To Be Alright” stays true to her 70s dream pop style but more alt-rock. Overall, this album is amazing and definitely worth a listen. Here is a breakdown of each track.
- Everything Is Going To Be Alright: The intro to the album has a melancholy sound as Chelsea is trying to convince herself that everything will be okay. The somber music as well as the delivery expresses that she is trying to be brave but still feeling scared despite being in love.
- The Forest: This song was recorded live in a single take but showcases Chelsea’s amazing vocals and an impressive lead guitar performance from her band. It definitely has an alt-rock feel to it and describes how turning to nature can be healing and can help one get through a tough time.
- Love is More: Many of Chelsea’s songs can be described as “beautifully haunting,” as she often hides toxic and dark lyrics behind upbeat, dreamy, and catchy music (something I like to call the “Pumped Up Kicks effect”). “Love is More” starts off sounding like a love song but when she gets to the second verse, the lyrics reveal some dark truths to her relationship, changing the entire meaning of the title. This is one of my favorite tracks.
- Time: This track is most reminiscent to her “fairytale” style from past albums. It sends a positive message to those struggling with lyrics, “all the pain you feel today,
tomorrow it will hurt a little less.” - I Don’t Know You: This song is my favorite on the album with its catchy melody and interesting storyline. Staying in theme with the rest of the songs, “I Don’t Know You” explores the fine line between a fading relationship and a self-sabotaging one. The song finishes with a haunting repetition of the lyrics “Oh no, am I doing it again?”
- Forever is a Charm: This is a close second for my favorite track. In collaboration with Jonathan Bree, “Forever is a Charm” can be interpreted in several ways, especially the lyrics to the chorus, “When you’re with me I feel like I could die.” This song is wonderfully produced with magical sounding synths and its beautiful melody.
- We Kick Around: This song was recorded in a single day as a last-minute addition to the album but maintains the same energy as the others. The simple verses and soft-spoken chorus build up to a strong outro featuring both lead and backup vocals from Chelsea.
- In Heaven: This cover song is originally from the movie Eraserhead (which seems to be a strange and disturbing movie). The original “In Heaven” was creepy and ominous, but Chelsea’s version goes back to her signature dream-pop style. She added her own lyrics, “I love you, everything is fine,” harmonizing with the original lyrics making this a unique and creative cover.
- Dream Warrior: This dreamy song starts to wrap up the album with a sad but hopeful tone. The lyrics, “Truth be told I don’t wanna grow old, but I wanna grow old with you” have a recurring theme in Chelsea’s discography with its magical and intense emotions towards a significant other.
- Everything Is Going To Be Alright (Pt. 2): The closing track circles back to the first song on the album. However, part two has different lyrics and emotions presented by a stronger voice with more confidence that everything will truly be alright. It’s a satisfying conclusion that showcases Chelsea’s healing process of finally pulling herself out of a difficult place.