From her first hit “Whip my Hair” to her most recent single “Alone,” singer and songwriter Willow Smith is no stranger to struggles with mental health and being in her twenties. Being the daughter of Will Smith and Jade Smith has its set of challenges, especially since the most recent scandal of the big slap that was heard around the world. Willow has faced her fair share of scrutiny, judgement amidst trying to figure out who she is.
Within each song Willow produces is a unique blend of alternative beats, as well as captivating lyrics that can paint a drastic coming of age feeling. Within her album “The Anxiety,” the song “Meet Me at Our Spot” became the most popular song from that album. Performed with her then partner Tyler Cole, the song opens with lyrics stating: “I slept through the day … / I’m not getting younger / But when I’m older / I’ll be much stronger / I’ll stay up for longer.” This song represents two people who are young and lost in their thoughts, often plagued with anxious thoughts that keep them up at night. In the chorus, Willow and Tyler belt out “Baby are you coming for the ride? / I just want to look into your eyes.”
Willow’s recent album, Lately I Feel Everything pays homage to the feelings of disconnect many of us face. A study shows that nearly 1 in 4 students feel lonely “all” or “most” of the time. We are trying to figure things out, losing friendships, reinventing ourselves, feeling lonely when there are dozens of people around us. As young twenty-somethings or 18/19-year-olds, college life has always been a hub of social interaction, is facing a surprising problem — loneliness. Typically, campuses and their abundant social opportunities are exciting and provide connections within the community, but today, many students feel isolated. Several factors contribute to this, going beyond the typical college experience. Technology has brought us together throughout the years, but now creates a sense of disconnection. Willow’s music brings forth nostalgia as well as self-reflection, understanding what we deal with as young adults is completely valid, and she voices it through melodies that speak to who we are. The alternative and R’n’B blended album has plenty of hits that are relatable to our day to day life. Lately I Feel Everything reminds me of Fefe Dobson, another Black alternative artist who was popular in the 2010s, and Avril Lavigne, the pop-rock princess of the 2000s.
Willow Smith’s music, including songs like “Curious Furious,” “Psycho Freak” with Camila Cabello, and her most recent single, “Alone,” serves as a reflection of the roller coaster of life experiences that young adults navigate in today’s complex world. These songs can be viewed as narrative essays on identity, shedding light on the diverse range of emotions and experiences that young people encounter. The relentless pursuit of academic and professional success fosters a culture that prioritizes individual achievement over forming meaningful connections. Social media worsens the situation, fostering comparison and a distorted sense of social value. Navigating higher education now involves not just academic challenges, but also the task of building genuine connections amid the isolating trends of modern society. Through her music, Willow Smith provides a platform for self-expression and introspection, resonating with the feelings and thoughts of her audience as they traverse the challenges and triumphs of young adulthood. In this sense, her music offers a voice for those who may be grappling with similar emotions, serving as a relatable and insightful source of artistic expression and connection.
Willow’s relatability extends far beyond her celebrity status, making her a down-to-earth and familiar figure for many. In a world where the glitz and glamour of fame can often seem unattainable, Willow’s authenticity shines through, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles and emotions. Her openness about her own personal journey, including experiences with anxiety and self-doubt, connects with fans on a deep level. Willow’s music and interviews are filled with genuine vulnerability, making her a role model for self-expression and self-acceptance. In a society that often isolates individuals, Willow’s ability to convey the universal feelings of loneliness and resilience fosters a sense of unity, showing that we all face similar challenges on our paths to self-discovery and growth.
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