A reflective and intimate return

Sharon Van Etten recently released her sixth studio album, We’ve Been Going About This All Wrong. In this album, she dives into all of her personal experiences from the past years and writes about her feelings and thoughts looking back. This album is reflective, yet she leaves room in the lyrics for the listener to interpret and make the story their own. With indie-rock accompaniment, her album is an easy listen but leaves space for the listener to think about their personal experiences with loss, grief and love.  

The first track, “Darkness Fades,” is a slow, natural-sounding track. Her vocals echo and gently float over the acoustic guitar plucking. She sings about looking for light in a dark time as she tries to recover from either grief or a challenging era. The lyrics can be interpreted in multiple ways but left to the audience; listeners can form their own story within the lyrics and make what the song means to them. While Van Etten sings of these difficult times, she allows pain to come through in her voice but eventually finds peace at the song’s end through gentle melodies and singing of seeing the light. 

Track three, “I’ll Try,” takes on a much more spunky rock sound. With lower and darker vocals, she sings of multiple scenarios in which she is under public speculation and receiving judgment. The lyrics depict eyes falling on her in public, and she stands up against what she does not believe in, being true to herself. The accompaniment is upbeat with drums, distorted guitars and layers of instruments. Overall, this track creates a full sound and grabs the listener’s attention. 

The following song, “Anything,” is somewhere between the first and third tracks sonically and lyrically. With rhythmic acoustic guitar and drums, yet gentle vocals, Van Etten has the space to explore a story of a difficult relationship. She sings of not feeling anything but being between peace and war. It is unclear whether she is referencing a platonic or romantic relationship, but regardless, it is causing confusion and pain for her. This track is relaxing yet melancholic as the listener can hear the pain in her voice. 

On “Headspace,” Van Etten goes back to a more rock-heavy sound. Distorted electric guitars, driving bass, eerie synthesizers and aggressive drums make up the accompaniment. This is one of the more energetic tracks on the album. Her voice is full of emotion as she begs a lover to turn away and instead give her love. Her emotion-charged vocals perfectly match the wall of sound created by the thickly-scored accompaniment. This track is emotional yet energetic. 

The second to last track, “Mistakes,” is one of the most popular tracks on the album. It is a relaxed yet rhythmic track with an uplifting message. The lyrics tell a story about being accepted and loved by your partner regardless of your mistakes. The message is uplifting and endearing. The accompaniment matches the vibe of the lyrics with relaxed yet energetic accompaniment and bright vocals. 

Sharron Van Etten explores all her experiences over the past few years on this album: from love and heartbreak to grief and darkness. Matched with rock and indie accompaniment, she solidifies who she is as an artist, writer and musician.