A diverse and impressive showcase
Indie-pop singer-songwriter from Easton, Maryland Maggie Rogers released her long-awaited album, Surrender, on July 29th, 2022. It is a powerful collection of different vibes that keeps the listener on their toes and captivated from the first to the twelfth song. She takes inspiration from folk, indie, rock and pop, which allows her to tell her story in the most powerful way possible. Not only does she have an impressive collection of sounds and production, but she also has an impressive collection of lyrics that touch on topics of love, loss and peace.
The first track, “Overdrive,” is a forceful start to the album with a wall of produced sound and heavy vocals. She sings about being young and in love but watching it all fall apart. Her lover is putting her in “overdrive.” Behind the lyrics are captivating vocals switching between controlled belting and emotion-filled lower octave, which keeps the listeners drawn in. Production-wise, she is accompanied by a full band that makes the song smooth and full. This track starts off the album on a captivating and impressive note.
The next track, “That’s Where I Am,” was a single and is another impressive track. It begins with edited voice chops that pull the listener in. Her voice enters in and builds suspense until the percussion, bass and synthesizer come in to create a full sound. Despite the interesting production, her vocals take the center of attention with smooth transitions between her lower octave and belting; the listener must become drawn into the story. She sings about never wanting to be with another lover after waiting on them for too long. Her passion is communicated through her use of controlled yet emotion-filled vocals.
The fifth track, “Horses,” was also released a single but takes on a more folk sound. “Horses” is raw and filled with emotion that shines particularly well with the simple accompaniment. She sings painfully over acoustic guitar and simple percussion during the verses. She sings about learning and growing yet wishing to be free like the horses she sees. During the chorus, she emotionally belts out over electric guitars. It’s hard to believe as her voice seems to perfectly portray the emotions while she maintains control over each adlib and note, but her vocals were done in one take so that she could capture the raw emotions after one writing session.
A few tracks later, she leans into retro pop-rock influence on “Shatter.” Through techno-pop beats, synthesizers and distorted guitars, she completely transforms her sound on this track. Over the energetic production, her vocals grab the listener as she sings about falling hopelessly for someone and wanting to do anything for them. The lyrics are young and playful—they almost seem like they are coming from a teenage infatuation, which matches the vibe of the energetic and encapsulating production.
The last track of the album, “Different Kind of World,” is laid-back and gentle as Rogers sings an ode for peace. After observing the world, she sings about a different kind of world. The song is peaceful, with her gentle vocals crying over the acoustic guitar until the last minute is reached as the whole band joins and plays powerfully together. The electric guitar cries with emotion, and the drums drive the song. It is a powerful closer to a well put-together album.
Maggie Rogers’ album is an eclectic collection of songs that creates a powerfully touching story while diving into several varying topics and feelings that are backed by impressive vocals and captivating production.
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