An inspiring journey blending heart and soul.

Emotionally charged and ambitious, culminates within a few moments in Nell Smith’s posthumous debut album Anxious. Smith’s musical journey started when she was first discovered by Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips in 2018, and together they recorded a collection, Nick Cave covers in the early 2020s. Tragically, Smith passed away in a car accident in October 2024, but her mesmerizing selections of songs on Anxious remain a passionate commemoration of her contribution to music and exploration of teenage life through her perspective lens. The songs take listeners through a touching musical landscape that often includes the highs and lows of teenage angst, ambition, and grief. Resulting in a record that captures the fragility of life, and creativity and explores Smith’s struggles, but also celebrates her legacy. One that was cut short, but will be everlasting to many fans near and far.

The album’s title track “Anxious”, opens with a joyous beat of synths and guitars. A slice of psych-pop that illustrates music as a way of coping with anxiety. Smith’s vocals are warm and sad at the same time. The accompanying music video showcases Smith’s self-doubt and struggles that many of her teenage audience can relate to. The production is catchy, sweet, and mature. Much of the backdrop sets the tone with a welcoming look at the challenges Smith faced with anxiety and creativity. It is amplified further as the audience watches and listens to Smith navigating life in a world that constantly closing doors that she wanted to break through. Lyrically, it is about Smith’s creative drive rooted in raw emotional themes throughout the album. The musical landscape Smith left her fans is to embrace human connection and life.

Another track, “Bubba” grapples with the theme of loss and grief. Lyrically, it’s about the loss of a friend, but its approach veers on the joyous part of loss. The production Juxtaposes itself against an upbeat thumping melody contrasting its lyric message turning it into a song that sounds like a celebration of life and at times a sad ballad. Smith’s vocals are lingering and haunting in commemorating a friend who is no longer with her. This stark contrast to her untimely passing creates an atmospheric moment in Anxious. One that is imminent and driven by the theme of loss and grief. The hooks and mesmerizing beats will captivate listeners’ attention, making this one a highlighting standout they will want to come back to time and time again.

Another highlight off the album is the heartfelt tribute to Wayne Coyne. It is a touching psychedelic treat that illustrates their friendship and Smith’s personal expression of saying thank you to him for helping her grind a start on her musical journey. The track begins with catchy guitar riffs and Smith’s whimsical vocal delivery.  The lyric: “One Day I’m gonna be just like you” highlights Smith’s admiration of Coyne and is thought-provoking and joyful within her tone. Throughout the track, the production plays with the themes of gratitude, admiration, and connection. Another complimenting track, “Billions of People” showcases Smith not wanting to let go of loved ones and holds themes of uncertainty and fear. Particularly the lyrics, “I guess some things just don’t stay the same” allude to the continuous change life always brings upon people. Such as the balance of life and death, and how it can be used will be relatable to listeners’ perspectives on the matter. The closing track, “Split in the Sky” explores the theme of life, memories, and connection. It is heartbreaking to showcase Smith’s melancholy vocal delivery and atmospheric production of guitar riffs and memorable hooks making this closer a captivating one.

Anxious was produced by Jack and Lily Wolter. This collection of songs demonstrates the potential and musical journey of Nell Smith, an artist gone too soon. The production and cohesive flow of the album gently guides listeners through the eyes of a teenager’s perspective of the world surrounding them with depth, travel, and ambition. Smith’s emotional vocal delivery throughout Anxious is a testament to her creativity and drive. The end result is an album that stands the test of time. Filled with emotion, heart, and playfulness; hints at the promising future Nell Smith might have taken.