An emotional and vulnerable reflection

Emily Kinney, an American actress, singer and songwriter, just released her fourth album, The Supporting Character. The former Walking Dead Actress took advantage of the time during quarantine to reflect on her life, which allowed her to create an emotional album. Through Kinney’s use of storytelling lyrics and melodies, she shares her vulnerability with listeners and sings about personal experiences, from heartbreak and loss to her outlook on life and her family.

In “Easy,” track three, Kinney uses tranquil acoustic guitar accompaniment to help her sing about relationship struggles. She sings that she is “easy” to get along with but still struggles to win over her significant other’s love. She is willing to go to great extents to win over their approval, but it does not seem to work. This emotional yet relatable story allows Kinney to connect with her listeners as they go through similar relationship struggles.

On track four, “Cadillac,” Kinney shares her experience with heartbreak and an ending relationship. She describes a lover who does not know what they want, which leads to a short-lived relationship. An alternative electric guitar that builds up to a full chorus leaves the listener feeling the same heartbreak and longing Kinney writes about.

In the only piano ballad on the album, “I Went Looking for You,” Kinney expresses the hurt she feels after experiencing the loss of an important person in her life. The simple production leaves room for her to tell the story through emotional lyrics and angelic melodies. She explains the silent hurt shared by herself, family members and mutual friends after losing someone who was a light in the world. Kinney creates a pain-filled yet beautiful song that has the potential to help others going through a similar experience.

While heartbreak and loss are prominent themes on The Supporting Character, Kinney explores her relationship with the rest of the world and thoughts on life on the album title track, “The Supporting Character.” In this track, she sings about the realization that she is part of something bigger than herself. Kinney feels inspired to spend more time with those she loves and less time worrying. She wants to be surrounded by people she loves and find happiness. This optimistic track uplifts the listener and leaves them wanting to enjoy every moment in life.

The Supporting Character is an easy to listen to, emotional storytelling album that allows people to connect and be vulnerable with Kinney from the first track to the very last.