When dealing with a broken heart, people have different ways of coping. Singer-songwriter Faye Webster assuages her pain by impulsively going to classical music concerts at the very last minute, without thinking to change into a formal outfit.
This habit is the inspiration for the title Underdressed at the Symphony, Webster’s fifth studio album, released on March 1.
Slowly growing in popularity amongst teenagers, Webster’s discography has been an avenue for relating to both heavy topics of heartbreak and loss, and reveling in the simplicity of everyday life. Her most recent album showcases her most recent breakup and all of the different ways her heartbreak manifests.
The album opens with “Thinking About You,” which details her longing for someone. This quiet, comforting track embraces the daydreams that come with uneventful days, a notion that is further developed through the album. Her repetition of the words “thinking about you,” while excessive at some points, posits different meanings, sometimes hinting at either Webster’s desperation for this person, or her just relishing in thinking about them.
The second single released for this album, “But Not Kiss” is a 180-degree turn from the twingy first track. The song opens with Webster’s feathery voice but is cut off as a heavy bass reverberates in the chorus. Jagged lyrics, “We’re meant to be, but not yet/ You’re all that I have, but can’t get” align with the production, as she starts out hopeful and romantic, but goes into a more cynical, negative mindset as the beat drops and the metal instruments come into play. The fleeting piano sounds represent how her positive outlook for her relationship goes as quickly as it comes.
Webster continues to interpolate different sounds throughout the album, which help differentiate each track in its own right. As each song has a similar, repetitive structure, the mix of different genres add to the different emotions Webster showcases throughout the album.
In the album’s lead single, “Lego Ring” featuring singer/rapper Lil Yachty, Webster uses the analogy of wanting a ring made out of Legos, an accessory that will hurt her, to how she yearns for a passionate yet turbulent romance. The chorus has a whimsical touch, with Yachty’s back-up vocals paired with the psychedelic music.
The simple lyricism and repetition in this song, with Webster crooning, “I know what I like/ I know what I want / But you know I kinda need,” multiple times felt monotonous. This is a common theme throughout the album, as the repetitive phrases and uncomplicated lyricism made me lose interest at times.
In the introspective track “Wanna Quit All The Time” Webster talks about how it is difficult to be motivated in everyday life, and contemplates her perception of herself in the public. The sparse jazz music in the background allows Webster’s voice to shine, making the message of the lyrics the focal point of the song.
Webster also references her signature sound on “Underdressed at the Symphony” and “eBay Purchase History.” These two slower tracks are more reminiscent of her previous albums such as Atlanta Millionaires Club and Faye Webster. These tracks give the listener a taste of how she has progressed as an artist within her usual style.
Webster also includes elements of jazz music on “Ttttime”, where her honeyed drawl accompanies the soft jazz, indicating the slower parts of her life, and how she has the luxury of having all of the time in the world. “Ttttime” closes the album as it starts, with a cozy, wistful outro, reminding the listener to embrace the mundane.
While seeming aimless and monotonous in areas, Underdressed at the Symphony encapsulates Webster’s trademark indie sound while expanding her musical prowess into different genres. Intricate yet simple, underdressed yet a symphony, listening to her album will leave you indulged in the simple complexities of life, love and everything in between.
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