“God made a big mistake when she left things up to me.” Allie casually drops this line overtop the lazy guitars and drums that make up the cozy bed of “Shower Radio.” The self-reflection and thick sadness that Allie is writing about cuts deep and offers no apology. It’s rare to hear such honest truths laid out in music the way Allie delivers with this track.
Lyrics have never been more important in a musical era where Bridgers and Misty set a high bar. Many songwriters try to sound like they have something to say, but oftentimes they come across as hollow, leaning on cleverness or at best, hoping the music distracts from the lyrics. With “Radio Shower”, Allie lays it all on the line, and the lyrics strike true.
“You’re pretty smart, but you scrub your mind too hard.” Allie smoothly sings about honest things and makes you wonder if she’s singing to you personally. The goal of any writer in any medium should be to resonate with the audience. Allie succeeds at this wholeheartedly with deeply personal lines that paint a picture of deeply personal experiences, while simultaneously making you think of your own life. “Call me up if you start to feel guilty.”
The casual callout of “indie rock cowards” says it all. “Radio Shower” is not just another lament of love lost, it is a journal entry in a human journey trying to make sense of a frustrating world. It’s sad, it’s angry, and it’s wonderful to listen to. It makes you excited about what Allie will come up with next.
Written by Rob Rinaldi
