Over the past four years, I’ve been working toward an undergraduate degree in Behavioural Science, which I completed this month. I mention this because music played a crucial role in helping me succeed and remain focused. Lyrics, melodies, intention, and identity all matter deeply to me, which is why I’m extremely selective about what I allow my ears to absorb. Reflecting on the tracks I enjoy and feel a strong desire to review fills me with a Mariana Trench–sized joy (the oceanic trench, not the band… although I do relish their music too). From my childhood to the present, music has shaped my identity in profound ways. This month, I’ve chosen a selection of emotive tracks that will not only stir your thoughts, whether fast or slow, but also help you appreciate the moments in between. 

Stepping Stone, Brooke Alexx 

Explosive, like that “leaving your ex in the past” type of energy. It’s bold, unapologetic, and charged with emotional fire. The consistent rhythm in the intro sets the pace, then comes a powerful pop of musicality that pulls you right into the heart of it. These lyrics are incredibly relatable! Layered with the music, there's an exquisite nuance, a sort of emotional consistency that makes Stepping Stone feel like it’s breathing in cycles. It’s like a circle. In my mind, I see someone sketching it out, starting at the 9 p.m. position, hitting hard at midnight, dipping softly between 3 and 6 a.m., then gathering momentum again. It loops, but never feels repetitive. That’s what makes it brilliant. There’s a distinctive, deliberate writing pattern here, something that feels fluid and alive. It’s the kind of structure that doesn’t just deliver a sound; it carves out a sense of identity. The music and lyrics don’t just coexist, they imprint on each other, and on you. It’s incredible how much energy we place in relationships and the reflections they leave behind. I remember the first time I heard this track, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw the reel. It was in between a rage and concern: “you ruined me for the rest, what if I don’t find love again.” A narrative that pulls at the heartstrings, infused with cognition and logic. I think that’s what hooks me the most—the possibility of released pain singing through the agony caused by someone who once meant everything. It’s infuriating how relatable it is. Not that you want that person again, but holy hell—are humans that indispensable when they walk away? It’s not about wanting that specific person back. It’s about craving the chance to feel that way again, with someone new. That longing. That impossible joy in love that once felt real. 

Working It Out, Pamela McNeill

I have to admit, I always relish the delicate nuances of Pamela McNeill; there is such an innocence that carries through her lyrics and romantic melodies. Pamela has a delicate way of emitting human strength through her lyrics. Working Out has such delicate piano chords that possess their own entity throughout the track, which complements the lyrics. This song is perfect for listening to on a Sunday morning, when the world has completely devastated every bit of your core, and there is a profound understanding to gather the strength to know and understand what is important in life, and how to fight back and afford oneself a modicum of peace away from the involved outside world that induces an insane amount of all things bonkers, and not in a fun Mad Hatter fashion. Life is one of the hardest things one has to endure, and toxicity has no bearing on the soul, especially when one simply wants to live in their own space and appreciate what it is that fulfils them in their life. This, to me, sounds like a poem that was put to song—like in the days of old—except it is not recited, it is sung; it is honestly so lovely. To be able to say when and where to engage back in the real world, I think, holds the true power of this song: clawing back the initial time that would have been used to watch something horrific and not allowing that pollution to enter the mind. Instead, one becomes ensconced in a natural environment that affords thought and contemplation. The gentle, liquid terrain of the music affords Pamela’s voice the perfect background to linger on the long notes that make one want to sigh—similar to that of gazing upon a devastating sunset.

Money Hungry Honey, Maiasaura 

Ok, so this track by Maiasaura is not sweet or gentle—it’s the kind of song you need to thrash it out to. It was such a joy to listen to April Rose’s voice and the way her timbre has morphed into this frenetic, fast-paced energy filled with insane consequences that never relent. A jolt to the heart—that’s exactly what you get the minute you press play, as the music bursts in with a snippet of spoken word. The diversity in what April is able to accomplish with her voice is hypnotic. And honestly, I never would have associated the word “hypnotic” with something so fast-paced; however, there’s something soothing about the consistent beats throughout Money Hungry Honey. It’s an energy that becomes evident with the call-and-response vocals, using an ever-shifting vocal technique. That’s one of the things I appreciate about Maiasaura: when they put a track together, they use every single bit of minutiae. And not to mention the lyrics:

“All the damage that you’ve done, is not enough,
Good things die in the hands with the money,
Good things die in the hands of the hungry,
But all things die at the hands of the money” 

right there, that says it all. Honestly, it’s a poetic way to express how money corrupts so many situations, the blood on the hands of many in the name of money and greed. The symbiosis between the lyrics, the music, and the intent creates a deep appreciation for the struggle some face, and how easy it is for others, simply due to the variable of money. The near-yelling throughout the track sets a tone of rage and disgust, which I appreciate in the best way, because that vocal impact sets a precedent for what truly matters—and what has quite literally fucked our world over.

Izzy T, Crime Scene 

I have always appreciated the songs by Izzy T, her narrative is consistently honest and incredibly relevant. I was fascinated by Crime Scene; the lyrics remind me of a more hard-edged version of Meredith Brooks’ Bitch, not in musicality, but thematically and slightly lyrically. The lyric that truly gets me is, “I am the stain in your mind.” There is a powerful reflection on interpersonal relationships and the impact they leave on others. The intersectionality within this track hooks me in such an immersive way. The references to blood and hands remind me of Macbeth, the constant spot of blood that demands removal and endless scrubbing. It’s incredible how much people contend with. Izzy’s voice in this track is eerie, almost ghost-like, it doesn’t surrender. It’s a full force of gentleness, even as lyrics that demand attention are sung. I relish how the lyrics are not pretty, they are thoughtful, offering a truly human narrative about how multi-layered we are, and how consequences shape us. The singing feels like both a plea and a justification, it hits me right in the soul. There is nothing that could ever truly clean that kind of crime scene away. It’s a mark on the soul of humanity that will never diminish. It’s something that will always remain. And with the strength of women, and their ability to adapt through horrific transitions, they come to terms with the ugly and appreciate that sometimes, it’s impossible to fix something. All you can do is try to wash it clean, even though there will always be a stain. The intent behind this track is both clear and magnificent in nature.

Freakshow, Awakening Autumn 

I should preface this review by sharing that Awakening Autumn’s song Typing… was my most-listened-to track, so when I review AA, I never know what to expect, because the boys ALWAYS keep me guessing. That said, I am beyond excited to share a special review of a track that won’t be released until next Friday, May 7, 2025. I feel incredibly fortunate that Awakening Autumn trusted me to review their work ahead of its release. Freakshow has to be one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard. It makes no excuses, with loud vocals and powerful instrumental tracks that give you the best of everything Awakening Autumn represents. I’m really vibing with this sound—it’s unlike anything they’ve created before. When I listen to Freakshow, I’m reminded of a carnival with a carousel—amplified and alive with energy, bringing forth an overwhelming sense of joy. I swear, the way McKade sings this track has me in a MASSIVE puddle of mirth. It’s savage in the best way, set against the sweet onset of lyrics that clearly come from a place of deep appreciation for someone truly loved. There’s such a contrast between the raw vocals and the tenderness of the lyrics, it hits me right in the gut. In fact, it’s not delicate at all, and that’s what makes it brilliant. It’s sung with intensity and honesty, the best possible combination. My favourite part of this track comes at 2:23, when you hear a snap and a beautiful musical pivot in both timbre and cadence. A battle cry unlike any other, in the name of love, comes to life the moment the song pauses for a complete picosecond. Then comes the loud snap, followed by the most stunning lyrics paired with the most unhinged, controlled voice I’ve ever heard. Sigh, pure appreciation.