Rising songstress Abigail Barlow has released her six-track extended-play entitled Abigail.
The opening track ‘Trust Issues’ is flooded with many thoughts and emotions from the songstress with a bouncy pop production with smooth vocals and a sensual beat, the song discusses a cliché of crumbling love tale many will listen to and bop to finding themselves in this narrative. It’s a great first track to introduce listeners to the journey that creates a craftful and empowering start to the EP.
‘Phantom Feelings’ has a darker emotive intensity as the songstress discusses the confusing battle of getting over someone, one many will relate to. It’s a moody follow-up track that shows one standing their ground over an amazingly groovy production with sensual vocals.
Introducing a ballad and the EP’s only collaboration, ‘If I Saw You Today’ features singer-songwriter Oisín. The track begins with a gentle piano along with the songstress’ glistening vocals. It’s a wonderful song as the duo discuss a heartbreaking story that appears to be a letter of goodbye to finally find closure one desperately tries to find.
The subject of ‘Nobody Cares’ has the vibe of the songstress being okay is front of centre compared to diving deep into the song and reading in-between the lines investigating the storytelling. It’s a good call-out song with self-improvement and growth to moving forward, becoming a great follow-up track to the previous, and an excellent addition to the EP.
‘Jet Black Hearts’ discusses games people play when dating over a moody production with its self-awareness and taking charge, but the songstress is absolutely fed up with this scenario of modern dating.
The one lesson this EP teaches the listener is that no one is worth the headache, so just do you. So as ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ closes out the EP with a super catchy track opening with, “I don’t need a boyfriend, that shit’s full-time employment,” the electro-pop song tells the tale that all previous lovers with no intentions can check out.
The six-tracks are drenched in purposeful pop that is a fun listen from the start with catchy verses and choruses. The tasteful tracks are absolute bangers and see the songstress is flourishing and immersing herself in her work. As the EP discusses topics like female empowerment, relationships, and nostalgia, it will give you a hug and a sense of independence you didn’t know you needed.
The songstress is a talented rising star that will be turning heads and capturing a wider attention with this release. As she writes from personal life lessons and experiences, it’s no surprise each track strikes a nerve with the listener in a positive and alluring way. Her uniqueness as a stellar artist makes her a great addition to the music scene.
The record explores a new era of pop showcasing her flawless vocals, effortless melodies, and a fantastic production from beginning to end. The six-tracks dive deep into her identity as an artist. Abigail, is truly a beautiful heartfelt record.
Words by Danielle Holian