Melissa Kacar

Cruel World beautifully depicts the complexities of what it means to be a young woman in the modern age, facing all of the expectations and pressures that inevitably surface at this point in life. As an artist, Holly Humberstone thrives in the most introspective and honest facets of who she is and the experiences she has gone through. Instrumentally, this album is so lush in its composition, drenched in synth‑pop elements that build upon such an interesting blend of influences. The shimmering, dark fairytale aesthetics are also so central to the entirety of this album as well.  As an entire project, Cruel World really does stand among so many of the best alt‑pop records of the past decade, evoking the feelings of Melodrama by Lorde or Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers in its distinct world‑building and emotional intensity. Coincidentally, all three albums are also these artists' sophomore releases, which feels fitting, as each one captures the distinct moment they stepped deeper int...

"stupid song" by Olivia Rodrigo  Trying to put the strong, all‑encompassing emotion of what it feels like to love so deeply into words is the pursuit of so many of the greatest artists' lives - especially one as emotive and diaristic as Olivia - but acknowledging that you could never fully articulate the extent of your love becomes, in itself, the truest expression of it. That's exactly what "stupid song" represents for me and is one of the many highlights off of her new album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love , so it was very difficult to choose just one to share here. This song is so addicting and moving, as she showcases her strength for songwriting and capturing a feeling that is complicated, yet so universal.  This is very well going to end up being my album of the year for 2026. I truly cannot foresee another record topping girl so in love -  and if something does manage to in the latter half of the year, then I can't even imagine how inc...

"To Love Somebody" is a song rooted in heartbreak, but it approaches the feeling from a completely different angle than a typical breakup track. Instead of framing sensitivity and feeling all-encompassing deep emotions as weaknesses, Holly Humberstone instead writes from the place of these being the distinct traits that make us human. The bittersweet message is that the moments in life that leave you feeling the most exposed and emotionally vulnerable ultimately allow us to gain clarity and experience life in the fullest sense of the word. "They tell you that you feel too much, euphoria right down to the crush, it all breaks down, it always does, it all works out, it always does," Holly sings in the first pre-chorus. "And the shit they say in the songs you love, the greatest hits and the deepest cuts, it all breaks down, it always does, it all works out, it always does". At the heart of it, this song carries the age old message that it is better to have ...

"drop dead" by Olivia Rodrigo I already know this is going to end up being one of, if not the , top songs of my entire year. It's only been a few days and I'm already completely obsessed. "drop dead" is such a cute, sweet love song, and she captures that initial spark and breathlessness of meeting someone and falling in love for the first time in a way truly only Olivia can. It's so sharply written - especially that second verse, which I haven't been able to get out of my head since the moment I first heard it - and so earnest in the way she depicts herself falling so hard and so fast. you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love is absolutely my most anticipated album of the year, I have been waiting so long for new music from her and "drop dead" is such a strong introduction into what I'm sure is going to be an incredible record to come!  "Living Room" by Not For Radio To usher in this new season of growth and renewal, María ...