Melissa Kacar

  "Renegade" was born from such a creatively fulfilling time for Taylor Swift , specifically of her work with frequent collaborators Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon . Coming off of folklore and evermore the year prior, and in the midst of the early stages of her Taylor's Version re-releasing journey, this remains a largely underrated, but very special chapter of her music catalog thus far. Those albums were made entirely on her own terms, unburdened by the expectations that had defined her career up until then. That spontaneity and refusal to overthink is what made this era so singular in her discography thus far. "Renegade" stands out as such a raw and confessional lament, opening up in a way that feels rare, even for a songwriter that has long been known for her deep, personal storytelling.  Aaron and Justin, who have collaborated countless times over the years together, formed the duo Big Red Machine in 2018 alongside the release of their debut self-title...

Just when I thought Taylor Swift couldn't do anymore to save 2020 after her surprise summer release of Folklore , less than 6 months later she released yet another incredible quarantine album! Evermore is the sister album to Folklore and was surprise released hours after it was announced on December 11. I have always loved Taylor's songwriting and how lyrically complex, deeply personal and profound so much of it is. Over the summer I wrote a full review and analysis of Folklore , which not only was my favorite article I have ever written, but also quickly became my most popular as well! I'm very excited to share my review and analysis of Folklore's sister album, Evermore , with you!  Evermore is made up of 15 songs, largely in collaboration with Aaron Dessner. All of the other artists she worked with on Folklore are also featured on the new album, with a few new additions. As a whole, Evermore is the perfect continuation of what was started on Folklore - there ar...

"Relationships" served as the lead single off of HAIM 's 2025 album I quit and in many ways embodies the ethos of what the entire project represents. The song basks in the rush of leaving behind what - and who - no longer serves you or benefits your life - finally having the ability to fully live in the independence and freedom that comes with letting go of everything you once felt was holding you back.  As this song progresses, it feels like all of the baggage starts to fall to the wayside and the realization sets in that you're the one in control of your own life, the people that you allow to take space in it, and the energy you give to it. Throughout this song, Danielle continuously circles back to the blunt and necessary question that shapes it all - "Why am I in this relationship?" It largely feels aligned with the new version of yourself you're becoming in that process of self-discovery, with the all-encompassing and often bittersweet feelings o...

"Sold Out" by Gracie Abrams, Bon Iver & Aaron Dessner Gracie Abrams , Justin Vernon , and Aaron Dessner came together to create a deeply special song honoring the lives lost to gun violence. It's a heavy and important piece of music, written with such clarity and emotional weight. "Sold Out" captures not only the grief of where the world is right now, but the tragedies that continue to happen far too often, in the US and beyond. Alongside the release of the song, they shared; "We made this song last year in the wake of a school shooting. I was reminded of it this week as our hearts were broken yet again. It's a sad one to share during the holidays, but the world is hurting and we shouldn't look away." The song isn't available on streaming services currently, but you can purchase it through Gracie's Bandcamp . All proceeds are going to Everytown, which is an organization committed to reducing gun violence.   Buy the song here + fin...