Lizzy McAlpine’s deluxe version of her third studio album, “Older (and Wiser)” is precisely what it says on the tin: a story of her growth as she grows older. The album is a mosaic of a melancholy tone, soft vocals, and simplistic instrumentals that create the comforting atmosphere the songs emit. McAlpine covers the fear of change, the difficulties of growing up, and the maturity that comes with it.

This version of her album has five new songs in addition to her original album tracklist. Her lyricism and ability to relate to her listeners and an album have spiked with popularity since its release. Out of this talented album, here are four stunning songs that stand out against the rest.

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“Spring into Summer”

“And now I’m here forever, runnin’ back to you 

Always

Summer is falling, it’s a distant dream

If I turn around, you’re runnin’ back to me”

Filled with calming vocals, this song features McAlpine’s comparison of her changing relationships as the seasons change and the hesitation that comes with it. This song is an intimate piece of nostalgia as she reminisces about her past relationship. It touches on the reality of mistakes and the “what ifs?” it leaves in their wake.

“Spring into Summer” is the epitome of struggling with giving yourself to someone when you are still young and discovering what you love. McAlpine beautifully describes the young love she is mourning as a sunny summer day at the lake. Her vivid imagery makes her scene almost tangible as you are listening to the song.

“Staying”

“Maybe I would be okay if I let this go forever

Send it into space and watch the planets turn

Maybe I will, someday, let this go forever

Hold me until I find the nerve”

McAlpine uses this song to describe herself growing out of relationships, but not being grown enough to know how to leave something that’s knowingly unhealthy for her. McAlpine questions if she can ever be brave enough to leave her significant lover when they both know it is inevitable she has to leave.

Sang like a gentle lullaby before bed, the lyrics describe a familiar and comforting night as she confesses her wishes to leave. Her guilt and hatred towards her lover is weaved slowly through the song to show the true toxicity of her seemingly sweet relationship. McAlpine perfectly expresses the sadness this situation brings her, as she is aware she cannot stay, but cannot muster the courage to leave.

“Pushing It Down and Praying”

“When I close my eyes

You replace him

Wearin’ no disguise

You erase him

I wanna feel guilty (mm)”

In the song, McAlpine describes how clarity can be an evasive ending when wrapped with guilt over thoughts and feelings. Many times, we push down our own feelings and begin to pray for the best outcome. Through the song, she describes how she physically is with someone, yet mentally she desires to be with another. From this, McAlpine is able to capture the duality of guilt and confusion as she struggles with her true desires.

“All Falls Down”

“I am happy, but

I’ll probably cry after you go home

Doing fine

Like I always am

Am I that good of a liar

That I believe myself again”

From this song, McAlpine discusses the various feelings of anxiety, especially in experiences in growing older. Throughout the song, age seems to be an apparent theme, as it describes what she was feeling during that time. As you get older, life doesn’t get easier. It continuously gets more difficult, especially as a young artist dealing with the pressures of fame and tours. McAlpine is able to combine these emotions together as one to tell a tragic yet beautiful story.

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Throughout the album, McAlpine takes listeners through a peaceful and soothing journey of self discovery and the difficulties of aging. From her lyricism, she describes how difficult fame as an artist can be especially at such a young age. She also discovers what life as a young adult with anxiety may feel like. She describes so many emotions and feelings throughout the album, that all listeners can find that life may be filled with several complications hindering your positivity. Yet, McAlpine is someone to relate to, allowing many to prevail through these challenges from her music.