PALE WAVES - SMITTEN
Pale Waves’ fourth studio album, Smitten, sees the Manchester-based band embracing a new sonic direction while reflecting on themes of love, longing, and personal growth. Smitten marks a shift from the pop-punk edginess of their previous album Unwanted, as they dive into a dreamy, alt-pop sound heavily inspired by the ’80s and ’90s, with nods to bands like The Cranberries and The Cure.
Thematically, Smitten captures the highs and lows of young, queer love, with lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie pouring her emotions into each track. As she explains, “When I fall in love, I fall deep,” and this vulnerability is palpable throughout the record. Whether it’s the bittersweet heartache of ‘Glasgow,’ where she navigates the emotional tug-of-war between euphoria and sadness, or the playful infatuation of ‘Perfume,’ the album oscillates between giddy romanticism and melancholic introspection.
Musically, Pale Waves seem to have found a sound that feels more authentic and cohesive. The tracks are filled with shimmering synths and infectious guitar riffs, making songs like ‘Thinking About You’ and ‘Gravity’ standouts. ‘Gravity,’ in particular, balances sugary pop elements with deeper, more emotionally charged lyrics, revealing the complexities of love and desire. Baron-Gracie’s vocal delivery, simultaneously raw and delicate, adds weight to these themes, inviting listeners to get swept up in the romantic daydreams she creates.
Despite the album’s strengths, it could be the case that its romanticism can feel repetitive at times. While tracks like ‘Kiss Me Again’ and ‘Not a Love Song’ have undeniably catchy hooks, they also risk sounding too familiar, with simplistic lyrics that may not fully develop the emotional depth they aim for. However, for fans of romantic, heart-on-sleeve indie pop, these moments of unabashed sweetness will likely be welcome.
As an album, Smitten succeeds in creating a cohesive mood an ode to the intoxicating yet uncertain experience of young love. While some songs may lean into cliché, others stand out for their honesty and the earnestness of their expression. In the end, Smitten feels like Pale Waves finally settling into a sound that reflects both their influences and their own unique voice.
Overall, Smitten is a significant step forward for Pale Waves. It’s not just about love it’s about navigating the messiness of relationships and personal growth, all while wrapped in infectious, glittering alt-pop. It’s an album for those who believe in love’s highs and are willing to embrace its inevitable lows. Fans of The 1975 and Florence + The Machine will likely find a lot to enjoy here, as Pale Waves continue to evolve while staying true to the emotional core that defines their music.
This album is likely to leave listeners optimistic about what the band will explore next, and eager to see how these tracks play out in a live setting.
Cat Wiltshire
★★★★☆