Photo Credits: www.sammoouse.com / @quinlyntoshphoto
Los Angeles based, singer/songwriter and pop artist, Annie Omalley has recently dropped her sophomore album, “all the things that skare me” which focuses on themes of healing your inner child and facing the “monsters” hiding under your bed (aka, our inner demons).
TRACKLIST
all the things that skare me
2gether 4ever
break up partie
celebrations & obsessive thaughts
road raje
diskovering why
amjo
sundaze
klose the door
ao627lk710 (feat. Louis Knight)
sobure
plot twyst
luckie
obstakles dissipate
Annie Omalley, originally from the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois, has always had a passion for music since she was a child. She was the girl at school who was picked on for being “different” - which only inspired her and empowered her to become the incredible artist she is today. She invented a genre for herself she likes to call “Temper Tantrum Pop” - an extremely expressive, emotive style that allows you to be sensitive, loud, creative and “different”. Annie Omalley wants to show the world that there is no wrong way to create art, and so she purposely misspells song titles, uses contrasting vibrant colors and validates the feelings of herself and anyone else who has been made to feel like they can’t be themselves. Annie began officially releasing her music in 2018, starting with her debut single “chase me downn”. She went on tour as support for the 70’s rock band Chicago, and rapper Phora. In 2022, she released her first album “Skrapbook”. Annie’s unique approach and sound has proven successful, as she now has over 76k+ monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Now with her new album, “all the things that skare me”, Annie is ready to take things to the next step. Let’s dive into these tracks!
all the things that skare me
Starting with the title track, we have "all the things that skare me" which begins with a very etheral soundscape, with bits and pieces of tape recordings and sound effects ringing in the background with heavy reverb. It's setting the scene and tone for what's to come, as Annie bursts into song about, well, all the things that skare her and the topics that will be touched on for the rest of the album. The song is fast paced, as Annie sings in a word-vomit like rhythm and tempo where the lyrics never stop coming. It's meant to feel a bit anxiety inducing, like all the constant thoughts that are running through her head. The music itself sounds very nostalgic, very 80's synth pop. Even though the topic is rough, it's relatable for many and the upbeat nature softens the blow and makes you want to dance around while you sing along.
2gether 4ever
Next, we have "2gether 4ever" which is about meeting the right one and not needing more time to know that you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You just want to skip to all the good parts of being in a long term relationship; you don't want to wait because you already feel like you're meant to be. Time doesn't matter when you're truly in love, so why wait? "2gether 4ever" is such a catchy, feel-good song. The hook features layers of chanting vocals singing along with Annie, really adding to the power of the song. Along with a heavy bass and beat break down that makes you get into the groove even deeper, and the glitchy electronic elements in the production that add a perfect amount of uniqueness to the rhythm, "2gether 4ever" is a song that is an ear-worm.
break up partie
"break up partie" is another bop, with an 80's pop/rock inspired groove. This song is about when your best friend starts dating somebody, and you know that it's going to ruin your relationship with them. Obviously you can't just flat out let them know you're jealous, but you know that they're going to be spending all of their time with this new person instead of you. They may try to invite you out sometimes, but you don't want to be the awkward third wheel, or feel like they're just hanging out with you out of pity. So instead you throw yourself a little best friend break up partie, and guess what, they're not invited!! Yeah, it may be a little petty, but we all know what happens to the best friend in these situations. It's sad when someone you were so close to blows you off for someone they barely know - and now they may become a complete stranger.
celebrations & obsessive thaughts
"celebrations & obsessive thaughts" is about watching the world around you be happy while you're just stuck inside your head with your fears and anxieties. The lyrics in this song roll right off Annie's tongue in such a satisfying way. It's another "word vomit" type of song where the words just keep coming and you can't help but take in everything she's saying. The overall groove is very simple, but ear-pleasing. The drown-strokes of the electric guitar set the rhythm in place and synths fill the air. I really love the reverbed, harmonic background vocals which fit perfectly into the mood. I also love the way the song just abruptly ends; you're not expecting it but it's perfectly done.
road raje
"road raje" is a reminder that life is not a race, and that it's not good to let your stress and emotions build up to the point where you can't take it anymore and you spin out of control. This song takes on a hyper-pop beat, giving it an anxious groove to really emphasis the meaning behind the song. In the second verse, Annie sings about the life changing car accident she was in, which gave her a whole new perspective on life. I don't know about you, but I witness everyday people getting angry, in a big hurry to get nowhere. A lot of us need to just stop, take a deep breath, and realize it's okay to slow down; literally and figuratively. Annie sings an addicting melody beautifully in this song, with a lot of lyrical moments that make you sit and think. Life is way too short to only focus on negative emotions.
diskovering why
Moving onto "diskovering why", so far on the album, this track takes the most different approach within it's style. It has a dark-pop production with some RnB undertones, and lots of synthesized background vocals and effects. Funny enough, it sound like an extraterrestrial, ethereal, out of this world kind of song which really matches exactly what this song is about - finding your purpose in life. "diskovering why" is about Annie's personal awakening. She knows why she was put on this Earth, and she is determined to fulfill her destiny while also navigating the challenges and obstacles that are given to her. I love how this song comes full circle by ending it with the original voice memo of when Annie began writing this song at her piano.
amjo
"amjo" is a special little 30 second interlude, "amjo" being the nickname Annie's family calls her as it's the acronym for her full name. The song itself is a lullaby that Annie's dad used to sing to her to rock her to sleep. The melody is played by a xylophone, with Annie gently humming in the background. Annie described it as being the perfect interlude, as this album is all about befriending your inner child.
sundaze
"sundaze" is about when Annie was a kid, and she would dread going to school - especially on a Sunday night knowing the entire week would be hell. Annie would stay up all night in her room, which was her safe place, and do whatever she wanted - being 100% and completely herself - because she knew at school she wouldn't be able to or else she'd get made fun of. It's a relatable song for a lot of kids, but it shouldn't be. It brings awareness to how unfair school-age kids are to each other. Children shouldn't be afraid to go to school because they'll be judged if they're themselves. "sundaze" also has a fast-paced hyper-pop rhythm with some pop/punk influnece in the hook. There's a perfect amount of autotune on the vocals for stylistic purposes that hype up the production even more.
klose the door
"klose the door" was the first single released for the "all the things that skare me" universe. Released last year, it was also Annie's first ever official VEVO music video! "klose the door" has a stomping beat and a perfectly minimalistic production that is just enough vibes to get you grooving. It puts Annie's voice and the ear-worm melody at the forefront, and yes, it will get stuck in your head. "klose the door" is about that one person who you just can't stay away from - even though you know they'll never take you or your relationship seriously. You try to date other people, but nothing can get you to stop thining about them; and even worse, they always let you come back.
ao627lk710 (feat. Louis Knight)
"ao627lk719" is co-written by and features British singer/songwriter Louis Knight and is about two people in a relationship who both think the other is cheating on them. They each result in spying on each other on a secret agent type of level. There's fun little moments where you hear code names and speaking over walkie talkies, which shows you how serious these two are taking the situation and how badly they want to catch one another in the act. Starting out with acoustic guitar, this song bursts into an energetic, electronica influenced, EDM / glitch pop production. It almost sounds like it belong is an arcade video game. I really love how Annie and Louis came together and were able to create this unique soundscape that still feels like it belongs to them. They fit well together vocally and as writers, and it's a collaboration that was clearly meant to be.
sobure
Next, we have "sobure", which is a really deep, vulnerable and personal piano ballad. It's one of Annie's most honest and open songs, and she has admitted to being hesitant about releasing it. Well let me tell you right now Annie, I'm so glad you did because this is a song that many people need to hear and know that they're not alone. "sobure" is about having an addictive personality, but because you've seen others you love suffer from addiction, you've chosen to live your life sober. However, you find yourself finding other ways to get "high", or to take your mind of the stressors you have in your life, because you can be addicted to things that aren't illegal, or a physical drug. Annie admits to finding ways to feed her addictive personality without breaking sobriety, and also admits that just because it's legal doesn't make it good for you. She feels guilt about this, and sings, "maybe I'm not really sobure..."
plot twyst
"plot twyst" was added to the album last minute when Annie wrote it earlier this year and knew it needed to be shared with the world. "plot twyst" is based on a short-lived fling, and we all know how passionate and real those can be. You often find yourself asking in these situations, how could someone feel something so intense, so magical, and then just up and act like it never happened? This guy gave Annie plot twyst after plot twyst, starting with when he said he would kiss her, and then he did, just for him to turn around and never talk to her again, and get a new girlfriend not too soon after and show her off on his social media. Annie used her feelings about this and created a bop. "plot twyst" has vibrating synths, a catchy beat and shouting vocals in the hook that make you want to sing along.
luckie
It's hard not to compare ourselves to others when we live in a society that revolves around constantly portraying ourselves as perfect (even though nobody is). However, "luckie" is about being grateful for what you have, and being proud of the journey you're on. Everybody thinks, lives, and grows differently. You know your own strengths and who you are; so even on those days when you're feeling like you're falling behind, don't let anything or anyone stop you from fulfilling your dreams. "luckie" takes experimental electronic elements and turns them into a catchy pop hit.
obstakles dissipate
Closing out the album, we have the beautiful and incredibly inspiring track, "obstakles dissipate". Annie wrote this song while imagining what it would be like to win an award for her music one day, all while also reflecting on her journey to get to where she is now. Overall, this song is about getting to live out your dreams, and never giving up. This song is cenematic, filled with piano, guitar, drums, orchestral strings and heavenly harmonies. The lyrics are some of Annie's best in my opinion, and as an artist myself who has had the same dream since I was a little girl, I found myself relating deeply to this song. This one brought tears to my eyes, in a very good way. Listening to this song is very cathartic experience, and such a perfect way to end this project.
Unskippable. Pop Perfection. These are the first words I wrote down when it came time to write my summary of this album. I know it just came out, but it's already one of the most underrated projects of this entire year, and Annie Omalley is one of the most underrated artists I have ever come across; and that's saying a lot as someone who has had to sift through 40k plus submissions throughout my blogging career. Every single song on this album caught my attention; from the vocals, to the lyrics, to the production, to the melodies - everything was perfectly crafted and handled with love, care, and intent. The passion that Annie has for her music is so special, and you can literally hear it and feel it in her songs. Annie does have a very unique style that she likes to call "Temper Tantrum Pop", but if I had to do comparisons, I'd say if you love Taylor Swift, Maisie Peters, or Griff, you'll hands down fall in love with Annie Omalley. If you loved "all the things that skare me", make sure to follow Annie below to keep up with her journey. I also suggest checking out her first album, "Skrapbook".
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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