United Kingdom based Pop Singer/Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer, Sarah Griffiths, better known as Griff, has finally released her highly anticipated debut album, "Vertigo".
TRACKLIST
Vertigo
Miss Me Too
Into The Walls
19th Hour
Astronaut
Anything
Pillow In My Arms
Cycles
Tears For Fun
Hiding Alone
Hole In My Pocket
Everlasting
So Fast
Where Did You Go
Griff is the daughter of a Chinese mother and a Jamaican father, breaking waves in mainstream music and pop stereotypes. The 23-year-old grew up in a small village on the outskirts of London, England. She's always had a love for music, listening to her parents tastes, such as RnB and Classic Soul, and is an OG Swiftie from 2008 when Taylor Swift released her Fearless album. Griff taught herself how to produce music as a teenager by watching YouTube videos and by using her brothers computer to practice. She broke out into the music scene in 2019 with her debut single, "Eternal Flame" and has continuously released music since then. In 2021, she won the 'Rising Star Award' at the BRIT Awards. Last year in 2023, Griff released the song "Vertigo" as single, which was then shared by Taylor Swift on her Instagram story which gave Griff the global love and attention that she deserves. From this point on, Griff gradually released in parts what would become her debut album, also titled "Vertigo", and become an opener on the European leg of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. Lets dive in.
Vertigo
We're kicking off the album with the title track and leading single, "Vertigo". This is the infectious song that started it all. Originally written with Congee over one note, Griff describes "Vertigo" as a simple song, but when you listen to it, it feels like anything but simple. She has a voice that immediately draws you in, and a melody that takes over your heart. The song is about someone who is too afraid to take that next step in a relationship; they don't want things to get too serious or they don't want to get too close in fear of getting hurt, so instead they ruin something good instead of taking a leap of faith. "Vertigo" builds and builds until you get to this bridge and outro chorus that shoots you off into outer space. It's a hip-hop inspired, synth-pop song that if you listen to it, I promise you'll be putting it on repeat.
Miss Me Too
"Miss Me Too" is about missing that younger, naïve version of yourself that never experienced any heartbreak or hurt. When talking about this song, Griff described it as having a conversation with yourself, and wishing you could find a way to get that part of yourself back. Written with Lost Boy and Siba, "Miss Me Too" feels like a mixture of dance pop and a nostalgic, cenematic experience. I could imagine this song being in a early 2000's inspired teen rom-com movie. The music itself makes you want to get up and dance, but really, the lyrics and the emotion behind this song are really heartbreaking and relatable for anyone who has felt like they have lost themselves; whether it's just from the simple fact of growing up, or from having to experience painful and stressful life events. I think we all can say we wish we could go back to when times were more simple and easy.
Into The Walls
Breaking things down a bit, we have track 3, "Into The Walls". This song touches on the subject of mental health, when it's just one of those days you wish you could disappear and not have to think or worry about anything. On the subject of writing "Into The Walls", Griff mentions how it's about looking around and almost being jealous of the walls surrounding you; because not only are they stronger and they can hold themselves together, but they get to just exist with no worry and watch the world go by. "It's a bit of a stream of consciousness", Griff tells Apple Music. "'Today, I really, really don't think I can do this' is the essence of the song. And it's that fantasy, it might be nice to disappear and to not be in my body for a second." "Into The Walls" takes more of a folk approach in it's soundscape, with acoustic guitar, echoing background vocals and a gentle tapping beat.
19th Hour
"19th Hour" is about that person that only says what they know you want to hear, but never changes their actions to match their words. It gets to the point where "I'm Sorry" doesn't do any justice, and "I Love You" feels like a lie. However, you just can't get yourself to give up on them, even though deep down you know that you should. Filled with layers of harmonies and an infectious hook and melody, "19th hour" is an addicting song that has earned it's place as another bop on the "Vertigo" album.
Astronaut
"Astronaut" is a gorgeous, highly emotional piano ballad that Griff wrote all by herself. Starting with the lyric, "You said that you needed space, go on then astronaut", Griff sat at a piano alone and created this heartbreaking, cosmic track about those situations where you have to pretend it doesn't hurt when a relationship doesn't work out the way you wanted it to. Recorded with British Pop/Rock Band Coldplay's front-man Chris Martin playing the piano, "Astronaut" has a very classic, almost power-pop type of tone. It's very different from the other tracks, in the best way possible. The raw emotion in Griff's voice in this particular song is so deep, it's enough to leave a tear in your eye.
Anything
"Anything" is about the messed up fact that you would've done literally anything for someone, and they took advantage of the power of knowing that fact. Although the meaning behind the song is a little painful, the music itself is super upbeat and fun. The groove and instrumentation are very 80's synth pop and rock inspired. When I first listened, it reminded me a lot of "Stockholm Syndrome" by One Direction. I love the Wilson Phillips style harmonies that Griff uses here as well as the "ANYTHING!" being screamed in the chorus, to really emphasis the seriousness of the situation she's singing about here.
Pillow In My Arms
Griff says "Pillow In My Arms" is the one song on this album that is the closest to her earliest music, considering that it's completely self-written and self-produced as well. It has a simple, yet addicting, catchy groove that just builds and builds as the song goes on, a skill that Griff has mastered. "Pillow In My Arms" is ultimately about loneliness; how at the end of the day, the only thing you have left to hold at night is your pillow. You squeeze it tight for comfort, as if it has the ability to care for you. Griff compares it to the character Miss Havisham from the classic Charles Dicken's novel, Great Expectations where she's left sitting in her wedding dress after being left at the altar.
Cycles
Written with songwriters Congee, Vera Carlbom, and Minna Koivisto while attending a songwriting camp, Griff explains that the lyrics for "Cycles" came naturally with the concept for this album being about the spinning feeling of vertigo. The song is about that "never really over" type of relationship, where you're stuck in the cycle of catching feelings, getting in a fight, almost breaking up, making up, and then the cycle repeats. It's enough to drive anybody crazy! The production style on this song is highly unique and leans more towards the electronica side of things. It was produced by one of Griff's biggest influences when it comes to producing, Mura Masa.
Tears For Fun
Griff explained that "Tears For Fun" was heavily inspired by 80's pop, especially Yazoo's "Only You". The song is about when you've cried so much, you start to wonder if you make yourself cry on purpose just for the fun of it; like maybe there's part of you that enjoys the pain. It's a fun track with layered harmonies that will have you moving and grooving all around your bedroom.
Hiding Alone
"Hiding Alone" is about that one person in the world who makes you feel better. Whenever you're with them, nothing else matters and the rest of the world disappears. They make you feel peace - but when they're not around, you feel lost. This is a stand out track for me, because it's one of the only songs with a lead guitar and heavy popping bass. It has those feel-good, Summer Jam vibes that are perfect for a pick-me-up. There's a bit of Funk, Soul and RnB to the groove that remind me a bit of The Jonas Brothers. If you need a song to send to your best friend to remind them how special they are to you, this is a good choice.
Hole In My Pocket
"Hole In My Pocket" is a beautiful, simple and ethereal song about growing up and losing things as your life goes on - whether that be relationships, friends, physical things, places you've lived, memories or physical items you cared about. It's another song that feels straight out of the 80's, except this one really reminds me sonically of HAIM with the harmonic choices and reverb.
Everlasting
Just to me, "Everlasting" felt like one of the most personal and most vulnerable songs on this entire album. Everyone wants to believe that true love exists, but the hard honest truth is that there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Every couple fights, every couple goes through rough patches, and there's going to be times where you want to give up. Some of us witness the rough patches between our parents when we're growing up; unfortunately, some of our parents didn't make it through. This leaves an imprint on us and can effect our own relationships as adults. This is what "Everlasting" is about; wanting to believe that love can last, but fearing that it can't. This song is soft, features strings and many layers of effects and vocals. It's the most Taylor Swift reminiscent track I've heard so far, and also reminded me a bit of Maisie Peters as well.
So Fast
"So Fast" is quite the opposite of it's title, slowing things down to an acoustic folk track. Accompanied by only hazy, sustained guitar chords, Griff sings softly about having an interaction with someone, and being so lonely that at the end of the night you wish you could ask them to stay a little longer just to get a bit more human interaction.
Where Did You Go
Closing out this incredible album, we have the unconventional track, "Where Did You Go". This song is borderline A-Capella with layers and layers of synthesized, harmonized vocals. This is a song to listen to with your eyes closed; it's a cathartic experience that can't be explained - you just have to listen. The song can be perceived in many different perspectives, as done on purpose by Griff. The first half is someone asking the question, while the second half is the reply. It can be seen as a child looking for a parent who left, or someone who abandoned a romantic relationship, or the one that might just hit the hardest - that moment when you've realized that you've lost yourself, and you don't know how to get you back.
This was my first time really listening to Griff on such a deep level, and I have to say she's earned herself a new fan. Not only is she so incredibly talented, she also is a very humble and kind person. I am so impressed with her lyricism, production skills, vocal control and her ear for addicting melodies. "Vertigo" the album deserves so much more hype and attention!! There's not a single song on this album that I did not enjoy; I'll be adding this to my top favorites of the entire year.
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
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