In a vulnerable and honest look at being passed over by someone you want to love you, gaaren's song "Better" will take you through waves of questioning and reflection. The song lays the speaker's situation out plainly: they wanted to have a relationship with a person who claimed they were not looking for that. The speaker settled for spending time with them in a casual way, and in the meantime that person fell in love with someone else. This song tells a story that many people can relate to, in being deceived when it comes to love. The first verse ends with the pressing question, "why keep me in the loop?" Bringing in feelings of regret, the chorus repeats the words "I should have known better". The lyrics move on to a somber and pessimistic view on love, taking on the pain and rejection of the situation. This song will hit you where it hurts, showing the emotional wounds that come from being used.
While the message of "Better" captures that bitter sting of romantic deceit, its light indie style coasts the storytelling through a romanticized sound that feels like moving on. A calmly soothing blend of twinkling high instrumental note patterns, along with atmospheric guitar and piano, bring a matter-of-factness to the melancholic lyrics. Fluttering vocalizing throughout the song add a prettiness to the sound that feels uplifting. Carine Gaaren's vocals are breathy through the verse with smooth high notes, gaining a slight edginess through the insistent pre-chorus, and a resolute lightness in the chorus. This song truly brings the meaning of 'being the bigger person' to life allowing its bright tune to move on from the complex emotions in its lyrics.
gaaren is a pop group from Norway who embody a Scandinavian dance style in their sound. The group is a trio consisting of Carine Gaaren, Johan Nes, and Teodor Kleive-Andersen. Their music brings a multi-dimensional sound to deep and meaningful lyrics about love and growth. gaaren has opened for Sigrid, and plays shows alongside other artists with an upcoming performance in Oslo with leoleo. The band has received praise from the Norwegian broadcasting company NRK, and continues to captivate listeners with their entrancing sound and wistful lyricism. Check out the links below to explore their music.
Written By Hanna Kowal
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