By Jade Gatling
“Laurel Hell” by Mitski (“Two Slow Dancers”) is the artist’s sixth studio album. It was released to most music platforms on Feb. 4, 2022. The Japanese-American singer managed to include numerous musical styles into her work. The album’s songs mainly have elements of synth-pop, indie pop and electronic art styles.
Despite this being in her previous albums, she manages to cultivate the sound in a profound way. All of the songs do a fantastic job of showing her growth as an artist but also show her in a vulnerable state. A strength of Mitski is her willing to tell the listener her thoughts, dreams and frustrations about her newfound success.
Many listeners are accustomed to this style, with her most popular album titled “Be the Cowboy.” “Laurel Hell” dives into these same topics but delivers them in an alternative style pop fusion.
It is important to understand that her longtime producer Patrick Hyland was responsible for musical production, which explains the unique charm of her vocals and choruses. Most of the songs on Laurel Hell tackle difficult themes such as depression, uncertainty and dependence on others.
All of the songs have this common image of separation and loneliness. This is further displayed through Mitski’s hollow, ghost-like vocals. She sings about these ideas with determination, further making the listening experience more thoughtful.
Most artists have a way of disconnecting themselves from the audience by talking about their experiences. Somehow, Mitski manages to relate to the listener by discussing negative thoughts and feelings we all have at some point in our lives.
In her song titled “Stay Soft,” she talks about feelings of inadequacy. As the song continues, she sings to the listener “You stay soft, get beaten. Only natural to harden up.”
The artist may be explaining a relationship or friendship that caused her to lose trust. The content discussed on this song, mirrors her past work, such as “Bury Me at Makeout Creek.” It is unclear who this song is for.
In the song “Working for the Knife,” Mitski describes her struggles to pull herself out of a “creative block.” She does not reach clarity until the end of the song. The song incorporates acoustic rock elements by using a synthetic guitar. She slowly sings the words, “I always thought the choice was mine.”
In the song “Everyone,” Mitski sings, “I opened my arms wide to the dark. I said take it all, whatever you want.” She is willing to admit her wrongs, which shows her growth as an artist.
This reveals an admirable trait in Mitski and her work as an artist. Many people attach themselves to her ability to be honest, and vulnerable to her listeners. Despite her talking about these issues in her previous albums, she does it with a sense of maturity.
“Laurel Hell” feels like a woman reflecting on her past mistakes while remaining comfortable in the present. Mitski continues to share her flaws with the audience while keeping them entertained. The album feels like she is talking to the listener outside on a dark, chilly night.
Image from mitski mitski via YouTube
