Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Maggie Rogers takes audiences through a journey of heartbreak and discovery through her third studio album “Don’t Forget Me”. Known for her unique sound, Rogers explores a distinct singer-songwriter voice that gives homage to greats like Carole King (“Tapestry”) and Joni Mitchell (“Both Sides Now”). 

“Don’t Forget Me” is a cohesive album, all the songs have a similar style that flows well one after the other. Each song transports you into an early 2000s coming-of-age movie where the protagonist is finding her way in the world. Most of the songs had an indie soft rock sound and a lot of Fleetwood Mac (“Rumours”) and early ‘70s inspiration. 

The theme of this album felt like being lost came with a lot of acceptance. The lightheartedness of her tougher lyrics felt honest and real. Rogers seemed to be facing a lot of feelings of growing older. In “It Was Coming All Along,” Rogers writes, “And everywhere I look around/It seems we’re always saying goodbye…I’m crying, wish I wasn’t hanging on/But it was coming all along”. This inevitability of growing up is seen in “Don’t Forget Me”, and this theme paired with this singer-songwriter’s voice adds to the reliability of the album. 

Another aspect of Roger’s third album is her reflectiveness throughout. In the sixth track, “I Still Do,” Rogers asks questions and challenges the idea of staying stagnant writing, “And how far can you bend before you break it all someday?/And how long can you wait?” 

While Roger’s funky ad-libs and cool beats add a unique tone to this album, a lot of the songs sound the same which can lead to some predictability and boringness. This repetitive and same style of song, though do all fit well together, can leave audiences bored and could even zone out while listening. All of the beginning tracks have the same upbeat, indie sound, until the sixth track when things take that reflective tone. 

Rogers closes this album beautifully, making “Don’t Forget Me” feel like a completed book with the last track which is the title track. In the song, she talks about friends getting married and not being ready to ask for a promise. “Oh, but promise me that whеn it’s time to leave/Don’t forgеt me.” The storytelling and lyrics are so powerful throughout the album, but in Rogers’ more emotional songs, her writing abilities shine through. 

Overall, “Don’t Forget Me” is an indie album that anyone can ponder over and contemplate leaving childhood behind. Maggie Rogers’ storytelling in this album feels complete and well-rounded like she knew what message she wanted to convey and executed it. Rogers has a unique sound and tone, and although it is changing and maturing over time, her true voice is seen in the growth. The title track closes the album perfectly, giving audiences time to reflect on the album. “Don’t Forget Me” is a classic singer-songwriter album where lyrics take the forefront as the main stars of the piece. 

Image from Maggie Rogers via Capitol Records