At: "Underdressed at the Symphony" by Faye Webster
For the friend who plays her all the time. Brief, but loving.
Diving into this record feels familiar as it does not feel too different from her “Atlanta” record, which is a good thing. I will admit that I explore this record due to my friend’s consistent interest in Webster’s old discography. So, now I explore her current, most recent record.
And I like it.
WHY I LIKE IT
The flow of the record is consistent, soft, and light to carry you through it. While remaining relatable and honest, it highlights its instrumentals and the atmosphere it creates seamlessly. The instrumentals make the atmosphere more than other records I have listened to in the past, which makes me appreciate the composition much more. You can pull off influences left and right, but it remains her own record, voice, and style.
INTO THE RECORD
TOP THREE
“Underdressed at the Symphony” is one of the highlights in the record. Simply stunning, and it is so deserving of being the title track. “Spendin’ money just to feel somethin’ / At least go broke or let me heal from somethin’.” This song is more of what I picture when I think of Faye Webster, and it is a really good thing. However, the detail of having an orchestra lapse after name-dropping the record is fun and detailed, which I appreciate. I only wish the orchestra had been a little more present in the song, but the song is still stunning so it must be for the better that they did not sacrifice the instrumental for a thematic decision. It is a breakup song, and it has a desolate atmosphere to it, as it ends with a piano solo that finishes it off perfectly. Again, stunning.
“But Not Kiss” is easily one of my favorites. I will talk about the backing tracks a lot with this record, especially in this song as they carry you through and feel much more present as they create the entire atmosphere of the song. Lyric-wise, “We’re meant to be, but not yet / You’re all that I have, but can’t.” These one-liners throughout the song are all that is necessary for such a good instrumental composition. It is engaging throughout and so easy to listen to, I could play it in any type of scenario. The pauses though, stand out.
“Lifetime” was, is, and will always be, one of my personal favorites. The way the track flows so smoothly ends up highlighting some of the jazzier sounds underlining the record. The vocals are so clear and so fitting to the sound, it works perfectly. Just like we saw with the opening track, there is a lot of lyrical repetition in this song, but they always come with a purpose and fit the instrumental atmosphere too well, one can’t complain.
FOR THE INSTRUMENTALISTS
“Wanna Quit All the Time” has really cool strings. The song in general is much different from the initial two but is a nice change of rhythm as we get into the lyric aspect, and then dive into an instrumental-heavy second half of the song that fits more of the overall patterns displayed in the album. Another pattern we can see is the pauses in the middle of the instrumental sections. I can not decide how necessary the silent pause is, as I believe the instrumental could carry itself, but it is a nice artistic choice that will repeat throughout the record. Pretty solid song tbf.
“Lego Ring” is heavier, and more interesting. The changes in tempo work a little too well as they have the potential to make me obsessed with the song. The feature is fun and it works as Lil Yachty adds some cool textures and style to it, which I really appreciate. “I want a Lego ring / I want it crystal clear.” It is nice. It is too cool. Definitely up there in my ranking.
“He Loves Me Yeah!” is another one I could become obsessed with. It is fun, and the melody is jumpy, making it heavily engaging and interesting. “He owes me money but I let it pass” followed by some optimism in a lovey-dovey relationship felt funny, and I appreciate that type of honest lyricism that is self-reflective but not self-critical. I truly like this song, and I could obsess with it as it’s catchy and the instrumentals are simply perfect for it. Honorable mention as it could have made the top three.
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO RELATE
“Thinking about you” is the perfect opener as it hooks you right in. Specifically, I like the opening lyric: “I’m asleep in the moment you’re holdin’ my head / But I want you now, you’re asleep when you’re dead.” It is a five-minute song with a constant, repetitive lyric but since it is not lyric-heavy, the instrumentals really shine through. It is about the feeling; It is about the optimism of it, and I appreciate it.
“Feeling Good Today” is one of the shortest songs and is stripped down from the heavy instrumentals we are exposed to throughout the record. It is honest and simple. “Just find us something to do / Find a new hobby just to ditch it” is a pretty relatable lyric that showcases Webster’s style and lyrical themes.
“eBay Purchase History” also has some jumpy melodies but stripped down, falling back into jazzy and almost folky strings. “I’m always bored and I’m never satisfied / But you’ve been keeping me busy in my mind / But I’ll keep my anonymity hid / I just learned that word, I thought that I’d use it.” It is simple, honest, relatable, charming, and clever. The lyrics are heavier in this song than the ones we have been exposed to before, which is a nice change of pace as it becomes more vulnerable.
“Tttttime” classes of the record, vulnerable. A song about time and being stuck, while also reflecting this feeling so clearly with limited lyrics. It’s rhythmic and catchy, and it sets the tone for the aftermath of the title track. “I’m alone but what’s new?” showcases a deep loneliness present throughout, and finishes off the record on that same note.
WHO IS THE ALBUM FOR
It is hard to explain what makes this record appealing, which makes it even harder to recommend to a specific pool. It could go either way when you listen to it for the first time, but it can grow with the second listen as you pay more attention to what she is doing and how she is doing it. It feels intentional and purposeful, requiring a second listen, or even a third if you feel the need. therefore…
IS IT A GROWER
I would say so unless you have listened to Faye Webster before and already have formed an opinion on her style. I thought I had an opinion, but the foundation of my opinion was limited to a vague listen of her “Atlanta” album (I liked it, I just never went back to it). I prefer this one, but consider my position as I recommend it.
EXTRA
The two songs of hers in my Spotify before “Underdressed” are “Jonny (Reprised)” and “Come to Atlanta.” My friend would play the “Atlanta” album whenever we would hang out or drive around, and when I told her I had seen Faye Webster at a festival but did not stay for her entire set, she was confused (with good reason). If I could go back, I would stay longer, as the few songs I actually knew were pretty good. However, now I have an Arctic Monkeys shirt that I would not exchange for more time in the sun. Regardless, I am vibing to her.