America’s very own pop princess Madison Beer has finally unveiled her debut album, and it doesn’t disappoint. Each of the 17 songs on ‘Life Support‘ separately builds their own intimate narratives, and together make up a body of free-flowing, emotive power tracks.
Incorporating teasers she shared with us back in 2020, including ‘Selfish’ and ‘Baby,’ the album’s sterling newbie tracks add a brooding layer that was missing from her existing catalogue. My personal favourites include ‘Blue’ and ‘Stay Numb And Carry On.’ As her music has evolved, Madison has bravely cemented herself as a voice for a generation, one that lives in a digital world and is weighed down with confusing thoughts and feelings.
For an artist that can fill an arena and draw in an average of 14 million listeners every month, Beer refreshingly claimed a significant amount of creative control when devising ‘Life Support’ in regards to her lyricism, production and visuals. From her debut in 2013 as an independent artist, all the way to becoming an Epic Records signee in 2019, Beer’s progression really has shown her maturity both musically and personally. ‘Life Support’ documents her arrival as a young woman in music, and ultimately shows her bravery to share these milestones with her fans.
‘The Beginning’ opens the album, which simply features no lyrics, only Madison’s soft echoey croon over delicate keys and riffs. The track seems to be a fitting introduction to the project as Madison is able to flaunt her elegant, well-honed vocals, setting expectations high for what is to follow.
Built as a cohesive body of work, Beer’s intention for the album to be listened to from start to finish becomes clear, as ‘Good In Goodbye’ features the same chord progression as ‘The Beginning,’ resulting in a particularly sonically pleasing track list as one flows into the next. Built around a play on words, ‘Good In Goodbye’ is one of the more sultry, passionate songs on the album, and frankly is the perfect breakup anthem. I think we can all agree it wouldn’t be a pop album without one.
“You put the “over” in lover, put the “ex” in next”
Moody and atmospheric, ‘Effortlessly’ is a particularly personal and brave track, as Beer opens up about her history with self-harm. Delving into the topic of mental health, the lyrics are raw and eloquent, as Madison inspiringly chooses to tell her story in the hope of helping others. Melodically, the song emits a fluid, calming feel, cleverly contrasting its poignant sentiment, which works really beautifully.
“Told you how to heal, filled you up with chemicals / Sadness isn’t real, then why does it feel so physical?”
All fired up, Beer lets loose in ‘BOYSHIT,’ the album’s power track. The single carries a really unique sound that is most certainly serotonin sparking, and is guaranteed to make you feel as if you can take on the world whilst listening. Brimming with attitude, the candid track doesn’t hold back in any respect and will have you foot-tapping from the get-go. You may as well leave this bop on constant repeat, because you’ll be singing it in your head regardless. Exploding into an undeniably infectious and dance-worthy chorus, ‘BOYSHIT’ is playful, empowering and all-round commercial pop gold.
“I can’t understand ya, ’cause I don’t speak boy, no, I don’t speak, I don’t speak, I don’t speak boyshit”
Featuring the all-important lyric from the album’s title, Madison laments on a toxic relationship in ‘Emotional Bruises.’ Bringing to light the impact of words and how they can affect you, she sings of the cyclical nature of an unhealthy relationship, and the strength it takes to finally move on. It’s hard to ignore an integral vintage tinge to the track, carrying a swaying melody that prompts you to muse.
“I can’t do this no more / You got me on life support”
As Madison has steadily made her way up the ranks of the musical ladder, the carefully curated ‘Life Support’ has proven her as an artist we can firmly attach ‘pop star’ status to.
