Brooklyn-based indie popstar Emily James released her debut album Summer Nostalgia. A concept album focusing on a relationship between two people, it follows a love story that survives the challenges of distance, time, and feelings.
James has been on the rise lately with her dedicated young fanbase. “Song For Bryan,” a single from the album, went viral on TikTok and Instagram, instantly growing her popularity. Her work has been featured in Netflix television shows Ginny & Georgia and My Life with the Walter Boys.
Most of James’ music is centers around New York City. Her song titles and lyrics reference the boroughs or streets. She ties into the nightlife and aesthetics of the city that never sleeps. In celebration of the album’s release, she performed a hometown show in Brooklyn.
Summer Nostalgia tells the story of two lovers who’ve known each other from when they were young. The opening track “Suburbia” is a memento in audio form, providing the backdrop to their young love. She talks about different memories spent with them, small items of importance, and the desire for more time with this person.
Difficulties in the relationship quickly start to show as time passes on, both emotionally and personally. “Underdog” and “Uncommon Sense” show the cracks within the relationship and her own conflicting feelings that she can’t voice.
“Tommy” is a raw and personal piece about having one-sided feelings for someone. She pours her heart out in the lyrics. This point of the album transitions into what-ifs, later described in “Picture It.” She tries to distract herself by going out with her friends in “Pretty 4Ever,” but the only one who can fix it is the other person.
The album closes out with “Oranges,” a piece that shows her making the effort to move on. Time passes, things change, and yet her mind will eventually drift back to the other person. However, this comes from a place of acceptance rather than yearning for their return.
Summer Nostalgia is a brave debut by James, who executes the narrative flawlessly. The concept taps into the emotion of the listener and brings us on an emotional journey of this relationship. Whether the listener can relate or not, the emotion behind it is hard to ignore.
To stream Summer Nostalgia, click here.
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