British singer-songwriter Gabriel Aplin rose to fame with the acoustic covers he posted on his YouTube channel. Now, 13 years later, she’s releasing her fourth album phosphorescent under her own independent label, Never Fade Records, on January 6, 2023. Since her acoustic days, Aplin has amassed her over 3 million followers on Spotify, topped her album charts in the UK and performed on TV shows such as the BBC.However, in particular phosphorescentAplin is more than indie folk, the album is a more pop-focused collection of 11 tracks, paired with grounded lyrics and steady beats.
Phosphorescence refers to the light that a substance can give off without heat or combustion, and the idea of this natural glow is evident throughout the album, along with Aplin’s ethereal voice and lithe soundscape. phosphorescent It opens with “Skylight,” a sober, almost lo-fi piece centered around finding contentment in silence. “We don’t need to rush this feeling, feel / Trying is a waste of time / We don’t need to rush, just exhale, inhale.” A faint voice oozes out, creating a light and delicate atmosphere. The song is followed by her summer pop hit “Never Be the Same,” which brings danceability and fun vibes.
The third track, “Good Enough”, reflects being in a healthy relationship and wanting you to be just as good with your partner. In an acoustic love song sung by Aplin, “‘Cause you’re more than just someone/After all I said and did and everything you did/I just want to be enough for you.”
The fifth song, “Wish I Didnt Press Send,” showcases Aplin’s strong songwriting, especially when it comes to storytelling with her wistful and relatable lyrics. “But now it’s too late. I woke up and broke my own rules/I swear it was that drink that sent you a message/I did what I said I wouldn’t do.” While listening to a drunken text sent to her ex-boyfriend, she focuses on the meaning of reckless behavior and how the old saying, “Drunken words are cold thoughts” is actually true. I’m here.
Songs such as “Don’t Know What I Want” and “Half In Half Out” reflect Aplin’s original roots as an indie folk artist, while “Call Me” and “Don’t Say” track incorporates more electric notes and a more futuristic pop phosphorescent Diverse and diverse. But what ties all these different sounds together is his Aplin’s integral soft voice that drifts into melodious riffs as the track transitions from verse to chorus.
In the tenth song, “Mariana Trench,” Aplin compares his life to that of a waterway in the Pacific Ocean. Even though the trenches are the deepest in the world, sea creatures can still live in them. The concept is used as a metaphor for how Aplin continues to find a way to live despite setbacks in life. I don’t know/But I remember there is life in the darkest places.”
phosphorescent “Don’t Say” is an electric pop song about believing you can get better. She can’t help but agree with her, as Aplin sings, “I can feel it. I’m getting better.” She still maintains her calm voice and soothing acoustics, but she’s able to create stronger, more intense tracks and mix them all to make them glow with a phosphorescent glow.
