EMOTIONAL YET LIVELY; 'LONER' TELLS A MESMERIZING STORY
Alison Wonderland has been making waves in the EDM community recently by teasing new singles and production at some of the nation’s largest festivals. From performing on some of the largest stages across the world, to working hard on new music, the past two years have been busy ones. She has openly spoken about pouring her whole heart and emotions into her music as of late; now the talented DJ and musician is releasing her third studio album, Loner.
Loner is a powerful album about growth, fighting your inner and outer demons, and pulling yourself out of a dark place. Each and every track tells a story in its own way, creating a journey of rebirth and reassurance that everything will be okay someday.
1. Forever
With lyrics “It will feel like forever, until it doesn’t” repeated in a hauntingly beautiful fashion, it surely sets the mood going forward. Alison Wonderland pairs her voice with electronic beats and bass drops to create her own signature sound. A lot of emotion is captured through the lyrics, however the music paired with them almost bring you to a dream-like place for this first track.
2. Safe Life
As Safe Life starts, you can instantly feel that this song is written from a place of heavier feelings. The beats are rather subdued in manner, and even combine some orchestral elements to portray a darker mood, but lighten up in combination with the addition of positive lyrics.
3. FUCK U LOVE U
In short: The most beautiful fuck you you’ll ever hear. Alison really packs a punch with this highly emotional single about her journey through the music industry. The simple lyrics combined with her classic bass drops set a dark and chilling dance mood.
4. New Day
“New Day” is one of those songs where the experience is totally different listening to it stand alone vs. watching the music video. The music definitely gives off some western vibes, while the lyrics and melody feel very positive and upbeat.
5. I’m Doing Great Now Thanks (Interlude)
6. Something Real
“Something Real is the first love song I have ever written, I put all that energy into this and I hope it makes you all feel fucking amazing” -Alison Wonderland
The track features Alison’s soft and ethereal vocals overlaying a laid-back synth melody and the sound of rain. While every track on the album depict heavy emotions, this one lightens the mood through the lyrics. Overall, “Something Real” proclaims just how much Alison can diversify her sound as a producer, musician, and lyricist to create something truly beautiful. If I had to choose a favorite off the album, “Something Real” would be it.
7. Eyes Closed
Returning to her DJ roots, “Eyes Closed” takes on a house, beat-heavy feel. This song was unquestionably produced to be played for a live audience who love the diversity of Alison’s music. It utilizes drum heavy tracks and repetitive lyrics, as well as giving off some good old alien vibes.
8. Bad Things
“Bad Things”, the first single released in 2020, has been on repeat since then (seriously, my neighbors are probably judging me). This upbeat song pairs an empowering message with video game-like beats and a signature bass drop. Coming from a difficult place or rough emotions, the lyrics serve as a reminder to move on and past the bad things.
“Don’t fall in love with the bad things, remind me why I’m still alive”
9. Thirst
Another stand-out track on the album, “Thirst”, combines a bumping bassline with modified vocals and synth beats to create hypnotic jam. Electric alien-like noises create a trippy track that you will love to dance to. 10/10 includes aliens.
10. Cocaine
We’ve all known a person just like “Cocaine” depicts - someone who doesn’t care about those closest to them and just tries to act cool to impress people. Safe to say, this track is a total “screw you” filled to the brim with sarcasm and easygoing beats.
11. Fear of Dying
“Fear of Dying” is a track written from a place of fear and anxiety over losing someone close to you. The theme of death and rebirth, or killing your old self, is highly present in the music video for “Fear of Dying”. At one point in the video, present-day Alison confronts a portrayal of herself from her 2018 album Awake. The lyrics paired with this imagery press Loner’s subject of moving forward.
12. Loner
“Loner”, the album’s namesake, is the perfect happy ending to a story. The theme of loneliness is ever-present in this album written during a time of isolation and uncertainty, but with the final track, we see the light at the end of the tunnel. While the beginning track of the album, “Forever”, is written about a difficult time, “Loner” emits only positive vibes.
“I’m a Loner. I’m alone now, and it’s okay to cry”