Written by Olivia Aiere
Madison Beer’s new album Locket proves she found her footing in the production style of her music. Each track boasts a mysticality in its sound behind her classic straightforward lyricism. Three singles were released ahead of the album, each hinting toward the style of the full project with their production. In November’s Playlist I talked about “bittersweet,” noting the synth usage and unique bass line, characteristics found in both “yes baby” and “make you mine” as well.
Her latest single “bad enough” features a softer sound. The strong snare fits with the chiming quality of the keys to maintain an upbeat feel while still carrying some emotional weight. The instrumentation backs her vocals as they grow in the chorus, all contributing to the otherworldly sound she’s curated for this album.
Most of the album employs similar production on each track, utilizing groovy basslines or dreamy arpeggios to support Beer’s delicate vocals. “for the night” features acoustic instrumentation, sticking to an almost bossa nova grove behind gentle guitar strums as the melody travels chromatically. The album’s other ballad, “you’re still everything” leans more into the dream-like sound Beer is committing to. The vocals take on an echo while Beer sings:
“if she’s in your arms tonight” before layering harmonies over “I only exist in the moments you’re talking to me.” Beer’s lyricism takes on a reflective quality with the wistful sound of the track.
Both the intro and interlude, “locket theme” and “healthy habit” respectively, feature this vocal layering at different points. In “locket theme” the song closes out with more belting over the harmonies before letting the main line take over for the ending, whereas “healthy habit” employs the technique throughout the song in its refrain and feels lighter with its bouncier tempo.
Amidst the more upbeat tracks, “angel wings” stands out the most. There’s an obvious hyperpop influence in both “complexity” and “nothing at all” that feels fresh for Beer’s sound, but “angel wings” balances that influence with her established ethereal sound. The sound is reminiscent of her first EP, As She Pleases, and recycles the lyrics “dead to me” into a more mature melody.
Beer has many strengths, but her deep, cutting lyrics are a staple throughout her entire discography. “angel wings” features that typical bluntness that makes Beer’s songwriting so exciting, with lines like “when I talk about you, I say, “Rest in peace” and in my head you lie so peacefully inside.”
While “Locket” does not sound drastically different to Beer’s other recent album Silence Between Songs, it revamps the otherworldly sound into a more whimsical auditory experience, honing in on the conflicting emotions that “bittersweet” and the other singles had foreshadowed.
