Maggie Rogers - Don't Forget Me (First Listen)
Trying something new, listen along with me :)
It’s no secret I am a Maggie Rogers Stan. With the lyric tattoo to prove it. I really admire her evolving sound and have been excited about the vibes and references for this new record. Thought I’d try listening to it and jotting out some initial thoughts as it went.
It Was Coming All Along
Ok bass!!! This is classic MR to me, big breezy chorus. Feels big and expansive, big open field vibe. This friendship verse is a beautiful <3 Ooh that synth riff/slide guitar crashing into the 3min mark! Ending on that acoustic note. Just a lovely little tune.
Drunk
Wow ok it’s game time now. Cranking up the pace and the darkness. The pre-chorus is chugging now - in line with So Sick Of Dreaming, starting to seem like this record is really an ode to the music that’s shaped her. The references feel very explicit here, but in a way that makes me feel in on it? Like I can feel the moments coming and I get to jump right in.
And if you meet me halfway, I'll drive all night
And nobody's gonna tell me it's not right
That’s textbook Rogers I think. Can’t help but smile.
So Sick Of Dreaming
I mean… I’m fool for this one. Of course the Knicks lost. It’s campy in the most delightful way <3
The Kill
Obsessed with those first descending woodwinds. Again references are IN YOUR FACE. But I’m loving this. The acoustic guitar sitting so nicely here. Hahaha singing indie rock songs in the car, folks talk about future nostalgia!!! This song will probably make cry in 20 years.
YES BRIDGE!! Damn I love this.
Making these references feel new again, feel like her. I’m into it.
If Now Was Then
This pre-chorus melody feels particularly her too and wowwww this chorus is cool. A great little number about the tension that no longer lingers, and the gap that leaves. It’s an interesting approach to some familiar themes and it’s landing for me.
OOO this outro!! Come on, folks, this is fun.
I Still Do
Opening Side 2 with this ballad, knew we’d be good for one. Aw this is a sad follow up song to INWT… Love lost hurts bad I reckon. Beautiful tune.
On & On & On
Just a nice vibe here. The chorus harmonies have such a fun 00’s Pop/R&B feel to them too. Getting the energy back. Yeah you better run is so good ahahaha
Never Going Home
More great storytelling. It all feels honest and real but manages to stay broad and vague making it feel familiar. I have 0 expertise or knowledge of this, but it FEELS like what I THINK Shania Twain is like. If that makes sense? It’s fun and flirty but with a wink. A big dancey chorus, it’s a treat.
All The Same
Announcing her arena tour with support from Ryan Beatty makes deep sense through this song. Feels like her take on a Calico song. Slow, steady, go for a stroll of a song. That piano so warm and from the heart. Plus her voice feels timeless.
And still you wish for
one more kiss
A moment's bliss from a lover you've always known
pouring out in this Joni-Mitchell flowiness that you have to admire. The ooo’s so gentle too, it’s gorgeous.
Don’t Forget Me
Going out on a already established high note, the other single off the record. This california country song, rambling story telling of friends abstracted into life philosphy, it’s so sweet.
I really love this chorus and feel like it’ll be hanging around for a long time to come.
//
And that’s it. A record that’s perfect for this time of year. The warm nights, sun staying up a little later, it’s warm and delightful. Filled with good story telling. Stories of love, of nights out, of reflection, of friendship, of growing. It feels like a natural progression, it’s familiar subjects now with more perspective and appreciation, more willingness to speak her mind. Was fun to listen through it straight like this and think I’ll do it again soon.