Lizzy McAlpine – Older

By: Sarah Mehret

Older is Lizzy McAlpine’s newest album, released on April 5th, 2024. Lizzy McAlpine began to gain recognition as an artist around 2020 when she began to blow up on social media and dropped out of Berklee College of Music to pursue music full-time. Older marks her third studio album, and with it, we see a change in McAlpine’s sound. This album has a mesmerizing sadness, and despite being quite theatrical it showcases a new, more mature sound for McAlpine. Older takes listeners through an on-and-off cyclical relationship. McAlpine is watching this relationship go downhill; however, despite it, she is trying to find stability and learn to heal inwardly.

The opening track “The Elevator” sets a hopeful tone for the album. McAlpine’s deep emotional connection with her boyfriend is established in this song, and she details her hopes at the relationship’s beginning. This song has a beautiful instrumental portion, and it transitions seamlessly into the second track, “Come Down Soon” which takes us out of the honeymoon phase of their relationship into the doubt and uncertainty Lizzy is beginning to feel in the relationship. She and her partner know each other so well, however, she can’t help but fear getting hurt. These first two tracks are two of my favorites in the album, and I think they help listeners easily understand McAlpine’s thought process.

If I could recommend any song on Older, the 5th track “All Falls Down” would always be my first choice. This song contrasts the melancholic tracks that come before it, and it is one of two tracks on this album that is not solely about her former relationship. With a playful wind instrumental “All Falls Down” is jazzy and engaging. Throughout the song Lizzy describes feelings of anxiety while touring, and the pressures of fame while navigating her early 20s and growing older. This is truly a standout track on this album, and I could listen to it over and over again.

The 6th track of Older “Staying” is probably my favorite on this album. Intimate and truthful, this song illustrates McAlpine’s struggles to leave a toxic relationship. Despite her sadness and feelings of isolation, she cannot bring herself to rip the bandage off, even if that’s what she needs in the long run. McAlpine has previously stated that this song encapsulates the relationship the album is about, and the connection that continues to bring them together. This song has an enchanting instrumental that slowly builds, and her vocals are soft and angelic.

Older’s 8th track “Drunk, Running” compares McAlpine’s love for her partner to his alcohol addiction. Throughout the song, she blames herself for his use of alcohol as a coping mechanism and likens her need to leave the relationship to his need to stop drinking. One of my favorite lyrics in this song is “Say ‘I love you’ and then drink it backwards” representing her partner undoing the insincere declarations made while under the influence. Her partner does not keep his word, and substance abuse plagues their relationship. This song is complex and gut-wrenching, and I love that she does not shy away from singing about more serious topics.

The final track on Older “Vortex”, is a beautiful six-minute end to the album. McAlpine’s vocals are amazing in this song, and they gradually crescendo. Similarly to the album’s opening “Vortex” ends with around two minutes worth of captivating instrumentals, and I feel that it added an intensity to this album that was not present in her previous works. This song takes listeners back through the journey of McAlpine’s cyclical relationship, and she feels certainty that she will someday have the strength to leave and let the relationship go. Beautiful and heart-stirring, this song is the perfect end to this album.

Honest, introspective, and emotional, this album seems to showcase a different side of Lizzy McAlpine. This is Lizzy’s first album made with the addition of a band, which I think has elevated her sound as a whole. This album is raw and easy to connect to because McAlpine showcases her anxieties and fears without holding back. It is reflective and beautifully honest. She seems to have found a style of music that works well for her, and I am so excited to see where she goes with her music going forward.  

Rating: 9/10

Favorite Tracks: Come Down Soon, All Falls Down, Staying