Angel Olsen’s third studio album, MY WOMAN, has quickly become one of my favorite albums I’ve ever listened to. The themes, sounds, and lyrics are so masterfully crafted; creating a beautiful atmosphere that you can physically feel.
Track eight, “Woman”, was my first introduction to the album. This emotional and somber song appeared at the end of a particularly heartbreaking episode of a show I had seen years ago, and it stuck with me. The song feels like a good representation of what you find on this album; light yet powerful vocals, beautiful instrumentals, and a strong heartfelt story surrounding the idea of love.
Track one, “Intern”, immediately drew me into the scene of this album. Building on an ethereal beat, Olsen explores the topics of work and love. Two of my favorite lines from the song are, “Doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done // Still gotta wake up and be someone,” and “Doesn’t matter who you are or what you do // Something in the work will make a fool of you.” To me, they personify two of the biggest things to be aware of in your day-to-day life. You always have the power to make new choices, and it’s inevitable that your work, or anything for that matter, will make you feel stupid in some way. The song weaves together love, work, and life as a whole, and how at some point these things will get the better of you.
Track four, “Give It Up”, follows the concept of someone being willing and wanting to give up anything for some individual. My biggest praise for this song concerns the instrumentals; having prominent drums and electric guitar that carry this song with confidence. As most of the album follows a more somber tone, this track provides a much-needed energy boost.
Track eight, “Those Were the Days”, is probably my favorite of the album. It’s an emotionally driven song that explores the reminiscing of a past relationship. Over a calming guitar and bass, Olsen sings, “Do you remember the way that it used to be? // I waited for you // You kept on searching with me // Feeling free // Wanting to see each other all of the time // Those were the days // Nothing to lose and nothing to find.” She starts and ends the song with this chorus or “refrain”. It’s a beautiful but heartbreaking image of someone looking back on their experiences with someone and greatly missing that.
Some elements from certain songs I don’t personally like, but those grievances of mine are completely drowned out by all of the things I love about this album. It is a masterpiece, and my descriptions for the listed songs truly don’t do them justice. It provides an experience that holds you in a comforting captivity, and I cannot recommend that you give it a listen enough.
