I consider most songs with a pop sound not to be in my taste profile. But this month’s song is full of synths, 80s-sounding drums, and produced vocals, and it feels very much like the pop songs I usually despise.
I first heard this song on a Philosophy Tube video and was struck by its uplifting sound. A collaboration between two Scandinavian artists, Brimheim (Helena Rebensdorf) and eee gee (Emma Grankvist), the song explores breaking free from the gender-restrictive roles women often take on. While women are busy turning themselves into what we think the world wants, our sense of self and authenticity is the casualty.
A few drum hits and the singing starts, the lyrics discussing the challenge of loving yourself and not needing the validation and love of others. The music is bouncy, the guitar chugging away under the bass, drums and synth. The second verse builds up with another guitar and some great backing vocals.
Writing this blog, I’ve realised how much I love a big, bright chorus; this song is no exception. The little synth hook, drums and bass line give you a few seconds to breathe before the chorus starts:
Oh God!
How does it feel to breathe?
here’s always been a feral dog
Clawing its way out of me
If I ever let her see the light of day then maybe
I could be a wild woman
A brand new woman
I could be a wild woman
And I’d never have to beg you
Brimheim feat. eee gee – ‘Brand New Woman’
Damn straight ‘Oh God!’. It seems like voodoo to me, how people can put together music that is so impactful. The spaciousness of that chorus echoes the idea of breathing freely and being yourself. The vocal layers are lush and I love how the word woman is sung differently on the title line ‘Brand New Woman’ as it catches your ear.
The piano part in the bridge is twinkly and pretty, giving some relief from that huge chorus before we move into a shorter, second verse and another chorus. A wailing guitar brings in the outro as you’re soaking up the last rays of sunshine before the song ends. I love how people leave in elements from the recording process and the very last thing you can hear is the clacking of drumsticks and someone sliding their hand down the guitar. Although this track is heavy on the synth elements, there is a nod to the organic instruments.
3 minutes and 20 seconds of good pop music. My producer Elliot said a sign of a good song is the feeling that you want to hear more when it stops. I think I’ll go press repeat 😉