
August 20, 2024
When I was younger, I found myself drawn to teen pop, even though I was well past my teenage years. I’ve always loved the genre, not just for its catchy melodies, but for the rich variety of instruments that often accompany the tracks. My ears were always enchanted by the sheer diversity of sounds.
Listening to Veronica Lewis’s “Too Late For Tears” instantly transported me back to that time. It's not teen pop at all, it's rather indie rock. But through my headphones, a kaleidoscope of sounds dances around, and I love the overwhelming sensation of not knowing where to focus, with so many layers to explore.
Let’s start with the warm vocals. This is my first encounter with Veronica, and what strikes me most is her unique and recognizable voice. It’s a huge advantage for an artist to have a distinct vocal quality that stands out in a crowd, much like Adele or Dido. Especially in an era where everything on the radio can sound eerily similar (my girlfriend always makes me laugh when she says, “I like this new Ava Max song” and I reply “This is not Ava Max, this is Dua Lipa”. A week later, we often have the same conversation in reverse and end up laughing because she can’t tell them apart). Veronica, however, has that rare gift of a voice that leaves a lasting impression.
Then there’s the songwriting—remarkably mature for an artist who’s only 20 years old. Her lyrics show a deep understanding and clarity, especially when she explains the meaning behind the song:
“This is a song about that one friend who keeps coming in and out of your life over and over again. It’s exhausting and hurtful, and ultimately you lose your enthusiasm for the relationship. The tumult of emotions finally ends, and you are better for it.”
This is a song that hits home because we’ve all been in that uncomfortable situation. I certainly have. How do you convey to someone that they’re causing more harm than good? For me, it wasn’t a friend. It was my mother. A toxic relationship brings nothing positive, and sometimes you have to make tough, radical decisions, even if it means breaking free from a negative pattern that controls you more than you control it.
Added to our "New IMC Friday" playlist on Spotify for a month.