Maggie Rogers - Surrender

Album Review

Jul 31

Maggie Rogers

Surrender

Not all music is meant to be worn like a slick, trendy leather jacket. This album listens instead of talking too much.

A good song is like a racetrack - there are enough twists and turns to make it interesting, but not so many that you lose your way.

Our favorite albums are like those movies we watch over and over, not because they shock and amaze, but because they feel familiar like family. Little discoveries are revealed to us only after watching it for the fifth time.

Maggie Rogers' latest album, Surrender, is a nice warm journey. No need to press the skip button if this is playing at your dinner party. Each song has its own flavor, but together, they're like a recipe for one good, wholesome, musical mood.

Some albums give you variety and punch, and some are like cradles carrying us through life's moments. This album is supportive and solid.

But there's history behind Surrender's supportive walls.

Sometimes you can respect an artist even more after you observe that first little flicker of light. Then, like a proud parent, you can go, "awe!" when it finally bursts into flame.

The one suitcase Maggie Rogers took with her from her humble beginnings was her flair for organic and robust harmonies. They ring clear as a bell and are perfectly placed, void of the vocal 'bric-a-brac' that those with two ears would disdain.

Starting in 2012 and 2014, Maggie's first two albums: The Echo and Blood Ballet, were waiting at the top of a looming staircase, ready to make their way down to creative certainty.

As her delicate voice and delivery clutched onto the railing, lyrics such as: "shy of hopeful, never sad" from the song “Embers” or "… .won't you tread lightly down the stairs" from the song “Drift” suggest a hopeful inquiry into her future as an artist.

2019's album Heard It In A Past Life arrives halfway down the steps with noticeably improved song structure. This album took a sophisticated leap toward popular music for that year, a quick transition indicative of a hunger to evolve in style and prowess.

Hints are woven into her music that reflect this metamorphosis as she sings:

"….people change overnight, things get strange, but I'm alright, "

"…I walked off an old me.."

or "…I could feel a change a coming" - lyrics from that album.

At the altitude of her career in 2019, you could have stayed right there with her if you wanted to, and maybe you did.

But these first few albums were just the raw, fragrant tea leaves that simply needed a little more time to steep in the juices of promise.

2022's Surrender is the last step down the stairs with two feet firmly on the ground.

The package has been unwrapped here, revealing a truth that was waiting to be released from her soul. You can hear it in her voice.

This may be a whole new artist, the one who is now stepping down to greet a fresh crowd of unassuming listeners.

Maggie's vocals on Surrender are smooth, confident, and sincere, and there are moments when they soar. When it is in full bloom, a voice just is, and there's a comfort in that natural beauty.

The '90s vibe to this newest creation is undeniable, but it's not due exclusively to instrument choice and vocal delivery. One can hear an audible echo of the work ethic from that era. No hiding behind automated algorithms, tricks that 'shock and amuse,' or trends that come and go. Just good old-fashioned music production and songwriting. It's grounded and secure.

Songs like "Overdrive" and "That's Where I Am" are a great place to land if you want to spend a day in her new world.

This is music to do your dishes to. Go for a drive out to nowhere, work on a project, dream of a kiss, or lay in bed all morning in your fuzzy pajamas.

Maybe it's not in your face, but you'll have to admit it sounds great. It's easy on the ears, and nothing will make you want to press stop.

Some music "ain't breakn' the mold," but many very successful and widespread songs are just that - highly recognizable, easygoing, and transparent.

That's the thing about wise and mature creators - they're just happy to be at the party. No need to be the loud, boisterous centerpiece that catches all the first glances.

Don't say you never walked in on your stepbrother mouthing along to Alanis Morissette's "You Outta Know" into his 'hand mic' while rockin' out in his undies. Caught off guard, he pretends he's too cool for that shit and slams the door in your face.

Not all music is meant to be worn like a slick, trendy leather jacket.

These songs are at the top of their game for what they are: beautifully crafted instrumental landscapes, intelligent performances, and tasteful song structure. They're warm and comfy and, at times, invigorating.

This album listens instead of talking too much.

Sometimes you just want to chill to music that supports your heart's song. Some of these tunes would be perfect for a movie soundtrack for that very reason.

This is an album to do your own thing to. Think that thought. Have that moment. Make some of your own magic. Let the songs simply support you.

Surrender is like a tastefully decorated, well-built, musical home.

Unobtrusive but ever-present.

Welcoming and full of little surprises.

Confident and structurally sound.

Maggie Rogers is waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. The door is open. The boxes are unpacked. Paintings hung. Candles lit. Tapestries rolled out.

If you're a new fan, now would be the time to enter this fully furnished musical domain.

You may end up staying.