BABY SHE’S BACK!!!! The Triumphant Return of LIGHTS

Written by Michael Swartz

Rating: 10/10

A mere four months ago, the Canadian singer/songwriter LIGHTS(35) dropped her 5th studio album PƎP and she did not disappoint. This ambitious project is the artist's first release with Fueled by Ramen and offers 13 unique scenarios to help plugin and get lost in your head. In the midst of her own mental health struggles, and the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, she created this wonderful journey that flows so beautifully and hooks you from beginning to end.

The album opens with “Beside Myself”, a track originally released in April 2021, we had no idea that it would be the opener to what would be one of her most diverse albums yet. The track, reminiscent of her “Little Machines” era, is an uplifting tune filled with angelic vocals that helps draw you in, giving you a sense of hope for the future in the dark times we currently reside in.

There is something very special about this album as it’s new and fresh, something really different from what we have become used to from LIGHTS, but almost feels familiar like an old friend you haven't seen in a while. It’s almost as if there is a piece of each of her previous albums in this release.

LIGHTS has stated that she has been more heavily involved with the production of this album, and it really shows! She was proud to share that the majority of this album was worked on by women. A proud feminist which shows in songs like “Prodigal Daughter”, and “Jaws” This album is uniquely hers, and there is no doubt in your mind when listening to this album that ten, twenty years down the line this album is going to be looked back on with love and adoration, held close as a classic piece of work, an essential album in any collection.

Some of the stand-out tracks of this album include “In My Head” Ft Josh Dunn of 21 Pilots, Money in The Bag Ft Kiesza, Salt & Vinegar, Rent, Sparky, Okay Okay, and Voices Carry. Don’t get me wrong, EVERY single track on this album slaps, but these are the ones that stand out most to me. Each one of these tracks gives off a different vibe, but all flow so beautifully together.

“In My Head” with its heavy drums and the upbeat tempo is enough to make anyone vibe. If you're not up and moving by the end of this song, well I’m sorry but what is wrong with you? Its accompanying music video shows us everything PƎP and its comic counterpart “The Clinic” is meant to be, a side story/followup to her 2017 album Skin & Earth, it gives you a unique look into her world, and the many scenarios she offers us.

“Money in The Bag” brings a mix of western and synth pop/rock that is sure to make this a must on anyone's daily listen-to playlist. With LIGHTS' distinctive voice and Kiesza’s high-pitched notes, this song delivers by far one of her best collaborations to date.

“Salt & Vinegar” was referenced in a tweet by LIGHTS in 2020 “I’m writing a song about chips someday when it comes out you will know which one I am talking about” We definitely did, and this song hits different, this track to quote LIGHTS is a song that makes you “wanna have snacks, smoke weed, and vibe” and to be perfectly honest I can’t think of a better description.

Now while I have listed so many more stand-out tracks, you are just going to have to listen to this album to find out about the rest. This album is such a journey, and it’s one that we at The Spider love to take over and over again. If you need something that’s not only uplifting and fun, but something that will help you feel all the feels this is the album for you so “Plug in and get out of your head”

Side Note:

Our founder was lucky enough to attend the Baby I’m Back Tour in Kansas City back in april! I was to join her along with my hubby, but sadly I was stranded in Illinois. They attended though, and captured some great shots of LIGHTS doing what she does best, as well the incredible opening act Tillie along with drummer of The Summer Set.