The mark of a great songwriter is when a listener can identify with even the most personal lyrics and feel like they were written specifically for them, as if ripped from the pages of their own life story. We’ve seen this kind of extraordinary talent from artists such as Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Alanis Morissette. There’s another artist worthy of being added to this list, though, and her name is Kalie Shorr.
Like any good artist, Shorr has evolved over the course of her career, and has consistently pushed herself, growing her sound as a result. Since the release of her first EP in 2016 (Y2K Mixtape), Shorr has been perfecting her own signature brand of pop-punk country with an emo edge to it. Now, with the release of her first single from her full-length debut album titled Open Book, it’s absolutely safe to say that Kalie Shorr has mastered the very unique sound she created.
“Lullaby” begins appropriately as an acoustic ballad before launching into a full band explosion reminiscent of the 2000s emo and pop-punk sound that the 25-year-old singer is not just a fan of, but also inspired by. It’s full of haunting vocals that stay with you long after the song has ended and next level, pour your heart out, emotionally crippling lyrics that rip your heart out before sewing it back together. There isn’t a drop of emotion that doesn’t come through in every single note she so flawlessly sings.
Shorr’s writing isn’t just relatable, it’s therapeutic in the same way that ugly crying on your kitchen floor before burning your ex’s photos with your girlfriends while drinking endless bottles of wine is. “Lullaby” is raw, vulnerable, and honest in the way most of us are too afraid to be, and it’s easily her best song yet.
Open Book, the debut full-length album by Kalie Shorr will be released on September 27th.
