Heartbreak after a breakup is a universal anthem. From Adele’s chart-topping hits, to Kelly Clarckson’s powerful ballads, and rather whiny storytelling by Billie Eilish, almost everyone in the music scene has delved into the topic. And the latest artist to reveal her hardships from parting with a lover and to jump on the agony wagon is Zoe Bayani, a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Atlanta, who just released her debut album “You Don’t Want Help”.
Tracklist:
- My Dog
- St. Benedict
- Feels the Same
- Change
- Prophet
- Worst Person I Know
- You Don’t Want Help
- Body Farm
- Bummer
“I have never found solace in just explaining my emotions to my friends, family, therapists, etc. I’d rather just belt out my emotions to what feels like a void,” shared Bayani. Her album is a raw and emotional ride through her experience leaving behind a partner and it takes you from blood, sweat, and tears to laughter and beyond in a 9-track journey.
Bayani herself wrote every track on the album, but she still gives due credit to her band who helped bring the music to life. With diverse input from a number of musicians including Ricky Menendez on lead guitar, Alex Gould on drums, and Caroline Lewis on bass, with mix and mastering by Lee Davis, the encompassing sound ranges from 70s Americana and 90s Soft Grunge.
The tracks range from subtle dreamy melodies like “Body Farm”, “You Don’t Want Help” titled after the album, to the more upbeat “Feel the Same”, “Prophet” and “Worst Person I Know”. Feel free to scream the songs in your car in a fit of joy with your friends on a road trip, or on your bathroom floor crying from your breakup. Whatever floats your boat!
All in all, the music structure features bold lyrical storytelling by Bayani, strong electric guitar sounds, and confident drumming in a relatable way that has you connecting to the music on a personal level. Although Bayani is incredibly young, she proved maturity throug the album “You Don’t Want Help”, and she left us wishing to hear her upcoming work – hopefully next time, not in a heartbroken melancholic state.
