“This Summer Won’t Last,” is a seven-track breakup narrative with a recurring motif throughout the album – the lingering presence of the ex, filled with raw emotion and catchy melodies.
Anna Salman’s debut album, “This Summer Won’t Last,” is a breakup narrative, exploring themes of love, loss, and ultimately, healing. Leaning into the “sad girl pop” aesthetic, Salman crafts seven relatable anthems with a recurring motif throughout the album – the lingering presence of the ex, filled with raw emotion and catchy melodies.
Her vocals are emotive, perfectly complementing the sheer honesty in her lyrics. Tracks like “Not the One”, “I’d Like to Think” and “Summer” lay bare the pain of heartbreak, capturing the universal experiences of letting go and the longing for a love that wasn’t meant to be.
“Not the One” is a declaration of self-discovery and acceptance. A year after the breakup, the singer finds the strength to move on, recognizing that while the love was intense, it wasn’t fulfilling. The repeated line “You’re not the one for me” serves as a powerful mantra, a reminder of the decision to break free and embrace the future.
Set against the backdrop of a summer romance, “I’d Like to Think” reminisces about a chance encounter on the 4th of July, where infatuation overpowered reason. Salman’s tender vocals weave a tale of youthful naivety as she recounts the rollercoaster of emotions that defined their relationship. Despite the inevitable end, there lingers a glimmer of hope, a yearning to be remembered amidst the passage of time. Each verse, filled with heartfelt melodies, conveys the lasting impact of a love that shaped the very essence of her being. “I’d Like to Think” captures the universal sentiment of longing for a love that lingers long after its end.
“Summer” captures the ambivalent desire for healing after a love that left deep scars. The song opens with a dream of moving on, shattered by the sudden reality of seeing the ex on the street, which throws the narrator back into a cycle of longing and anger.
Salman contrasts her present happiness (“I’m dancing on my own”) with the lingering pain (“But I’m waiting for summer”). Summer, perhaps the season of the breakup, becomes a symbol of the emotional recovery she so desperately desires. The lyrics reveal a web of anger and betrayal. She learns the ex has a new lover, fueling a desperate need to “outrun her.” The discovery shatters the illusion that her ex might still care, replaced by the harsh reality that she was “someone you had to get over.”
Despite the anger and lingering pain, the song ends with a glimmer of hope. The repeated lines “I don’t see you in the crowd/ I don’t see you in my lover” suggest a gradual emotional detachment. The final line, “Maybe one day you’ll realize/I’ll be hard to find a second time,” hints at a newfound sense of self-worth. While “Summer” doesn’t shy away from the pain of betrayal, it ultimately looks towards a brighter future where the emotional wounds will heal.
The EP isn’t all melancholic reflection. Salman showcases her pop sensibilities with the aptly titled “Miracle Worker,” a sarcastic take on an ex’s seemingly effortless ability to move on. The song’s infectious beat and relatable lyrics make it an instant standout. This shift in tempo keeps the listening experience dynamic.
“Blood Rush,” featuring a tender duet with Turaab, adds another layer of exploring the unpredictable, passionate, all-consuming nature of love. The track reminds listeners of the risks and vulnerabilities we embrace in the name of love.
Salman showcases her versatility on “High School,” a relatable song about navigating the complexities of teenage love, grappling with the confusion of having attractions to two people simultaneously and not settling unless it feels as intense as a first love.
The closing track, “Thanks for Not Loving Me,” offers a sense of closure, recognizing the importance of self-worth and moving on from unfulfilling relationships. Here, Salman finds acceptance and clarity, walking away from a love that wasn’t fulfilling. It’s a message of hope, suggesting that heartbreak can be a catalyst for growth.
The collaboration between Salman, producers Rakae Jamil, Farhan Ali and Abu Baker Zahid, results in a clean, polished, and cohesive soundscape that perfectly complements the emotional core of the lyrics.
Anna Salman makes a solid debut, capturing the highs and lows of love. There is a lot to love about “This Summer Won’t Last.”
Tracklisting
1. Not The One
2. I’d Like to Think
3. Summer
4. Miracle Worker
5. Blood Rush
6. High School
7. Thank You For Not Loving Me
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