Artist: Mitski.
Producer: Patrick Hyland.
Label: Dead Oceans.
Released: 2022.
Genre: ElectroIndie.
Rating: Listener discretion advised.
Trailer: We're all the bad guy sometimes. Some just more than others.
Stream it: Anywhere you get your music.
Much of Mitski’s work has a dark, moody lyrical element that is complemented by dark, indie musical compositions. Laurel Hell is a departure from the darkness of Mitski’s previous musical compositions; instead, it leaks into the synth-pop, poppy, 80s vibe. Mitski is a lyrically focused artist so the theme of the album is mainly articulated through the prose. In of the most popular singles from the album, “Working for the Knife”, Mitski sings :
I always thought the choice was mine
And I was right, but I just chose wrong
I start the day lying and end with the truth
That I'm dying for the knife (Laurel Hell, 2022)
This verse is part of a musical critique of capitalism in which Mitski is lamenting her inability to participate in creative activities as much as she would like to due to other work expectations she has to meet to afford her life. About this song Mitski is quoted as saying,
It’s about going from being a kid with a dream, to a grown up with a job, and feeling that somewhere along the way you got left behind. It’s being confronted with a world that doesn’t seem to recognize your humanity, and seeing no way out of it (Genius.com, 2022).
In another popular song, “The Only Heartbreaker”, Mitski discusses relationship dynamics in which one person is made to feel like the “bad guy”.
If you would just make one mistake
What a relief that would be
But I think for as long as we're together
I'll be the only heartbreaker (Laurel Hell, 2022)
Here is the music video for Working for the Knife!
Created by: Mitski is a Japanese-American artist known for their deeply personal lyrics and iconic indie pop sound. Recently, Mitski co-wrote “This Is a Life” from the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All at Once (Mitski, Wikipedia). Laurel Hell is Mitski’s sixth studio album and it was produced by Patrick Hyland by the label Dead Oceans. The label also represents popular indie artist Phoebe Bridgers. Though the album was released in 2022, many of the songs were written and recorded during the COVID-19 lockdowns (Laurel Hell, Wikipedia).
Check out this interview Mitski did with Dazed:
Analysis: Mitski is an intense artist who bares her emotions, passions, and pains without hesitation. The lyrics presented in this album feel raw and authentic. Speaking to the experience of young womanhood, Mitski delivers line after line of relatable prose. The production of this album stands out as well because it is so unique from her other works. As previously mentioned, the synth-pop sound provides a light juxtaposition to the deep lyrics. Mitski’s music has received a lot of attention from young adults on TikTok who use songs from Laurel Hell in the background of their videos. I am a big fan of angry music. That doesn’t always have to be loud, raucous guitar solos and screaming, Bieber-haired emo kids. Angry music can even be lyrical synth-pop! Mitski is like the love child of Bjork and Liz Phair if that child was raised watching and loathing John Hughes movies. Sharp-tongued and quick-witted, Mitski pulls no punches with her lyrics. I think the lamenting of both personal and systemic issues would resonate with young adults today. These are the types of songs that can make someone feel seen, and can help normalize expressing one’s emotions even when they don’t feel universally palatable or relatable.
In the Library: Mitski is such a lyrical artist that I think of her music like poetry with musical accompaniment. I would love to feature this album amongst other lyrical albums and books of poetry. With this display I would love to create an open-mic event for young adults to share whatever artistic endeavors they have been pursuing. This could be a one time event or a recurring program. Before the open-mic starts lyrical albums like Laurel Hell could be played.
Potential Issues: This lyrical album explores some deep emotions and uses colorful language to accomplish that. Some guardians might have a problem with swearing, but the album should come with the standard warning that is on other albums.
Reason for Inclusion: Mitski is a talented artist who beautifully illustrates some of the deepest emotions a person experiences. I think her poetic lyrics will resonate with young adults. Additionally, I think it is important to highlight small label, largely independent artists.
Sources:
Dazed. (2022, February 2). Mitski on toilet ghosts, TikTok, Studio Ghibli & More | The DA-Zed Guide to being. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPL0W0-6seY
Laurel hell. (n.d). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurel_Hell
Mitski. (n.d). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitski
Mitski. (2022). Laurel Hell [Album]. Dead Oceans.
Mitski. (2022). Working for the knife lyrics. Genius. https://genius.com/Mitski-working-for-the-knife-lyrics
Mitski. (2021, October 5). Working for the Knife (official video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYbXt4_r9Pw
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