Atlanta native Faye Webster is bringing out all her feelings and wearing her heart on her sleeve with her latest studio album, “Underdressed at the Symphony.”
The title nods to a moment where Webster was genuinely underdressed at a symphony. Webster incorporates multiple genres like indie rock, R&B and even Americana in this serene listening experience. Webster delves into subjects like romance, breakups, mental health struggles, loneliness, and low self-esteem throughout the record on soothing productions that could transmit you into a daze.
Four lead singles came out before the authorized release. The singles all appear equal in lyrical range and production styles. “But Not Kiss” is the most captivating and relatable from a written perspective, talking about wanting an unserious relationship because she is too scared to be hurt by falling in love again. I love how calming the composition is until the heavy drums and loud piano chords seep through my headphones.
You can also hear this sensation in the song “Lego Ring” featuring Lil Yachty, a lifelong friend of Webster’s. Lil Yachty is one of those artists who is never consistently good. He could drop a great album, song, or verse, and then he will give you something abhorrent. “Me and you the dream team/Always together like string beans” is one of the worst comparisons I have heard from any rapper.
“Feeling Good Today” is unsettling to me. The tranquil guitar and piano sequence is gripping, but the unwarranted autotuned vocals make the song odd. At least, it is not as long and feels more like an interlude. “Lifetime,” the last single, is drawn out around 7 minutes. She talks briefly about being broken by her relationship, but it drags on way too long for it to be worth listening to in full, especially when she repeats “In a lifetime” for multiple minutes. “But Not Kiss” also drags on when the “yea’s” should have been cut.
This album is short, clocking in at 37 minutes, but there are times when it needs to be diced in length. On “Thinking About You,” Webster dives right in about her expectations and excitement for a blossoming relationship. This song would have been perfect if she hadn’t repeated “I’m thinking about you” for nearly seven minutes. I appreciate the straightforward approach and easy-listening beat, but the repetition does not improve the song. The only time repetition benefits one of her songs is the phonetic repetition of the letter “t” on “Tttttime.” The jazzy lullaby-esque composition with the repetitive “tuh” noise builds onto the concept of Webster’s boredom with her mundane lifestyle.
We get more references to this boredom on “eBay Purchase History,” showing that Webster is willing to waste time with anybody trying to reclaim the good moments of her past. I am amused to hear Webster discuss her vices to combat overthinking and insecurity. In “Wanna Quit All The Time,” Webster mentions how her alcohol usage affects those around her and working towards healing her problems. She can acknowledge how she scrutinizes and overthinks about mundane aspects of life. Webster even hints at potentially quitting her music career because of the overwhelming attention.
“Wanna Quit All The Time” is effortlessly the most emotionally complex song on the record, which is a little strange to say since she has been very blunt with her intentions throughout the tape. Webster’s simple lyrics can benefit her because things do not always need to be profound, but this could hinder her artistic growth. “He Loves Me Yeah” is too cutesy and baby-like for me, but I see the appeal for those in love.
Faye Webster’s “Underdressed at the Symphony” offers a heartfelt exploration of her emotions. While some tracks excel in their relatability and captivating composition, others suffer from excessive repetition or absence of depth. Despite these drawbacks, Webster’s willingness to bare her soul and examine her vulnerabilities adds complexity to the album, making it a compelling and introspective journey for those who engage.
