Album Review | Nina Nesbitt Pops on The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change
Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt has released her highly anticipated sophomore album, The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change.
The brand new offering from Nesbitt is more pop-focused than her past material. The 13 track collection offers an insight to the songstresses life. She commented on the body of work stating:
“It’s an honest account of somebody in their early twenties, giving a real window into their often ever changing life.”
The album opens with ‘Sacred’ on a powerful note as she declares, “I want something sacred.”
‘The Moments I’m Missing’ finds Nesbitt feeling she grew up too quickly. As a result, her lyrics are eloquently formed, as she combs through memories, things she wishes could have tried, or done differently. On the pre-chorus, she sings:
“These are the moments I’m missing / These are the moments I never took in when / I was just standing there wishing / I could grow up and my life would be different / These are the moments I’m missing.”
‘The Best You Had’ is the album’s lead single that perfectly displays the story line Nesbitt wanted to achieve on this record. It discusses the complicated feelings one may have regarding moving on from an ex – that the next person might be better than you. On the chorus, she sings:
“’Cause it’s crazy that you’re moving on so fast / But baby it’s okay if I am still the best you had / And it hurts that you would just leave like that / But baby it’s okay if I am still the best you had.”
It’s a poppy, vibrant track showcasing the songstress’ vocal abilities.
‘Colder’ is an empowering track, as Nesbitt sings for people who want more for themselves. It perfectly portrays the changes one goes through while experiencing heartbreak. She poignantly touches on a lasting heartbreak with crafted lyricism and production. It’s a slow pop tune with a delicate, dreamy soundscape, radiating power that is refreshing in music today. The song has an infectious instrumental and a sing-a-long chorus. On the chorus, she sings:
“When you’re young and you get your heartbroken / And he leaves, leaves the scars open / When you can’t believe it’s over / That’s when you get a little colder.”
‘Loyal To Me’ is an important stand-out track. It tells a relatable story that anyone can connect with. The message being, if someone isn’t giving you their all, it’s best to part ways. It’s an encouraging song that gives strength and confidence that one deserves better. Along with the 90s upbeat pop tempo and catchy lyricism, the multi-talented instrumentalist calls out fake lovers while giving voice to those struggling with relationships. On the chorus, she sings:
“If I have to question / Is he loyal to me? / Well then, he’s probably not / And you should probably leave.”
‘Somebody Special’ is an extraordinary track, with excellent, raw storytelling alongside sweet pop production. It’s a love song with a twist, detailing a relationship where she found her self-worth and potential. There is a rhythmic groove with slow verses, but coming towards the chorus there are claps guiding the beat to a peak of interest, before diving into Nesbitt singing, “You see the best of me / And you’re making me believe.” The catchy chorus seals the deal, as she sings:
“That I’m somebody, ya I’m somebody / That I don’t have to settle / Not for nobody, not for nobody / I’ve been losing myself but lately / You got me thinking maybe, I got potential / To be somebody, to be somebody.”
An electro-pop R&B vibe, with charming chords and effects, makes the track a fun, introspective addition.
‘Is It Really Me You’re Missing’ finds the songstress questioning a situationship with someone as she wonders if the person is real or not. She sings:
“Is it really me you’re missing? / Or am I the only one who’ll listen to you? / And if I pick up the phone tonight / Will it be pieces by the morning? / Am I the only number that you’ve tried? / Or is it just another lonely night?”
‘Love Letter’ expresses the self love that Nesbitt is portraying throughout the album, over a throwback R&B, trap, 808s instrumental.
‘Empire’ is a deeply personal song. Here, we follow Nesbitt’s journey finding herself as an artist, writing for others, and figuring out who she wants to be in life. On the bridge, she confesses:
“Making the sacrifices I gotta make / Missing out on the times, wish I coulda stayed / Breaking my heart into pieces when I go away / Watching it fade / Gonna build an empire.”
‘Chloe’ is an emotional track. On the chorus, she sings:
“There’s a heart, there’s a life / There’s a look in your eyes / ‘Cause I know that you found the answer / There’s a doubt in my mind / Am I doing it right? / ‘Cause I don’t think I found the answer / Oh, Chloe.”
It might be easier to tell someone things when they’re asleep and the songstress felt this way when creating ‘Things I Say When You Sleep’. She confesses she loves the person and describes things about them in detail. She tells:
“When I’m sad, my eyes run like streams / But yours stay dry as you clench your teeth / And that’s how I know that you’re the one for me.”
‘Last December’ finds the songstress feeling nostalgic for a relationship. She describes a situation, perfect while it lasted, across a lively electric guitar instrumental.
The title-track ‘The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change’ closes out the album with a bit of reassurance. It gives the message that nothing is permanent, but ever-changing. Nesbitt sings on the chorus:
“My life’s uncertain and sometimes it’s strange / But one thing I’ve learnt is it won’t stay the same / Even in the darkness, I’ll be okay / The sun will come up, the seasons will change.”
Nina Nesbitt faced a lot of challenges on her sophomore album. With her autobiographical tales of heartache, finding herself and love again, she processes life though electronic pop. Lyrically, she explores the aching to find peace once more. The entire collection showcases her growth as both a musician and as a person. The lyrics are more mature with a fantastic twist in musical direction that has paid off. It’s a great second album, thanks to Nesbitt’s vulnerability in speaking her truth. The album finds her on an internal voyage of personal and artistic self-discovery, where each song slots perfectly into the story she wants to portray.
The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change is the follow-up to her debut album Peroxide.
Rating – 5/5
