Arlo Parks’ debut album “Collapsed in Sunbeams” is an intimate vibe that never stops, from beginning to end. The album starts with spoken words and gains momentum as the songs progress in an indie pop, lo-fi vacuum. Parks takes listeners on a journey of love, pain, joy and hope.
The poem at the start of the album is soothing and comforting. Parks’ plays the role of a close friend, almost, sharing in your deepest fears. I found myself replaying the intro a couple times because it was so beautiful and peaceful. I felt like Parks was speaking to me in an intimate way.
“Hurt” was a mantra of hopefulness. Parks sings of pain from an outside perspective, but from a place of understanding singing, “I know you can’t let go of anything at the moment, Just know it won’t hurt. Wont hurt so much forever. Won’t hurt so much. Won’t hurt so much forever”.
“Hope” looks towards the future with bittersweet optimism. Parks sings about being alone and feeling down, while reminding the listener through the chorus that “You’re not alone like you think you are”.
The song that really caught my attention was “Caroline”. The song seems to be the result of people-watching a couple. It captures the painful disappointment that can happen in a relationship and Caroline’s partner pleading with conviction that he is doing his best. The harmonies and lo-fi music behind the song and chorus really fits the mood surrounding such a heartbreaking scene, which Park’s paints vividly with her lyrics.
Exploring the themes of love and pain, Parks sings about something we all have probably felt at least once in our lives. On the track “Eugene”, she sings confidently about unrequited love. She doesn’t seem embarrassed in the slightest, the tone is more so frustrated and jealous. I can say for sure I’ve been there, but was never as confident in speaking about it. Kudos, Parks.
From head to toe this album gives us a renewed sense of joy and hopefulness that is needed after the year we just survived. Parks has used poetry, music and storytelling in a seamless and confident way to connect her listeners in a way a lot of us have not felt in a long time. Parks is a friend to listeners, offering advice and listening to our grievances — making us feel understood.