4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0
Almost exactly two years after her second studio album, Lizzy McAlpine released her newest record April 5, titled “Older.” In what feels like a testament to her earlier work, McAlpine solidifies her sound and captures listeners instantly through unique melodies, beautiful lyrics and captivating musical builds.

“The Elevator” kicks off the album and sets the tone instantly. Each song following this track matches the mellow but powerful vibe introduced in the first two minutes. While McAlpine is known for her acoustic ability, it’s clear from the get-go that she isn’t afraid to build her sound using layers of vocals and instrumentals, similar to the style she introduced in her second studio album, “five seconds flat.” This technique is consistent throughout many of her songs in “Older,” and it’s obvious it’s one of McAlpine’s favorites. She’s become masterful at creating tension, and then allowing the music to pour out at once at just the right time. Of the tracks in “Older,” half a dozen use this form of theatricality, most notably in “The Elevator’’ and “I Guess.”

While the release of “five seconds flat” felt surprising and more like a step into uncharted territory, “Older” is far more predictable as McAlpine finds her sound. Her new tracks feel like a combination of her roots and newer style in “five seconds flat.” A few songs from “Older” exemplify this mix of old and new, including “Staying” and “Better Than This.” In “Better Than This,” McAlpine keeps it simple and sticks to an acoustic guitar to accompany her captivating vocals. It’s reminiscent of her earlier work in “Give Me A Minute” and “When The World Stopped Moving: The Live EP,” which contain a handful of more simple, acoustic songs. “Better Than This” forces us to listen to McAlpine and her words, drawing attention to her strong lyrics.

One of the more memorable tracks from “Older” is “Broken Glass.” While initially the track seems a little tiring, McAlpine builds tension during the first minute that is suddenly and powerfully released in a series of drum beats. The beats only continue to build and pour into a grungy, catchy bridge that truly defines the song. McAlpine sings, “I want you now, and then I don’t / And every word is a land mine / I hold the glass against your throat / But I can’t do it this time.” What at first seemed like it would be a forgettable track, “Broken Glass” is unexpected and definitely worth a listen.

The title track, “Older,” encapsulates exactly what this album is about; McAlpine sings about her fears of the passing of time, something reiterated in countless tracks on the album. With stunning vocals and a muted piano, McAlpine’s lyrics hit close to something almost everyone can relate to. She sings, “Over and over / Watch it all pass / Mom’s getting older / I’m wanting it back.” Not only is this fear of vanishing youth present in “Older,” but it also appears in almost every other track on the album. Throughout the record, listeners follow McAlpine as she grapples with having to navigate growing up in early adulthood.

To finish the album, “Vortex” begins on the same chord as “In What World,” the final track to McAlpine’s 2021 Live EP “When the World Stopped Moving.” While it may not be obvious to casual listeners of McAlpine, “Vortex” concludes the album in a way that acknowledges her past work while also creating a sense of closure for both the artist and the audience. While at first “Vortex” felt underwhelming, it seems the song more likely serves as a piece of closure and a moment to break free from McAlpine’s old sound once and for all. 

“Older” is an album about navigating love and life in young adulthood while grappling with one’s identity. McAlpine is masterful at blending her lyrics with music and production. She pays attention, knows what she wants and achieves it. With distinct melodies, creative production and an iconic hum here and there, “Older” is an effective album that forces listeners to relate to the pressures of fleeting youth.