girl in red - I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!

Remember the heart-wrenching vulnerability of girl in red's breakout hits? The hushed bedroom pop anthems that mirrored the ache of young heartbreak? Those days are over. With her second album, 'I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!', Marie Ulven throws a metaphorical middle finger at melancholic melodies, crafting a maximalist explosion of pure, unadulterated joy.

This isn't a calculated shift – it's a sonic reflection of Ulven's own journey. Gone are the anxieties that clung to her debut, 'if i could make it go quiet'. In their place, a newfound confidence and a celebration of self-discovery. Tracks like the stadium-baiting title-track and the infectious 'Too Much' pulsate with a frenetic energy, drawing influences from pop-punk and indie anthems. It's the kind of music that begs to be blasted with the windows down, a joyous rebellion against the oversaturation of sadness in mainstream music.

But 'I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!' isn't sunshine and rainbows all the way. Ulven isn't afraid to delve into insecurities and vulnerabilities. The epic ballad 'Pick Me' explores the gnawing fear of abandonment, while 'Ugly Side' confronts the imperfections we all try to hide. This exploration of duality adds depth to the album, demonstrating that joy and introspection can coexist.

The record is a wild sonic ride, a testament to Ulven's willingness to experiment. 'Phantom Pain' captures the dizzying intensity of all-consuming love, while the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration 'screwing up again' injects a playful goofiness. This willingness to embrace the unexpected keeps the album fresh and exhilarating.

There's a charming honesty throughout 'I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!'. Ulven grapples with the pressure of following up a critically acclaimed debut and the self-doubt that creeps in alongside ambition. The album's closer, '★★★★★' (Yes, she's writing her own reviews now - Ed), reflects this internal battle, questioning the album's quality with a playful wink.

This vulnerability is a core part of what makes girl in red such a compelling artist. She doesn't shy away from the messy realities of life, but she approaches them with a refreshing sense of humour and a genuine desire for connection. 'I'M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!' is a coming-of-age story set to music, a celebration of self-acceptance and the exhilarating power of embracing fun. It's a bold artistic statement that proves girl in red is here to stay, ready to conquer the world, one pop anthem at a time.