BY QUINN DONOGHUE – Canadian singer-songwriter, GRAE, delivers a nostalgia-fueled indie-pop single for the ages with her latest, “Boxes.” The song is a coming of age story and touches on the importance of letting go as one transitions into the expectations of adulthood. Perfectly paired with the lyrics is an uplifting music video that captures the essence of youthful enthusiasm. In “Boxes” GRAE exemplifies her ability to lay down an alluring and catchy groove, while letting her crystalline vocal tone and powerful songwriting shine through.
GRAE possesses a certain mystique that is reminiscent of classic artists like The Cure and David Bowie with a twist of Mazzy Star. Yet, she manages to bolster a fresh and completely original sound while still embodying her influences in an effortless manner. “Boxes” is a perfect example of this uncanny ability. It is a song that I could imagine Bowie writing back in the 70’s, but I could also envision it blowing up as a Top 40 pop mega-hit. With her hypnotizing vocals, unique style, and atmospheric production, it is clear that GRAE is in complete command of her own distinct artistry.
What makes “Boxes” such a special song is its relatability to anyone who has been torn between letting go of their carefree youthfulness and stepping into the daunting elements of adulthood. Lyrics like “One poster at a time/I take them off the wall/Don’t need them anymore/But I’m still holding on” reflect the struggle of simply moving on from childhood memories; whether it be posters, CD’s, or old clothes (that still fit), it is easy to cling to the things that defined our younger selves.
The music video for “Boxes” highlights that the overall message of the song is a positive one. Indeed, finally taking down the posters that were in our childhood bedrooms, or purging the clothes we proudly adorned can be seen as a sign of growth and moving forward. It seems GRAE is emphasizing that though change is imperative, we can still maintain a sense of liveliness and childlike energy in the process. The video features the singer and many others dancing, singing, and posing in front of the camera, accompanied by vibrant colors and flashing lights. GRAE and director, Gemma Warren, should be applauded for creating a video that perfectly cuts to the core of the song: Let go, but don’t lose the spirit of who you are.
To say that GRAE has a promising future would be an understatement. She already has honed a polished sound and has sophisticated songwriting capabilities. Be on the lookout for her debut album Whiplash, dropping on April 15th.
