Soundbite: “Solutions” by K. Flay

In a world where it’s nearly impossible to escape a regular influx of bad news, treasuring whatever makes you happy is vital. Most people find joy in their favorite people or places, and many find it in music. Truly, not much compares to the beauty of a song that somehow perfectly reflects your life, or an album that genuinely inspires you. Often, the compositions we find comfort in are poignant. They describe exactly how we feel about our insecurities, past lovers or the state of the world, but they don’t always hit on the self-love we’ve been trying to develop, the excitement of a new personal connection or the optimism we’ve managed to construct.

Flay’s album “Solutions,” released in July, challenges the correlation between sorrow and emotional depth. It’s an uptempo and energetic album, with songs like “I Like Myself (Most of the Time)” and “Good News,” motivating listeners to practice self-compassion and embrace life as it comes. Most impressively, these messages don’t sound contrived or impersonal. Carried by K. Flay’s unique, breathy vocals, every lyric feels impactful, especially when backed by abundant bass and quirky synthesized electronics. 

 

In an interview with Carly Myers on “The Edge,” K. Flay revealed that “Solutions” was largely inspired by her own self-acceptance journey, which encompassed “focusing on the actual things that give [her] life meaning” rather than her ego or the modern-day pressure to maintain a vivacious public persona.  That personal progress brings power to lyrics like “I don’t think I’m perfect/But I got some things together/I see photos of proposals/That I know are empty gestures.” 

 

Still, “Solutions” isn’t limited to only self-love; it also explores giving compassion, forgiveness and support to the people around you. The track “Sister” is a refreshingly platonic anthem for friendship and vulnerability, and, even better, its alt-indie instrumentals and summer atmosphere are almost impossible to resist dancing to. When K. Flay belts out, “I want to be your sister/Do you want to be mine?,” don’t be surprised if you feel the word “yes” leaving your lips. 

 

Meanwhile, the melodic “DNA” explores the importance of empathy and family in sync with balanced, building drums and a harmonious, wavy rhythm. Again, this track stimulates as it explores abandonment issues, not through self-blame or contempt, but with understanding and love.

 

Collectively, the album is an exposition on humanity in all its imperfection. Each song challenges different negative narratives we are all guilty of in our own heads — isolationism,

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