Madison Beer - Life Support (Review):
After much anticipation we finally get Madison Beerâs debut album titled âLife Supportâ. She has had quite the journey so far with fighting to release her debut album. Her career beginning with Justin Bieberâs claimed discovery of her and that leading to her getting signed. That then not working out and then getting signed to Epic Records. Then finally to this release. She kick starts the album with an intro titled âThe Beginningâ which features some extended airy vocals. After that we get to the first track on the album âGood In Goodbyeâ a sassy track about a toxic relationship in which the two seem to be in a constant battle with each other. Thereâs more bad than good in this relationship that she is saying goodbye to. It could be speaking to a relationship between two people, or her fighting herself. We then head into the interlude type track âDefaultâ, it isnât labelled as such, but due to its duration and style it fits that category. It is a stunning track in which she seems to sing about her being her own end. It follows that concept of how we can be the cause of our own destruction. This short track switches it up twice during its duration which provides for some of the most surprising moments on not just the song alone, but the album as a whole. Her vocal delivery of the lyrics is beautiful and haunting at the same time. She ensures that you as the listener feel the emotions behind the words sheâs singing.
âFollow The White Rabbitâ lifts the pace on the record with its heavy bass driven production. Which in turn makes it feel like it could feature as a soundtrack moment in a movie scene or commercial featuring a high speed car race/chase. She did mention that lyrically the song doesnât have a deeper meaning to it. Itâs meant to be a track you could rock out to. The vulnerable track âEffortlesslyâ follows, a stunningly captivating moment on the album featuring dreamy angelic vocals that leave you in a trance like state. The track takes over the entire space and the lyrics are rather sad. With lyrics like âSo I hold my breath to breathe, hurt me so I feel, used to do these things so effortlesslyâ, returning to that self destructive topic. It dwells on the difficulty of trying to lift yourself up and due to that you often find yourself falling into a dark place as that is easier to do. This song is surely a standout on the album. Then we move on to âStay Numb And Carry Onâ in which the opening draws you in with the intriguing reversed vocals. The track continues with the topic of the previous track and more of how she deals with her mental health struggles, she seems to ignore them rather than face her issues and move on. A moody moment you can completely get lost in.
âBlueâ provides the album with a dreamy and vast cinematic moment. Here Madison seems to draw some inspiration from Lana Del Reyâs style. You get lost in this mesmerising song. She sings about being aware of when it is time to leave and how letting go of this person will be beneficial for her. âInterludeâ features vocoder coated vocals, on this short track she sings about what she is willing to do for this person and hopes for her feelings to be reciprocated. She also states that although she wants to be with this person, she doesnât solely want to be theirs only. We move on to this intimate emotionally driven track âHomesickâ that opens with similar vocals to that on the albums intro. You may find yourself welling up to this song. The verses are about her not fitting in and feeling out of place. However on the chorus it seems like sheâs found the place where she feels like she fits in. The outro to the track is truly Madison as she samples Rick & Morty one of her favourite shows. The sample features the two characters launching themselves into space, correlating to the tracks topic. This track would provide her tour with such a perfect closing moment.
Then we come to one of the most grand moments on the album with this orchestra type opening on âSelfishâ, a rather sombre track about someone whoâs rather selfish. She loved this person, even though she knew he didnât deserve her love. Her vocal delivery on the track is rather gentle and beautiful, capturing the pain behind each lyric perfectly. She picks up the pace on âSour Timesâ which is about being taken advantage of due to her being in a vulnerable state. The beat has this sense of urgency to it during the verses. Then when the chorus hits the drums kick in, giving it this rocky vibe. âBoyshitâ kick starts with a another grand opening that leads into quite the switch up. It features a sassy delivery of the lyrics. The chorus will have you singing along to it from the get go. You can really let loose to this song. She sings about not understanding the nonsense that comes out of the guys mouth and sheâs not willing to waste her time trying to get through to him.
She continues her sassy streak on the rather sexy track âBabyâ where she lets the boy of interest know of what to expect and that heâll have to be ready to be able to handle her. The track does sway to some extent thematically from the rest of the album. Then we reach âStained Glassâ where she pleads for people to be more gentle. For them not to base judgement on the basis of what they see. As that doesnât always let you know of what the person maybe battling internally. The track has a cinematic feel to it and you feel what she feels due to all the judgement sheâs received from people. The vocal delivery gives you this feeling of being on the edge of breaking down.
âEmotional Bruisesâ is about being mistreated, yet she seems to be giving the person chance after chance. She still is willing to give him another shot, however she claims this will be the last. We get a mention of the album title on this track. âEverything Happens For A Reasonâ is the final full length track on the album. A beautiful track where she sings about how things happen for a reason. The person of topic has obviously given her quite a bit of grief, but she closes the track on a dreamy note singing âI still love youâ. We reach the final moment on the album that is âChannel Surfing/The Endâ which is her flicking through each track on the album. Just like how youâd flick through channels finding something to watch on TV. The closer feels like youâve reached the ending of a movie and the end credits are playing. It is the perfect closing for the album.
The album over all is a solid effort from Madison Beer and she has played a strong role in the creative aspect of the album. From songwriting to the production on the tracks, The album is well produced, her vocals are stunning on the record and she divulges on topics that resonate with many people. You have the emotionally charged moments, sassy moments and then those which feel cinematic. She showcases great promise and she has the potential to grow and outdo this project on the next. The album feels true to her as an artist and personal to her as human being. It is definitely a standout release of 2021 so far.
If you haven't given 'Life Support' a listen yet, then you need to go and do so.
