Review: Finding Strength in Vulnerability: The Power of Ella Galvin's “The Way It Goes”

MusicQ&A

Aug 11

☆ BY Kiara Almanzar ☆

THERE'S A SPECIFIC KIND OF MAGIC THAT HAPPENS — when an artist manages to bottle the intimacy of a bedroom and share it with the world. It's a delicate alchemy of vulnerability, honesty, and sonic warmth that draws you in and leaves you feeling like you've stumbled upon something precious. New York–based singer-songwriter Ella Galvin isn't afraid to feel, and her debut EP, The Way It Goes, demonstrates just that.

In a musical landscape often saturated with shimmering production and detached lyricism, Galvin carves her own path, opting for raw honesty and heart-wrenching vulnerability, offering listeners a six-track journey through the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery.

From the first delicate guitar plucks of the opening track, "Pink Shoes," Galvin establishes a sonic world reminiscent of folk-rock icons such as Joni Mitchell and Carole King. She infuses this familiar warmth with a modern indie sensibility, evident in the subtle electronic sound and layered vocal harmonies that weave throughout the EP. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly honest, drawing listeners in with its comforting familiarity while simultaneously surprising them with unexpected sonic flourishes.

"These universal feelings are not only conveyed through heartfelt lyrics but also embodied in the diverse range of genres and the unique sound profiles of each track," Galvin says. This is evident in the contrast between the uplifting melodies of "Pink Shoes" and the introspective strings of "Don't Look Ahead." Each track on The Way It Goes possesses a distinct mood and atmosphere, reflecting the ebb and flow of life itself.

Galvin's lyrical prowess shines throughout The Way It Goes. She possesses a rare ability to capture the nuances of human emotion with a level of detail that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Each song unfolds like a carefully crafted short story, drawing listeners into the intimate world of the narrator and leaving them feeling as though they've experienced the emotions firsthand.

"Spare Me," the EP's third track, exemplifies this lyrical mastery. The song, which Galvin describes as encapsulating "raw vulnerability," grapples with the complexities of communication and emotional boundaries within a relationship. The listener is drawn into the narrator's internal struggle, experiencing the push and pull between vulnerability and self-preservation.

What makes The Way It Goes so compelling is not just Galvin's willingness to be vulnerable but also her ability to find strength within that vulnerability. Throughout the EP, she transforms moments of heartbreak and uncertainty into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This underlying message of resilience is empowering, reminding listeners that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for healing and a brighter future.

This theme of navigating the highs and lows of life as a young adult is central to the EP, as Galvin explains. "It's a collection of moments reflecting the highs and lows of navigating relationships, finding solace in solitude, and embracing the unpredictability of life," she says. This resonates particularly with those experiencing the unique challenges and triumphs of forging their own path in a bustling city like New York.

The Way It Goes is a remarkable debut for Galvin. It's a deeply personal and emotionally resonant body of work that showcases her songwriting prowess, her captivating vocals, and her willingness to bare her soul to the world. But, most importantly, it leaves listeners with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of vulnerability.

The Way It Goes tracklist: